2004-2005 Academic Catalog

197 Social Sciences and History School of Social Sciences and Professional Studies Social Work The social work major prepares students for future ministries/ careers in professional social work, professional 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. The social work program is accredited by the Council of Social Work Education. Social work graduates are eligible for licensure. 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, improve the holistic quality of life of diverse populations in a variety of work settings, and pursue graduate level education. Goals The goal of the social work program is ultimately to enable students to integrate the knowledge, values, and skills of the social work profession into competent practice by: 1. Providing content about social work practice from a generalist perspective with client systems of various sizes and types. 2. Preparing students with the skills, values, and knowledge to practice with diverse populations at risk. 3. Providing content about social contexts, the changing nature of those contexts, the behavior of organizations, and the dynamics of change. 4. Preparing students who are aware of their responsibility to continue their professional growth and development. 5. Preparing students to practice with populations at risk with unique discrimination and oppressive histories (with a special focus on poverty). 6. Integrating biblical principles throughout the curriculum so that students can appropriately integrate their faith and that of their clients into the helping relationship. 7. Laying a foundation of core skills essential to a high caliber of social work practice (i.e., problem solving, listening, verbal and written communication, and critical thinking). 8. Creating an appreciation for the profession as well as an understanding of the history, personalities, and issues and events that helped to shape it. 9. Infusing throughout the curriculum the values and ethics that guide professional social workers in their practice. Objectives Graduates of the Cedarville University social work 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. 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 skills of generalist social work to practice with systems of all sizes. 7. Apply knowledge of bio-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 skills 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 skills of the profession to social work practice within the context of the local church and missions organizations. 14. Analyze and apply the knowledge, values, and skills of social work practice from a biblical world and life view. 15. Demonstrate an understanding, sensitivity, and commitment to issues related to poverty. Students in the social work program have the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge of Social Work theory, methods, and principles to actual situations of human need in a Field Experience placement.