HANDBOOK

The University of Tennessee at Martin's (UT Martin) undergraduate Social Work Program offers a curriculum for study in social work at the baccalaureate level. Graduates of our Program receive a Bachelor of Science in Social Work (BSSW).

The Social Work Program began in 1970 (and at first was called "Social Welfare") within the Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Social Work, and Criminal Justice. The Social Work Program is now located in the newly formed Department of Behavioral Sciences.

The Social Work Program has professional identity. It is accredited by The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students graduating with a BSSW Degree are prepared for entry into employment and are considered to be at the first professional level in social work practice. Graduates from an accredited social work program are eligible for regular membership and full benefits in the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and, in many states, can become licensed as social workers, including Tennessee. Students who graduate from an accredited baccalaureate program in social work may be considered for advanced standing when applying for entry into a CSWE master's program in social work. If accepted, students may receive credit for their foundation work toward a master's degree, thus reducing the time necessary for earning a Master's of Science in Social Work (MSSW) or Master's of Social Work (MSW). Additional information regarding accreditation is included in the following pages of this handbook.

The Social Work Program emphasizes the "generalist" approach. (Appendix A) Preparing for generalist practice means equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and values to function in a wide variety of practice settings with differential skills and abilities to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, institutions, and communities. The generalist social worker has knowledge about various resource systems and possesses the skills to effectively link people with needed resources. The generalist model of social work practice is taught in the Program and students are introduced to generalist practice identity through both academic and experiential learning activities.

The Importance of Accreditation in Undergraduate Social Work Education

All students who pursue social work as a career should be aware of and knowledgeable about the accreditation of social work education programs. As stated earlier in this handbook, the CSWE is the designated accrediting body for social work education at both the bachelor and master levels. The CSWE Commission on Accreditation awards accreditation to the Social Work Program at UT Martin and reviews all accredited programs every eight years to determine if the programs continue to maintain accreditation standards.

Some of the reasons why accreditation is essential to baccalaureate social work education are:

Standard Competencies - Reaching and maintaining high standards of professional education which combine theoretical knowledge bases with practice skills resulting in professional practice behavior are supported by accreditation. These competences have been developed by and are supported within the disciplines of social work education and professional social work practice.

National Recognition - Accredited programs at both the graduate and undergraduate level receive

national (and international) recognition. CSWE is the only designated accrediting body for social work education in the United States.

Professional Membership and Affiliation - The NASW accepts for regular membership and full benefits only persons who have graduated from an accredited program in social work. This includes both baccalaureate and master's level graduates. UT Martin students are required to become student members prior to advanced progression.

Professional Recognition - Graduates from an accredited baccalaureate program in social work are considered to be at the beginning level of professional practice, a position that is endorsed and upheld by both the CSWE and the NASW.

Competitiveness in Employment - In social service agencies and social work related settings which receive federal funding and other grants, there is often a clear stipulation that an employee who holds the title of "social worker" must carry the credential of having graduated from an accredited program in social work in order to comply with the funding guidelines or regulations. Other positions, such as hospital social worker or hospice social worker, may only be held by a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW)/BSSW or MSW/MSSW in most states.

Advanced Standing for Graduate Study - Baccalaureate level graduates who have completed an accredited program in social work may qualify for studies at the master's level with advanced standing and, thereby, significantly reduce the amount of time required for completion of a MSSW. The University of Tennessee College of Social Work offers a program for advanced standing to qualified applicants from accredited undergraduate programs which can be completed in one year. Most graduate schools of social work provide some means to qualify for advanced standing.

Eligibility for Licensure - Regulatory laws covering social work practice limit licensure in social work to those persons who have completed accredited social work education. All states now have laws which regulate the practice of social work. Such laws were enacted by the Tennessee State Legislature for social work licensure at the master's level in the 1980's and for baccalaureate social work in 2008.

Grants to Educational Institutions - Within some of the departments of the federal government, grants to educational institutions for support of social work or social work related programs are limited to those institutions whose social work educational programs have been accredited.

Career Opportunities

Social work is assisting others to bring about healthy change within themselves and their communities. Becoming a social worker entails 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 - For those who like working with children who are abused, neglected, runaways, or abandoned, social service agencies across the nation have positions in adoptions, foster care, protective services, residential care, as well as services to unmarried parents.

