Social Work Program. Student Handbook (revised March 2009) Department of Social Work, Criminal Justice, & Gerontology

Transcription

1 1 Social Work Program Student Handbook (revised March 2009) Department of Social Work, Criminal Justice, & Gerontology

2 I. INTRODUCTION 2 The Social Work Program Student Handbook The most current edition of the handbook is binding on all students who have an area major in social work. It is subject to revision at anytime, by vote of the Social Work Program Faculty. It is the student s responsibility to be familiar with the most recent edition of the handbook, available at the Social Work Program web site. A Brief History of the Social Work Program The Murray State University Social Work Program was established in 1970 under the auspices of the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, which was located in the College of Humanistic Studies. In 1975, the program was moved to the Department of Professional Studies, which was located in the College of Human Development and Learning. In 1986, the program requested to be moved back to the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work. In 2000, after university reorganization, the program was placed in the Department of Social Work, Criminal Justice, and Gerontology in the College of Health Sciences and Human Services. The first Social Work Program director, Dr. Wallace Baggett, remained program director until spring Dr. Julie Lovins joined the faculty in 1971 and served as program director from spring 1986 to spring Dr. Rose Bogal- Allbritten joined the faculty in 1977 and was the program director from the fall of 1990 through the spring of Dr. Elise Fullmer was the program director from the fall of 2003 through the spring of In the fall of 2005, Dr. Peg Pittman

3 Munke was named acting program director. The program has had a three to six 3 member faculty from its inception to the present time. The program was initially accredited by the Council on Social Work Education in 1974, and its accredited status was reaffirmed in 1979, 1986, 1994 and Purpose The primary purpose of the Social Work Program is to prepare students as professional entry-level generalist social workers in a variety of social service agencies and organizations. Graduates of the program are employed in a variety of social service agencies throughout the country. Many of the graduates have earned master's degrees in social work. Career Opportunities The purpose of social work is to assist others to bring about healthy change within themselves and their communities. Becoming a social worker means working with people in order to develop their capacity and potential for creative and fulfilling human relationships. Social work offers a variety of career opportunities for working with people and helping them meet their needs. These opportunities include: Child Protection: Social workers work with children who are runaways, abused, neglected, or abandoned. Social workers hold positions in residential care, adoptions, foster care, protective services, and services to unmarried parents in social service agencies across the nation.

4 Mental Health: Social workers are members of the psychiatric team in mental health centers and hospitals for people with mental illness, emotional disturbance, and chemical dependence. 4 Medical Social Services: Medical social workers practice in general hospitals, public health departments, and long-term care facilities. They work with people experiencing psychological, social, and economic problems associated with their illness, and are also involved in discharge planning. Corrections: Social workers are employed in penal and correctional facilities serving both adults and youth. Parole and probation services, juvenile courts, and delinquency prevention programs are examples of practice settings. Social Services: Various social service agencies employ social workers to work with people who have been victims of domestic violence, senior citizens, people who are homeless, children and adults who are dependent, people who are disabled, and with families experiencing social and economic problems. Other areas: Social workers also work in macro practice setting. They may work in government as legislative staff; in city, county and district planning offices; in health planning agencies, and in a wide variety of advocacy organizations.

5 5 Statement of Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Murray State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, or marital status in admission to educational programs and activities, or employment practices in accordance with Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504, and ADA Act. For more information contact Annazette McCane, Director of Equal Opportunity, Murray State University, 103 Wells Hall, Murray, KY Telephone (270) (Voice) and (270) (TDD). Student Life Handbook, (2005) pg. 2. The Murray State University Social Work Program carries out all aspects of the educational program without discriminating on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, national origin, physical disability, veteran's status, or sexual orientation. Each Murray State University Social Work Program syllabi contains the following statement: STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS POLICY: It is both the policy and philosophy of the Social Work Program to accommodate students with disabilities, pursuant to federal and state law. Any student with a disability who needs an accommodation should inform the instructor at the beginning of the semester and contact the Office of Equal Opportunity at

