THE UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORK B.S.S.W. PROGRAM SPRING 2015 SOCIAL WORK 312: INTERVIEWING SKILLS AND THE HELPING RELATIONSHIP IN SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE (3 CREDITS) Prerequisite(s): 200 or 207 and 250 Social work majors only. Instructor: Shannon Brown, LCSW Email: sbrown4@utk.edu Time: Tuesday & Thursday 12:40 1:55 PM Class Location: Haslam Business Bldg. Room 131 Phone: 865-309-5427 Code of Conduct It is the student's responsibility to have read the College of Social Work Ethical Academic and Professional Conduct Code that is in the College of Social Work BSSW Handbook (http://www.csw.utk.edu/docs/bsswhandbook.pdf). Students are also expected to sign and adhere to the Social Work Field Placement Code of Conduct. The Honor Statement An essential feature of The University of Tennessee is a commitment to maintaining an atmosphere of intellectual integrity and academic honesty. As a student of the University, I pledge that I will neither knowingly give nor receive any inappropriate assistance in academic work, thus affirming my own personal commitment to honor and integrity. (Hilltopics). University Civility Statement Civility is genuine respect and regard for others: politeness, consideration, tact, good manners, graciousness, cordiality, affability, amiability and courteousness. Civility enhances academic freedom and integrity, and is a prerequisite to the free exchange of ideas and knowledge in the learning community. Our community consists of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and campus visitors. Community members affect each other s well-being and have a shared interest in creating and sustaining an environment where all community members and their points of view are valued and respected. Affirming the value of each member of the university community, the campus asks that all its members adhere to the principles of civility and community adopted by the campus: http://civility.utk.edu/ Disability Services If you need course adaptations or accommodations because of a documented disability or if you have emergency information to share, please contact The University of Tennessee Office of Disability Services at 2227 Dunford Hall (865) 974-6087. This will ensure that you are properly registered for services. Dimensions of Diversity The College of Social Work and the University of Tennessee welcome and honor all people. In accordance with the U.S. Council on Social Work Education and the U.S. National Association of Social Workers, the College of Social Work defines the dimensions of diversity as the intersectionality of multiple factors, including age, class, color, culture, mental or physical disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, gender identity, immigration status, marital status, national origin, political ideology,
SW 312 Brown Spring 2015, Page 2 race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation. The College values intellectual curiosity, pursuit of knowledge, and academic freedom and integrity. A person s diverse life experiences may include oppression, poverty, marginalization, and alienation as well as privilege, power, and acclaim. The College of Social Work promotes social justice and social change, and strives to end discrimination, oppression, poverty, and other forms of social injustice. Inclement Weather Class will be cancelled only if the University is closed due to inclement weather. Campus and local radio and TV stations will be notified, so that appropriate announcement may be made. If class is cancelled, any assignments due that day will be due the next time class meets. Course Description Knowledge, values, and skills for entry level generalist practice in a variety of settings. The social work problem solving process, different size client systems, ethnic-sensitive assumptions, and the worker s regard for the person-environment configuration. Concurrent skills laboratory. Progression required. Social worker majors only. Course Competencies By the completion of this course, the students are expected to be able to demonstrate (through course activities, assignments, and/or exams): 1. Explain the common knowledge, value, and skill base of practice; 2. Define the elements of a systems orientation as reflected in generalist practice; 3. Describe the development, utilization, and elements of professional relationships; 4. Define and illustrate the process and techniques of the social work interview; 5. Demonstrate basic interviewing skills with different type clients; 