1997-1998 Academic Catalog

Social Work The social work major prepares students for future ministries/careers in professional social work, profes– sional church and church related specializations, and informal assistance. The wide range of opportunities within the social work field provides graduates with numerous ways of investing in the lives of individuals, families, groups, and communities. Social work graduates are qualified to take the examina– tion administered by the Counselor and Social Work Board of the State of Ohio. Upon passing the examina– tion, they are considered licensed social workers in the State of Ohio. The social work program is in candidacy status for accreditation with the Council of Social Work Education. Mission Statement The mission of the social work program is to prepare and equip, from a biblical world and life view, social work students who are committed to the core values and purpose of social work, so that these students might obtain entry level social work positions as generalist practitioners, improving the holistic quality oflife of diverse populations in a variety of work settings, pursuing graduate level education, and continuing involvement in social and political action. Throughout the course of their undergraduate educa– tion, social work students will be engaged in meeting the needs ofdiverse, local populations including the following: African Americans, Mennonites, military families, rural/ Appalachian communities, retired farmers and widows, inner city Dayton residents, middle-sized Xenia and Springfield communities, homeless families, and local church members. Goals The goal of the social work program is ultimately to enable students to integrate the knowledge, values, and sldlls of the social work profession into competent practice by: 1. Providing content about social work practice with client systems of various sizes and types. 2. Preparing graduates to practice with diverse populations. 3. Providing content about the social contexts of social work practice, the changing nature of those contexts, the behavior of organizations, and the dynamics of change. 4. Infusing throughout the curriculum the values and ethics that guide professional social workers in their practice. 5. Preparing graduates who are aware of their responsibility to continue their professional growth and development. Objectives Graduates of the Cedarville College social work pro– gram will be able to: 1. Apply critical thinldng 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. Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and the strategies of change that advance social and economic justice. 5. Understand the history of the social work profession and its current structures and issues. 6. Apply the knowledge and sldlls of generalist social work to practice with systems of all sizes. 7. Apply knowledge ofbio-psycho-social-spiritual 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 sldlls differentially with a variety of client populations, colleagues, and members of the community. 11. Use supervision appropriate to generalist practice. 12. Function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems and, under supervision, seek necessary organizational change. 13. Apply the knowledge, values, and sldlls of the profession to social work practice within the context of the local church. 14. Analyze and apply the knowledge, values, and sldlls of social work practice from a biblical world and life view. 15. Demonstrate an understanding, sensitivity, and commitment to issues related to poverty. Admission to the Social Work Program Admission to the social work major occurs during the winter quarter of the sophomore year. Freshmen and sophomores interested in social work should declare their intent to major in social work and meet with an appropri– ate social work advisor to ensure that courses are taken in the proper sequence.