Medical Social Services - Medical social workers practice in general hospitals, public health departments, home health care, hospice, and long-term care facilities. They work with people experiencing social, psychological, and economic problems associated with their illness, and are also involved in discharge planning.

Mental Health - Social workers are members of the psychiatric team in mental health centers and

Hospitals for the mentally ill, emotionally disturbed, and the chemically dependent.

Corrections - Social workers are employed in penal and correctional facilities serving both juveniles and adults. Probation and parole services, juvenile courts, and delinquency prevention programs are examples of practice settings.

Social Services - Many different social service agencies employ social workers to work with victims of spousal abuse, the aged, the homeless, dependent children, the disabled, and families experiencing social and economic problems.

Career Opportunities - Graduates of the UT Martin Social Work Program are currently employed in a variety of positions in county, state, and federal organizations, particularly in rural West Tennessee. These agencies include:

Child and Adult Protective Services

Child Protection Services/Family Therapy

Family Preservation/Crisis Intervention

Adult Protection/Geriatric Family Therapy

Social Security/Social Insurance

Abused Spouse Services/Shelters, Crisis Intervention

Social Assistance/Social Welfare

Juvenile Services and Adoptions

Medical Social Work

Hospital Social Worker

Oncology Social Worker/Counselor

Nursing Home/Geriatric Social Worker

Pediatric Social Worker

Home Health Care Social Worker

Dialysis Counselor/Social Worker

Geriatric Ombudsman

Public Health Social Worker

Emergency Room Crisis Intervention Worker

School Social Work

School Social Worker - Elementary, Middle/Junior, High School

Family Resource Center

Alternative School Social Worker

Rehabilitation Services

Addiction Care Manager/Family Therapist/Aftercare/Group Leader

Job Coach/Vocational Counselor

Stroke/Cardiac Group Leader/Therapist

Vocational Rehabilitation Social Worker/Counselor

Occupational Social Work (in corporations)

Family Resource Counselor

EAP Services, including Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counseling

Voluntary Agencies

Recreational/Social Group Worker (YMCAs, YWs, Settlement Houses, Scouts, Camps etc)

Family Planning Counseling (Planned Parenting Public Health)

Crisis Intervention Worker (Red Cross, Mental Health, etc)

Developmental Disabilities Social Worker/Counselor (Easter Seal, Sheltered Workshops, etc)

Rape Crisis Counseling (Rape Counseling Centers)

Criminal Justice

Parole and Probation Officers (Adult and Juvenile)

Prison Social Workers/Social Work Adjuncts on Police Forces

Court Designated Workers/Diversion Officers for Juveniles

Parochial/Adjunctive Fields

Pastoral Counseling, Church-related Agencies (Camps, Agape House)

Specialized Counseling and Therapy (usually requires MSW+)

Marriage Counseling

Child and Family Therapy

Psychiatric Social Worker (Hospitals, Psych Units, CMHCs)

Genetic Counselor ....... and many other specialty areas

It is the mission of the UT Martin Social Work Program to prepare students to use social work knowledge, skills, and values to demonstrate competent, ethical, evidence based practice to diverse populations across all social systems. Emphasis is placed on promoting social justice and service to all persons, particularly underserved populations, including rural areas such as those found in Northwest Tennessee.

The goals for the UT Martin Social Work Program are:

students are prepared to begin generalist professional practice with individuals, families, small groups, organizations and communities.
students are prepared to develop an identity which will incorporate the values and ethics of the social work profession.
students are prepared for practice with diverse, oppressed and at-risk populations and to link social research and social service practice.
students are prepared for lifelong learning and critical thinking through an educational process combining a liberal arts foundation with professional social work education.
students are prepared for graduate education in social work.
students are prepared for service and leadership within the community and the social work profession.

The Social Work Program incorporates the content and competencies specified for accredited baccalaureate programs in the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards of the CSWE. (Appendix B)

Core Competencies

Competency-based education is an outcome performance approach to curriculum design. Competencies are measurable practice behaviors that are comprised of knowledge, values, and skills. The goal of the outcome approach is to demonstrate the integration and application of the competencies in practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The ten core competencies are listed below:

1. Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly.