6. Discuss the stages and activities involved in the problem solving process, with particular attention to: a. Contact, contract, and assessment issues; b. Social study; c. Use of assessment aids such as the genogram and ecomap; d. Recording 7. Identify and define practice roles including their interventive activities and utilization; 8. Critically discuss the implications for practice with diverse and at-risk populations; 9. Demonstrate self-awareness and evaluation of one s professional practice. REQUIRED TEXT Kirst-Ashman, K. & Jull Jr., G. (2015). Understanding Generalist Practice (7 th Ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole. Additional required readings can be found on the SW 312 BlackBoard site under the respective week. Additional required readings may be added throughout the semester. BLACKBOARD This course uses BlackBoard for announcements, readings and grade recording. Please check the site regularly. Classroom Etiquette Class activities are designed to help you reflect upon important concepts and involve you in class discussions where views are shared and ideas are debated. It is expected that you will respect the ideas and thinking of other students in the class by listening to their explanations and appropriately questioning their thinking and reasoning if you do not understand. Further, you are expected to work
SW 312 Brown Spring 2015, Page 3 cooperatively with others and fully contribute to the workload of each group in which you may be a member. All cell phones should be silenced and put away during class. All mp3 players (ipods, etc.) are to be off and stored during class. Laptops or ipads should only be used for class activities. BLACKBOARD TESTS There will be two tests. The tests will be given electronically via BlackBoard and will consist of multiple choice, true/false, matching, and short answer essay questions. Test #1 will be given on February 19, 2014 and will include all readings from the beginning of the semester. Test #2 will be given on April 16, 2014 and will include all readings from midterm to the end of the semester. Missed tests will be recorded as a 0. This assignment evaluates competencies #1, #2, #3, #6, #7 and #8. REFLECTIVE JOURNALING ASSIGNMENT The purpose of this journaling assignment is to provide students with an opportunity to reflect upon their development as a social work professional throughout the semester. In this assignment, students will keep a weekly journal of their thoughts and reactions to class readings, class discussions, class activities, or any other observations they may have related to their development as a social worker. Their journals will be shared only with the instructor. This assignment evaluates competency #9. FINAL VIDEOTAPED INTERVIEW To demonstrate proficiency in interviewing and working with clients, all students will complete a 15- minute interview with a client (actor) that will be directly observed and evaluated by the course instructor. This structure is designed to simulate, as much as possible, a role and situation you may encounter in your future internships and professional practice. Each student will assume the role of a case manager, who is meeting with the client for the first time to begin building a relationship and conduct an initial assessment. This interview will be videotaped and will cover the first 15 minutes of a 60-minute social work interview. This interview is required for all students. Students will be evaluated based on their ability to demonstrate engagement and interviewing skills discussed throughout the semester. This final videotaped interview evaluates course competencies #3, #4, #5, and #7. All interviews will be conducted by appointment on April 28, 29 and 30, 2014. Each student should reserve a 30-minute exam appointment using the sign-up sheets available in class. Students should arrive early for their appointment time. Students who miss their appointment forfeit their time and will fail the assignment. In the event of an emergency, students should contact the course instructor immediately. This assignment evaluates competencies #3, #4, #5 & #7. For all exams and assignments, alternative arrangements, make-up exams, and deadline extensions are made rarely, at the discretion of the instructor, and only in extenuating circumstances. CLASS ATTENDANCE & PARTICIPATION Academic success is built upon regular class attendance. Research shows a strong correlation between attendance and participation in class and improved student learning. To earn maximum participation points, students