6 II. OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES OF THE SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM 6 The Murray State University Social Work Program reflects the mission of the university as well as the "Characteristics of the Murray State University Graduate" statement. A. The Vision and Mission of Murray State University: (Adopted by the university Board of Regents September 2, 1994, and Revised, September 26, 2003). Vision Statement: To build on our reputation as one of the best student-centered, comprehensive universities in the nation MISSION and Statement of Purpose Murray State University serves as a nationally recognized residential comprehensive university, offering high-quality baccalaureate and master s degree programs. Academic programs are offered in the core areas of arts and sciences, agriculture, business, health and human services, teacher education, communications, engineering, and applied technologies. Teaching, research, and service excellence are core values and guiding principles that promote economic development and the well-being of the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and the region. Murray State University places a high premium on academic outreach, collaborative relationships with alumni, the public schools, business and industry, governmental agencies, and other colleges and universities at home and abroad. Murray State University prepares graduates to function in a culturally diverse, technologically oriented society and increasingly interdependent world. The university is committed to international education as an integral dimension of the university experience. Murray State University emphasizes student-centered learning and educational experiences that include first year experience, the honors program, internships, study abroad programs, service learning, research and creative projects, residential colleges, and student organizations. In sum, Murray State University fosters an exciting and challenging learning environment.

7 B. Characteristics of the Murray State University Graduate: 7 1. Engage in mature, independent and creative thought and express that thought effectively in oral and written communication; 2. Understand and apply the critical and scientific methodologies that academic disciplines employ to discover knowledge and ascertain its validity; 3. Apply sound standards of information gathering, analysis and evaluation to reach logical decisions; 4. Understand the roles and applications of science and technology in the solution of the problems of a changing world; 5. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the world's historical, literary, philosophical and artistic traditions; 6. Understand the dynamics of cultural diversity, of competing economic and political systems, and of complex moral and ethical issues; 7. Understand the importance of and engage in ethical behavior and responsible citizenship; 8. Understand the importance of the behaviors necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle; 9. Demonstrate mastery of a chosen field of study; and 10. Value intellectual pursuit and continuous learning in a changing world. (Adopted by Board of Regents September 26, 2003) C. The Mission Statement for the Murray State University Social Work Program: MSU Social Work Program Mission Statement: The primary purpose of the social work program is to prepare students for entry-level professional social work practice as generalist social workers in a culturally diverse world impacted by globalization. Graduates will be aware of and able to utilize appropriate technology in professional service in a wide variety of social service settings in rural areas and small cities in underserved areas of Western Kentucky and the surrounding region [adopted April 07]. D. Goals of the Social Work Program: 1. To advance professional social work practice in human service agencies and organizations by preparing students for employment as generalist social workers. 2. To promote and provide professional social work services to human service agencies and organizations.

8 8 3. To assist students in developing the readiness for graduate study in social work. E. Objectives of the Social Work Program: Graduates of the Murray State University BSW Program will be able to: 1. Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice. 2. Practice within the values and ethics of the social work profession and with an understanding of and respect for the positive value of diversity. 3. Demonstrate the professional use of self. 4. Demonstrate an understanding of the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and the strategies of change that advance social and economic justice. 5. Demonstrate an understanding of the history of the social work profession and its current structures and issues. 6. Apply the knowledge and skills of generalist social work to practice with systems of all sizes. 7. Apply knowledge of bio-psycho-social variables that affect individual development and behavior, and use theoretical frameworks to understand the interactions among individuals and between individuals and social systems (i.e., families, groups, organizations, and communities). 8. Analyze the impact of social policies on client systems, workers, and agencies. 9. Evaluate research studies and apply findings to practice, and, under supervision, to evaluate their own practice interventions and those of other relevant systems. 10. Use communication skills differentially with a variety of client populations, colleagues, and members of the community. 11. Use supervision appropriate to generalist practice.

9 12. Function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems, and under supervision, seek necessary organizational change. 9 F. Course Objectives: Specific course objectives are listed at the beginning of the syllabus for each course in the Social Work Program.

10 III. CURRICULUM 10 The primary purpose of the Murray State University Social Work Program is the preparation of students for professional entry-level generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in a variety of social service agencies. This purpose is achieved through a carefully planned and executed professional social work foundation curriculum that builds on a liberal arts base. The program incorporates content on social work values and ethics, theoretical knowledge and skills, as well as content which provide students with knowledge of social mores, including content on ethnic, racial, and sexual discrimination, and the subsequent oppression to which discrimination subjects groups of people. The program provides ample opportunities for hands-on experiences. The curriculum is consistent with the current accreditation standards of the Council on Social Work Education. Additionally, it is consistent with the mission statement of Murray State University and the "Characteristics of a Murray State University Graduate". Students who complete the entire program receive a B.S.W. (Bachelor of Social Work) degree. The curriculum includes liberal arts courses in the general education areas specified by the university. For courses specific to the Social Work Major see the Murray State University Bulletin. Transfer Students: All transfer students will be advised on course of study by the Program Director.