Social workers serve as representatives of the professions, its mission, and its core

values. They know the profession’s history. Social workers commit themselves to the

profession’s enhancement and to their own professional conduct and growth. Social

workers

a. advocate for client access to the services of social work;

b. practice personal reflection and self-correction to assure continual professional

development;

c. attend to professional roles and boundaries;

d. demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior, appearance, and communication;

e. engage in career-long learning; and

f. use supervision and consultation.

2. Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice.

Social workers have an obligation to conduct themselves ethically and to engage in

ethical decision making. Social workers are knowledgeable about the value base of the

profession, its ethical standards, and relevant law. Social workers

a. recognize and manage personal values in a way that allows professional values to

guide practice;

b. make ethical decisions by applying standards of the NASW Code of Ethics

(Appendix C) and, as applicable, of the International Federation of Social

Workers/International Association of Schools of Social Work Ethics

in Social Work, Statement of Principles;

c. tolerate ambiguity in resolving ethical conflicts; and

d. apply strategies of ethical reasoning to arrive at principled decisions.

3. Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments.

Social workers are knowledgeable about the principles of logic, scientific inquiry, and

reasoned discernment. They use critical thinking augmented by creativity and curiosity.

Critical thinking also requires the synthesis and communication of relevant information.

Social workers

a. distinguish, appraise, and integrate multiple sources of knowledge, including

research-based knowledge, and practice wisdom;

b. analyze models of assessment, prevention, intervention, and evaluation; and

c. demonstrate effective oral and written communication in working with

individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and colleagues.

4. Engage diversity and difference in practice.

Social workers understand how diversity characterizes and shapes the human experience

and is critical to the formation of identity. The dimensions of diversity are understood as

the intersectionality of multiple factors including age, class, color, culture, disability,

ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, immigration status, political ideology,

race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation. Social workers appreciate that, as a

consequence of difference, a person’s life experiences may include oppression, poverty,

marginalization, and alienation as well as privilege, power, and acclaim. Social workers

a. recognize the extent to which a culture’s structures and values may oppress,

marginalize, alienate, or create or enhance privilege and power,

b. gain sufficient self-awareness to eliminate the influence of personal biases and

values in working with diverse groups;

c. recognize and communicate their understanding of the importance of difference

in shaping life experiences; and

d. view themselves as learners and engage those with whom they work as

informants.

5. Advance human rights and social and economic justice.

Each person, regardless of position in society, has basic human rights, such as freedom,

safety, privacy, an adequate standard of living, health care, and education. Social

workers recognize the global interconnections of oppression and are knowledgeable

about theories of justice and strategies to promote human and civil rights. Social work

incorporates social justice practices in organizations, institutions, and society to ensure

that these basic human rights are distributed equitably and without prejudice. Social

workers

a. understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination;

b. advocate for human rights and social and economic justice; and

c. engage in practices that advance social and economic justice.

6. Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research.

Social workers use practice experience to inform research, employ evidence-based

interventions, evaluate their own practice, and use research findings to improve

practice, policy, and social service delivery. Social workers comprehend quantitative and

qualitative research and understand scientific and ethical approaches to building

knowledge. Social workers

a. use practice experience to inform scientific inquiry and

b. use research evidence to inform practice.

7. Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment.

Social workers are knowledgeable about human behavior across the life course; the

range of social systems in which people live; and the ways social systems promote or

deter people in maintaining or achieving health and well-being. Social workers apply

theories and knowledge from the liberal arts to understand biological, social, cultural,

psychological, and spiritual development. Social workers

a. utilize conceptual frameworks to guide the processes of assessment,

intervention, and evaluation; and

b. critique and apply knowledge to understand person and environment.

8. Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to

deliver effective social work services.

Social work practitioners understand that policy affects service delivery, and they

actively engage in policy practice. Social workers know the history and current

structures of social policies and services; the role of policy in service delivery; and the

role of practice in policy development. Social workers

a. analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance social well-being; and

b. collaborate with colleagues and clients for effective policy action.

9. Respond to contexts that shape practice.

Social workers are informed, resourceful, and proactive in responding to evolving

organizational, community, and societal contexts at all levels of practice. Social workers

recognize that the context of practice is dynamic, and use knowledge and skill to respond

proactively. Social workers

a. continuously discover, appraise, and attend to changing locales, populations,

scientific and technological developments, and emerging societal trends to

provide relevant services; and

b. provide leadership in promoting sustainable changes in service delivery and

practice to improve the quality of social services.

10. Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups,

organizations, and communities.

Professional practice involves the dynamic and interactive processes of engagement,

assessment, intervention, and evaluation at multiple levels. Social workers have the

knowledge and skills to practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and

communities. Practice knowledge includes identifying, analyzing, and implementing

evidence-based interventions designed to achieve client goals; using research and

technological advances; evaluating program outcomes and practice effectiveness;

developing, analyzing, advocating, and providing leadership for policies and services;

and promoting social and economic justice.

Educational Policy 10(a) – Engagement

Social workers

a. substantively and affectively prepare for action with individuals, families

groups, organizations, and communities;

b. use empathy and other interpersonal skills; and

c. develop a mutually agreed-on focus of work and desired outcomes.

Educational Policy 10(b) – Assessment

Social workers

a. collect, organize, and interpret client data;

b. assess client strengths and limitations;

c. develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objectives; and

d. select appropriate intervention strategies.

Educational Policy 10 (c) – Intervention

Social workers

a. initiate actions to achieve organizational goals;

b. implement prevention interventions that enhance client capacities;

c. help clients resolve problems;

d. negotiate, mediate, and advocate for clients; and

e. facilitate transitions and endings.

Educational Policy 10 (d) – Evaluation

Social workers critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate interventions.

Taken from the CSWE Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (Appendix B)

The mission, goals, and competencies of the Program are implemented throughout the curriculum. They are reflected in the competencies and practice behavior of all sequences, including the field practicum. The Program makes all of its constituencies aware of its mission, goal, and competencies. The Social Work Field Instruction Manual and Advisement Handbook for Social Work Majors include details of the Program. Material on the Program is also provided in various classes, in meetings of the Students Social Work Association (SSWA), Alpha Delta Mu, the Professional Practice Advisory Council (PPAC), and to all field instructors. All social work faculties have been involved in defining and explicating these statements. Other Department personnel and University administration have been informed about and endorse the Program's mission, goals, and competencies. A variety of outcome measurements and procedures are used for assessing the achievement of the competencies. The most important of these are:

1. student competency evaluation from field;

2. social work program portfolio;

a. capstone integrated paper

b. grade point average

c. service learning component

d. field

3. academic profile exit exam.

************

National Association of Social Workers (approved 1996, revised 1999). Code of Ethics for Social Workers. Washington, DC: NASW.

International Federation of Social Workers and International Association of Schools of Social Work (2004). Ethics in Social Work, Statement of Principles. Retrieved January 2, 2008 from http://www.ifsw.org.

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Special State and Federal Laws for Educational Purposes

(University Catalog, 2009-2010)

Elderly and Persons with Disabilities

Tennessee residents who are at least 60 years old may audit classes without payment of fees, if space is available. Tennessee residents who are 65 or older may take courses for credit at reduced rates. Totally disabled persons may be eligible for either option. Verification of age, residency, and permanent disability must be provided.

All students who register under these provisions must process the correct paperwork in the Office of Academic Records (AD103) prior to the deadline for adding courses.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

This act provides for confidentiality of academic student records; however, it also provides for basic identification of people at UT Martin without the written consent of the individual. Release of information to third parties includes directory information. Such information includes name, address, telephone number, date and place of birth, major, dates of attendance, degree and awards, the most recent previous educational agency or institution attended, participation in school activities and sports, weight and height (for members of athletic teams), photograph, email address, and classification. UT Martin will release information in compliance with the Solomon Amendment. For more information, refer to the registrar’s Web site at www.utm.edu/registrar.

The categories contained in the university directory are publicly displayed outside of Academic Records (AD 103). These items may be disclosed without prior written consent, unless a student notifies the Registrar in writing to the contrary prior to the end of the first week of classes. The university applies an “all or nothing” policy to the release of student directory information.

UT Martin is an EOE/Title VI, Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA Statement

UT Martin is an Equal Opportunity Institution. The University of Tennessee at Martin does not discriminate on the basis of race, gender, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or Vietnam veteran status in provision of educational opportunities or employment opportunities and benefits. UT Martin does not discriminate on the basis of gender or disability in the education programs and activities which it operates, pursuant to the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as codified in 42 U.S.C. 2000D; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Public Law 92-318; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Public Law 93-112; the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Public Law 101-336; and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act. This policy extends to both employment by and admission to the university. Inquiries concerning Title VI, Title IX, Section 504, the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act should be directed to the Office of Equity and Diversity; 240 Gooch Hall; The University of Tennessee at Martin; Martin, Tennessee 38238-5002; (731) 881-7202. Charges of violation of the above policy also should be directed to the Equity and Diversity Officer.