are expected to attend every class session, to participate frequently in class discussions and activities and attend all skills labs. In order to make meaningful contributions to class discussions, it is essential that you read assigned material prior to class. Because much of the learning in this course occurs through our class discussions, you are expected to attend all class meetings and actively participate in class discussions. If you miss a class, you are still responsible for what you missed. As a part of one s professional behavior, students are expected to notify me by email (sbrown4@ukt.edu) in a timely manner if circumstances interfere with your class attendance or the completion of course assignments. A student who finds it necessary to miss class assumes responsibility for making up examinations, obtaining lecture notes, and otherwise compensating for what may have been missed. Students are allowed one
SW 312 Brown Spring 2015, Page 4 absence without penalty. 5 (five) points will be deducted from the attendance/participation grade for all subsequent absences. SKILLS LABS The SW 312 course has a concurrent skills lab that meets on Thursdays from 11:10 AM 12:25 PM in Haslam Business Bldg. Room 131. Specific dates will be announced in class and posted to the course s BlackBoard site. The labs are designed to provide students with opportunities to practice their interviewing skills, participate in role-play scenarios, and other skill-building exercises to prepare them for their final interview. Attendance at all skills labs is mandatory. For each lab missed, 5 (five) points will be deducted from the student s final course grade. There are no make-up opportunities for missed labs. This assignment evaluates competencies #3, #4, & #5. THE GRADING SCALE FOR SW 312 IS: A 376-400 pts. A- 360-375 pts. B+ 348-359 pts. B 332-347 pts. B- 320-331 pts. C+ 308-319 pts. C 292-307 pts. C- 280-291 pts. D+ 268-279 pts. D 252-267 pts. D- 240-251 pts. F 239 pts. and below As stated in the university s Undergraduate Catalog, students must earn a C or better to receive credit for this course. Students earning a grade of C- or lower must repeat the course to earn an acceptable passing grade before they may advance in the social work major. The final course grade will be based on the following: BlackBoard Test I 20% (80 pts.) BlackBoard Test II.. 20% (80 pts.) Assignment. 25% (100 pts.) Final Videotaped Interview...25% (100 pts.) Class attendance and participation (including skills labs).. 10% (40 pts.) Extra Credit: BSWO (3-5 participation points) It is the BSSW program s expectation that all social work majors participate in the Bachelor s Social Work Organization (BSWO). All students, regardless of major, who are enrolled in a social work course or considering a major in social work, are welcome. BSWO meets every Tuesday from 11:10-12:25. This time slot is built into the class schedule as a lab for many social work courses. Given the time of the meetings, students are encouraged to bring their lunch. BSWO is a student organization that provides an excellent opportunity for leadership development, community and university service, the enhancement of group skills, research opportunities, and
SW 312 Brown Spring 2015, Page 5 socialization. The organization and its activities are viewed as an extension of the BSSW curriculum. Students in this class will have the opportunity to earn 3-5 points added to their course grade by attending and participating in BSWO this semester. Your attendance and participation must be documented. Attendance will be taken at each meeting. To be an active member in BSWO and be eligible for extra credit, students are required to attend at least 7 meetings per semester (officers are required to attend 75% of the meetings each semester) and earn 3-5 participation points. Participation points are earned using the following scale: 1 point for attending minimum number of meetings required for membership (see above); 1 point for participating in one or more drives; 2 points for fundraising participation (one per event); 2 points for community service or other participation (one per event) The BSWO advisor and committee chairs determine criteria for participation in all activities. Students may earn 3 to 5 extra credit points in designated BSSW courses. Points awarded for extra credit equal BSWO participation points for a minimum of 3 and not to exceed 5 points. No points will be awarded for students earning less than 3 participation points. Students must also submit a one-page, double-spaced