11 11 Transfer of a Murray State Student with a Major other Than Social Work A Murray State University student transferring from another major or area must meet with a Social Work Program Director and complete a university Change of Major form. All students will move into the Murray State University Bulletin in effect at the time of the transfer. Each social work student will be assigned an advisor. Students must also complete the program s liberal arts requirements as well as the entire social work curriculum. Transfer Students from Other Institutions A student who wishes to transfer to Murray State University from another accredited college or university is admitted to the University following the standards outlined in the Murray State University Bulletin. In addition to meeting the University requirements for transfer admission, students must apply to the Social Work Program at Murray State University. The student must have at least one semester in residence at Murray State University before applying to the Social Work Program and must meet Murray State University Social Work Program criteria for admission. If a student was enrolled in a social work program at another institution s/he will be expected to provide a letter on institutional letter head stating that s/he is/was in good standing in the social work program at that institution. The evaluation of social work courses transferred from other institutions is the responsibility of the Social Work Program Director. Required social work

12 courses taken at other CSWE accredited programs are accepted at the Program 12 Director s discretion. The student may be expected to provide comprehensive written materials (e.g. a syllabus, completed assignments etc.) and /or take a proficiency exam over the material covered in the course. Additionally, students transferring in coursework must have earned at least a grade of C in each of the courses to be transferred for the course to count toward the social work area major. Policy on Course Waivers and Academic Credit The program does not waive course requirements of the professional foundation areas or for the field practicum. No credit is given for previous work or life experiences. Social Welfare Minor The Social Work Program offers a 21 hour minor, the course requirements are listed in the Murray State University Bulletin. Students other than social work majors are not allowed to take SWK 310, Social Work Practice I; SWK 311, Interviewing; SWK 312, Social Work Practice II; SWK 313, Social Work Practice III; or SWK 498, Senior Seminar, nor are they permitted to enroll in SWK 499, Field Practicum. Additionally, students other than social work majors are not allowed to enroll in electives which have SWK 310 Social Work Practice I or SWK 312, Social Work Practice II, as a prerequisite.

13 13 IV. FIELD PLACEMENT A student is eligible for field placement (SWK 499, Field Practicum) after being formally admitted to the Social Work Program, formally admitted to Field and after completing all required course work, both for the social work major and University Studies requirements. This 12 semester hour (500+ clock hours) course is designed to provide the student with practical experience in the application of the theory and skills acquired in the liberal arts courses as well as the professional foundation areas. The field practicum is designed to create an environment in which the student grows professionally, i.e., becomes a professionally reflective, selfevaluating, knowledgeable, and developing social worker. Students must complete all academic work before enrolling in SWK 499. No student is guaranteed a field placement. All students must obtain liability insurance prior to beginning the field placement. If a student is unable to obtain liability insurance or a field placement, effort will be made to guide the student into another major. Applying for Field Placement Placements are set up when student is enrolled in SWK 498. Students planning to enroll in SWK 499, Field Practicum must complete a Student Application for Field Placement. All placements are arranged by the field education director. All applications for field placement are reviewed by the social work program Field Admissions Committee. The needs, strengths, and interests of

14 students, as well as the availability of agency and program placement resources, are 14 discussed. Additionally, each applicant is interviewed by the Field Admissions Committee. Issues of concern that may have been identified during the applicant s program admission process are addressed. Goals for the student and possible agency options are explored. In the event that a student is denied admission to field placement, the student has the right to utilize the appeals process (see Admissions, Termination, and Appeals Policies and Procedures, Section V of this Handbook). Agency Interview The faculty field education director discusses placement with the student and arranges an agency contact. The student meets with the agency supervisor to discuss the placement, mutual expectations, and available learning opportunities. A final decision is reached by the field director after consultation with the student and the agency supervisor. Suggested readings and preplacement contacts are worked out on an individual basis. The Placement Prior to the beginning of the semester, a field seminar class meeting is held for all social work interns to discuss common concerns, i.e., course requirements, required papers and reports, agency hours and regulation, confidentiality, dress codes, illness, snow days, etc. Outlines for papers, information concerning course requirements, and dates for the field seminars are disseminated.