The UT Martin 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, sexual or political orientation.

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II. CURRICULUM

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN SOCIAL WORK

For students graduating under the 2009-2010 catalog

The student must complete the following minimal requirements and earn a grade of C or better in all courses required for the major. A minimum portfolio score of 10 is required by all students for graduation in social work. All students considering a major in Social Work are instructed to meet with a Social Work faculty member at the earliest opportunity. Academic credit for life experiences and previous work experience shall not be given in whole or in part in lieu of the field practicum or any other Social Work course. No minor isrequired.

Degree Requirements Semester Hours Course Requirements

GENERAL EDUCATION 38-39

Aesthetics 3

Complete three hours from approved general education listing in front of University Catalog.

Art 110 Understanding Visual Art (3) ____

Art History 210 The History of Art (3) ____

Art History 211 The History of Art (3) ____

Dance 110 Understanding Dance (3) ____

Music 111 Masterpieces of Music (3) ____

Music 112 Music in Our Time (3) ____
Music 113 Survey of Western Masterpieces and World Music (3) _____

Theatre 110 Understanding Theatre (3) ____

Theatre 111 Understanding Theatre (3) ____

Exceptions: No exceptions for any major

Biological and Physical Systems 8

Complete two courses:

Biology 110 Introductory Cell Biology & Genetics (4) __

and

Zoology 201 (Prereq: BIOL 110) or 251 Human Anatomy Physiology (4) ____

(Zoology is a prerequisite to Social Work 320)

Communications 9-14

All students must successfully complete each of the following courses unless noted below:

English 100 English Studies: Critical Thinking and Writing (4)

and

English 110 English Composition: Critical Thinking and Writing (4) _____

English 111 English Composition (3) ____

English 112 English Composition (3) ____

Communications 230 Public Speaking (3) ____

(Students must complete English 100 and 110, or 111 with a grade of “C” or better before proceeding to English 112 or Communications 230.)

Humanities 9

Complete nine hours from approved general education listing:

English 250 British Literary Tradition (3) ____

English 251 British Literary Tradition (3) ____

English 260 American Literary Tradition (3) ____

English 261 American Literary Tradition (3) ____

English 270 World Literature (3) ____

English 271 World Literature (3) ____

French 250 France Today: The French People and Their Culture (3) ____

German 250 Germany Today: The German People and Their Culture (3)

History 121 Development of World Civilization I (3) ____

History 122 Development of World Civilization II (3) ____

History 201 History of the United States I (3) ____

History 202 History of the United States II (3) ____

Honors 111 Humanity in a Global Perspective (3) ____

Philosophy 110 The Adventure of Ideas (3) ____

Philosophy 120 The Adventure of Ideas (3) ____

Philosophy 130 Ethics and Race (3) ____

Philosophy 160 Introduction to Ethics (3) ____

Spanish 250 Latin America Today: The Peoples and Culture of Latin America (3) ____

Exceptions: No Exceptions for any major

Mathematics 3

Math 140 College Algebra and Elementary Functions (3) ____

Social and Behavioral Sciences 6

Complete the following courses:

Sociology 201 General Sociology (3) ____

Psychology 120 General Psychology (3) ____

OTHER REQUIRED COURSES 22-26

Complete one course from: (3) _____

Economics 201 or 202 Principles of Macroeconomics/Microeconomics

(Prereq: A college level math course)

Political Science 210 or 220 American Government and Politics

Complete one course from: (3) _____

Consumer Resource Management 205 Cultural Etiquette

Management 461 International Management

English 325 Technical Communications (3) ____

(Prereq: ENGL 111-112 and one course within the student’s major field of study)

Foreign Language Completion of 122 or higher in any language (4-8) ____

(Foreign Language Placement Test may be taken online)

Mathematics 210 Elementary Statistics and Probability (3) ____

(prereq: Math 140, 185, or 251 or appropriate mathematics placement)

Psychology 110 General Psychology (3) ____

Sociology 202 or 308 Social Problems or Marriage and the Family (3) __

SOCIAL WORK REQUIREMENT 48

Social Work 200 Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare (3) ____