statement indicating how BSWO participation relates to one or more of the course competencies. The paper is due to the instructor via email one week prior to the end of class. No other extra credit is available in this class. SW 312-CLASS SCHEDULE (SPRING 2015) Date Topic(s) Readings Assignments Due 01/08/14 Course overview & overview of skills lab 01/13/14 Overview of Kirst-Ashman & Hull, Chapter 1, In-class activity: generalist practice pp. 1-52 Critical Thinking model Kirst-Ashman & Hull, Chapter 11, pp. 395-413 01/15/14 Social Work Values, NASW Code of Ethics NASW Code of Ethics (PDF) Ethics & Values (PDF) 01/20/14 Resolving ethical dilemmas Impaired Social Workers (PDF) Kirst-Ashman & Hull, Chapter 11, pp. 414-441 Key Ethical Principles (PDF) Kirst-Ashman & Hull, Chapter 12, pp. 442-472 & Chapter 10, pp. 382-389 In-class activity: Managing Ethical Dilemmas 01/22/14 Culturally competent social work practice Multiculturalism (PDF) Working With LGBT Clients (PDF)
SW 312 Brown Spring 2015, Page 6 01/27/14 Gender-sensitive social work practice Discrimination Against Trans Health (PDF) Kirst-Ashman & Hull, Chapter 13, pp. 473-512 Feminist Social Work Practice (PDF) Women Practice Interventions (PDF) pp. 53-59 & 78-82 01/29/14 individuals: Communication The Personal Meaning of Silence (PDF) Eliminating Counterproductive Communication Patterns (PDF) In-class Activity: Silence! 02/03/14 individuals: Empathy pp. 59-62 Communicating with Empathy & Authenticity (PDF) The Pursuit of Empathic Understanding (PDF) pp. 63-67 #1 02/05/14 individuals: Eliciting information Verbal Following, Exploring & Focusing Skills (PDF) Interviewing (PDF) 02/10/14 individuals: effective responses pp. 67-71 & 75-78 Overview of the Helping Process (PDF) Resilience (PDF) pp. 72-74 02/12/14 individuals: Strengths & alliance The Purpose of Empowerment (PDF) Strengths Perspective (PDF) 02/17/14 individuals: Confrontation and potential danger Empowerment (PDF) pp. 82-88 Difficult Situations (PDF) In-class activity: Think For Yourself
SW 312 Brown Spring 2015, Page 7 Prison Social Work (PDF) Authoritative Settings & Involuntary Clients (PDF) Avoidance and Confrontation (PDF) 02/19/14 Test #1 02/24/14 02/26/14 Engagement & assessment in engagement Engagement & assessment in Assessment Kirst-Ashman & Hull, Chapter 5, pp. 162-168 Engaging Clients (PDF) Kirst-Ashman & Hull, Chapter 5, pp. 167 & pp. 177-184 Assessment (PDF) Multidimensional Assessment (PDF) #2 Kirst-Ashman & Hull, Chapter 5, pp. 168-172 & pp. 184-198 03/03/14 Engagement & assessment in Tools for use Ecomap (Word) Genograms (PDF) Homework Assignment: Genogram & Ecomap Difficult Situations (PDF) 03/05/14 Engagement & assessment in Prevention principles Kirst-Ashman & Hull, Chapter 5, pp. 172-177 Social Impact Assessment (PDF) Incarcerated Women (PDF) In-class activity: Reviewing Assessments 03/10/14 03/12/14 Practice skills for working with groups Practice skills for working with organizations and communities Kirst-Ashman & Hull, Chapter 3, pp. 94-126 Kirst-Ashman & Hull, Chapter 4, pp. 127-160 Collaboration (PDF) Community Needs Assessment (PDF) #3 Lifetime Activism (PDF) 03/24/14 Planning in Kirst-Ashman & Hull, Chapter 6,
SW 312 Brown Spring 2015, Page 8 Generalist Practice pp. 207-236 03/26/14 03/31/14 04/02/14 Implementation applications: crisis intervention & managed care Implementation applications: Cultural Maltreatment Implementation applications: substance use & abuse Kirst-Ashman & Hull, Chapter 7, pp. 251-262 & 283-284 Crisis Interventions (PDF) Kirst-Ashman & Hull, Chapter 7, pp. 238-251 & pp. 263-269 Aging Racial & Ethnic Groups (PDF) Undocumented Migrants & Detention Facilities (PDF) LGBT Elders (PDF) Kirst-Ashman & Hull, Chapter 7, pp. 269-282 Alcohol & Drug Problems: Prevention (PDF) Lesbians and Alcohol Abuse (PDF) 04/07/14 Advocacy 04/09/14 04/14/14 Recording in generalist social work practice Evaluation, termination, & follow-up in Compassion fatigue & burnout Assessing Intrapersonal Systems (PDF) Kirst-Ashman & Hull, Chapter 14, pp. 513-537 Advocacy (PDF) Kirst-Ashman & Hull, Chapter 16, pp. 565-620 Recording (PDF) Kirst-Ashman & Hull, Chapter 8, pp. 289-329 Professional Impairment (PDF) Compassion Satisfaction (PDF) #4 Maintaining Skills & Staying Happy in Your Work (PDF) 04/16/14 Test #2 Wrap-up & sign-up 04/21/14 for final videotaped interview (30 minute slot) #5 04/23/14 **Special Topic **Special Topic **Special Topic 04/28/14 04/29/14 04/30/14 Final: videotaped interviews 9 AM 4 PM
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