15 A student will spend a minimum of 500 hours in the agency setting. The 15 con-current field seminar is a required part of the field placement. Field Seminar In conjunction with field placement, all students meet regularly for field seminar. Students share case presentations, discuss concerns and problems, and learn about the different agencies and programs presented. Assignments and professional issues are also discussed. Confidentiality is stressed; agency regulations concerning case materials are respected. Field Instructors All field instructors who supervise Murray State University interns have at least a baccalaureate degree in social work and 2 years post BSW practice experience. Because of the extreme importance of the field instructor in providing a meaningful field education, all field instructors are expected to have the following additional qualifications: (1) Sufficient time to devote to a student (2) A positive attitude towards students and social work education (3) A strong desire to learn and grow both personally and professionally (4) A minimum of two years experience in the social work field (5) Satisfactory job performance (6) Physical presence during time of student placement (7) A willingness to deal with average as well as outstanding students Field Placement Monitoring and Grading

16 The faculty field liaison visits the student and field instructor periodically 16 during the placement period. Contacts are based on individual needs. When problem situations arise, these are handled individually; in many instances the student will be helped to deal with the situations directly. Two evaluations of the student s performance are made by the field instructor, at mid-term and at the end of the semester. The final grade is assigned by the field education director or the faculty field liaison upon review of the field instructor s evaluations and the student s completed assignments. Students participate in the formal course evaluation at the end of the placement period. They also evaluate their Field Placement site and Field Instructor. Additional Policies and Procedures Details of the field placement process, policies and procedures can be found in the Field Placement Manual. The manual is available on the Social Work Program/Field Education web site. Each student must read the Field Placement Manual before beginning the field placement. Professional Liability Insurance Each student is required to purchase a professional liability insurance policy to cover the term of the field placement. This process will be facilitated when the student is enrolled in SWK 498. No student may participate in field placement without liability insurance.

17 Social Work Field Placement Areas 17 The following list is representative of areas in which social work field placements are available: Aging Long term and nursing care facilities Senior Citizen Centers Corrections Department of Juvenile Justice Correctional facilities Services to persons with disabilities Independent Living Program Community Mental Health Center; Case management for Persons with Cognitive Disabilities Education Schools Family Resource Centers Family and Children s Services: Department of Community Based Services, Protection and Permanency Department of Community Based Services, Recruitment and Certification (foster care and adoption) Head Start Program Health: Hospitals Home Health Hospice Mental Health Community Mental Health Center; Adult Case Management Community Mental Health Center; Children s Case Management Special arrangements can be made for agencies outside the Murray State service region, at the discretion of the field director, subject to the approval of the program director.

18 V. ADMISSION, TERMINATION, AND APPEALS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 18 The Murray State University Social Work Program is a professional social work program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. As such, it is interested in promoting professionalism in the social work field and providing quality services to future clients. The admission, termination, and appeals processes of the Murray State University Social Work Program are designed to ensure that those individuals who graduate from the program meet the requirements of an entrylevel professional social worker. Students applying to and continuing in the Social Work Program at Murray State University are expected to have the following qualities: (1) Self-awareness. The aspiring social worker must know him/herself reasonably well and, on the whole, should value him/herself. The knowledge of his/her own personal strengths and weaknesses should allow the helping person to focus on working effectively with others. (2) Professional commitment and behavior. The aspiring social worker should have a strong commitment to the goals of social welfare and to the ethical standards of the social work profession. He/she should work collaboratively with others to use professional knowledge, values, and skills to bring about the changes necessary for people to achieve their life goals more easily. (3) Knowledge as a base for practice skills. The activities of the aspiring social worker must be grounded in relevant social, behavioral, and biological theoretical knowledge. The social worker has to understand why people act as they do and the ways that behavior can be changed when that is desired. (4) Objectivity. The aspiring social worker must be able to recognize the worth and dignity of every human being. Objectivity involves being able to systematically evaluate people and their situations in an unbiased, factual way. The social worker must, at the same, time, be warm and caring toward those with whom he/she is working. Rejecting people because of their situations or creating barriers for those seeking help will destroy the helping process. (5) Empathy. Empathy is the ability to comprehend another's subjective reality and feelings. Empathy and support are necessary to enable the client to use both personal and outside resources, to develop and implement a solution to his/her problem, and to respond appropriately to clients needs. (6) Energy. Helping is an exhausting activity; not only does it require the careful use of knowledge and skill, but it is also a constant drain on feelings and emotions. The professional helper must work on avoiding burnout by developing cooperative and

19 facilitating interactions with colleagues and users of services (Federico, 1984, pp ). 19 (7) Acceptance of diversity. The helping professional must appreciate the value of human diversity. He/she must be willing to serve in an appropriate manner all persons in need of assistance regardless of the person's race, ethnicity, country of origin, age, religious affiliation (or lack of), gender, disability, sexual orientation, political affiliation, and/or value system. Helpers must not impose their own personal, religious, sexual, political, and/or cultural values on their clients. (8) Ability to apply knowledge learned in the academic setting to a practice situation. Since social workers must be able to function as practitioners, it is essential that they be able to demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge gained in coursework (e.g., ability to relate to others, assess problem situations, develop intervention plans and implement appropriate intervention strategies). (9) Freedom from chemical dependency or unresolved emotional issues. Since social workers must serve as healthy role models, they must be mentally healthy and free from chemical dependency problems. Admission to the program is based on a minimum of two years of sobriety. If a student is currently in treatment for emotional problems, an independent psychological evaluation and assessment by a recognized agency may be required. Admission to the Social Work Program Students wishing to study social work may either declare a social work area when they enter Murray State University, or later indicate their intention by completing an official university Change of Major Form. The student will then be assigned a social work advisor and will be permitted to enroll in the first four social work courses: SWK 101--Introduction to Social Work, SWK 201--Social Work and Social Welfare, SWK 225 Human Diversity, and SWK 301, Human Behavior in the Social Environment I or SWK 302 Human Behavior in the Social Environment II. However, in order to be formally admitted to the Social Work Program, a student must: (1) Have completed 60 hours of coursework with a minimum G.P.A. of 2.5. (2) Have completed SWK 101, 201, 225, and 301 or 302 with a social work course G.P.A. of 2.5 and no social work course grades below "C". (3) Have completed 40 hours of volunteer hours of volunteer or paid work at a social services agency approved by the admissions committee (some examples of acceptable agencies include. Head start, BB/BS, Boy s and Girl s Clubs, Senior Centers, and Nursing Homes. Church mission trips,

20 Vacation Bible Schools are not acceptable for this requirement). [This requirement begins in Fall 2009]. 20 (4) Demonstrate competency in written and oral communication (students may be required to complete a writing competency exam). (5) Complete a criminal background check as instructed by the Program Admissions committee. (6) Complete an application for admission to the program, available from the Social Work Program Website. This application includes: basic biographical data; information on employment and volunteer experiences; and a 4-to-5 page self-evaluation of the student's interest, readiness, and suitability for a career in social work. The purposes of the self-evaluation are two-fold: to demonstrate competency in written expression of the English language and to reflect the applicant's commitment to the goals and purposes of social work. Students are also asked for full disclosure of the following: conviction of any felony and/or conviction of any misdemeanor that involved bodily harm to another (7) Be successfully reviewed by the Social Work Program Admissions Committee. This committee may conduct an interview with the applicant. All information obtained through this process will be held in confidence. Knowingly making a false oral or written statement during the admission process could result in denial of admission to the program. (8) Sign a statement indicating that he/she has read and will follow the code of ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. (9) Sign a statement indicating that he/she has read and understands this document (The Social Work Program Student Handbook). (10) Transfer students must be enrolled at Murray State University for at least one semester and have been enrolled in at least one social work course prior to application for admission to the program (11) Students transferring coursework from another accredited social work program will be expected to provide the Social Work Program Admissions Committee with the names of two references from the program as well as written permission to contact these references. Other requirements: No student may apply for the major until all the prerequisites for the social work program courses [any biology, any economics, soc 133, psych 180, pol 140 and CSC 199] have been met or will be met at the end of the semester in which the student is

21 applying. Further, no student may apply for the major until all university studies requirements have been met by the end of the semester in which the student is applying. Students may only apply to major if 60 hours of classes, for which college credit has been received, will be completed by end of the semester [in which the student is applying junior standing]. If the student s map report does not reflect that the courses have been completed it is assumed that the student lacks the necessary prerequisites to apply to the major. The required GPA for application to the major is 2.5 by the end of the semester in which the student is applying. Students must fulfill the statistics requirement within one semester after acceptance into the major. 21 Applicants will be notified in writing of the decision of the Social Work Program Admissions Committee. There are four possible outcomes of this admission process: (1) Unconditional acceptance to the program. (2) Conditional acceptance to the program. In this case, the applicant will be notified of specific areas which, in the professional judgement of the Social Work Program Admissions Committee, need improvement and/or correction. (3) Deferred decision. The applicant will be notified of specific conditions which must be met before admission will be reconsidered. (4) Denial. The applicant will be notified of specific reasons for rejection of his/her application for admission. Generally speaking, areas of deficit are addressed at the time of application to the program; however, if the faculty becomes aware of problem areas or areas of deficit in learning or experience at a later time, remediation can be requested at that time as well. Students who are conditionally accepted for reasons related to GPA will have one semester after acceptance to bring the GPA into compliance. Students who leave Murray State University for a period of time and who must reapply to the university must also reapply to the social work program. Students who, change their major after admission to the social work program and subsequently, wish to return to a social work major, must reapply to the program. A student who reapplies to the program and is reaccepted will be