Social Work 220 Understanding Human Diversity and Oppressed Populations (3)___

Social Work 300 Social Welfare Polices and Services (3) ____

(Prereq: Approval for initial progression)

Social Work 320 Human Behavior and Social Environment I (3) ____

(Prereq: Approval for initial progression; ZOOL 201 or 251, PSY 110 or 120)

Social Work 330 Human Behavior and Social Environment II (3) ____

(Prereq: SWRK 320)

Social Work 340 Social Work Practice I (3) ____

(Prereq: SWRK 320 and concurrent registration in SWRK 350)

Social Work 350 Social Work Skills and Techniques (3) ____

(Prereq: SWRK 320 and concurrent registration in SWRK 340)

Social Work 400 Social Work Practice II (3) ____

(Prereq: SWRK 340 and approval for advanced progression)

Social Work 410 Social Work Research and Evaluation (3) ____

(Prereq: MATH 210 and approval for initial progression)

Social Work 440 Social Work Practice III (3) ____

(Prereq: SWRK 340 and approval for advanced progression)

Social Work 460 Social Work Senior Seminar (2) ____

(This course must be taken the semester prior to SWRK 490)

Social Work 470 Social Work Field Instruction Preparation (1) ____

(This course must be taken the semester prior to SWRK 490)

Social Work 490 Social Work Field Instruction (12) ____

(Prereq: Completion of all other courses required for graduation and approval for full progression.)

Social Work Elective Any Social Work Elective(3) ____

(Social Work 315, 325, 335, 345, 375, 415, 425, 455 (425 may be repeated with different topics)

ELECTIVES 7-12 _____ _____ _____ _____

Total Semester Hours Required For Graduation……….120

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2009-10 Catalog Requirements

Freshman ……………………………………………………………………... Credit Hours

Social Work 200, 220………………………………………………………… 6

Mathematics 140……………………………………………………………… 3

English 100 & 110 or 111, 112……………………………………………….. 6-11

Biology 110…………………………………………………………………… 4

Zoology 201 or 251…………………………………………………………… 4

Sociology 201………………………………………………………………… 3

Psychology 110……………………………………………………………….. 3

Foreign Language……………………………………………………………... 4

Total Hours …………………………………………………………………… 33-38

Sophomore ……………………………………………………………………… Credit Hours

Social Work 300, 320, 330 ……………………………………………………. 9

Psychology 120………………………………………………………………… 3

Aesthetics………………………………………………………………………. 3

Sociology 202 or 308…………………………………………………………… 3

Communications 230…………………………………………………………… 3

Mathematics 210………………………………………………………………... 3

Humanities ……………………………………………………………………... 3

Foreign Language (4) or Elective (3)…………………………………………… 3-4

Total Hours …………………………………………………………………….. 30- 31

Junior ……………………………………………………………………........... Credit Hours

Social Work 340, 350, 400, 410………………………………………………... 12

One course from Political Science 210 or 220 or Economics 201 or 202 ……. 3

One course from Consumer Resource Mgt. 205 or Mgt. 461 ………………… 3

Humanities……………………………………………………………………... 3

English 325……………………………………………………………………... 3

Social Work Elective…………………………………………………………... 3

Elective ………………………………………………………………………... 3

Total Hours …………………………………………………………………… 30

Senior …………………………………………………………………………… Credit Hours

Social Work 440, 460, 470, 490 ……………………………………………….. 18

Humanities……………………………………………………………………… 3

Electives………………………………………………………………………… 6

Total Hours ……………………………………………………………………... 27

Total Semester Hours Required for Graduation with a BSSW Degree …… 120

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Competency Bases

The ten core competencies in practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities as well as the essential knowledge, skills, values and practice behaviors are listed below as outlined in the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. (Appendix B)

There are three basic components of competence which are considered necessary in the professional practice of social work. As the student moves through and completes the Social Work Program we look critically at what (s)he knows, what (s)he is able to do, and how (s)he feels, in relation to the following:

1. Knowledge - What you must know.

The social work major must master a generic body of knowledge which includes facts, theories, principles, concepts and relationships that underlie practice in human service

settings.

Essential knowledge includes:

a. social theory and concepts; (comp 4-10)

b. various cultures and value systems/social systems; (comp 3,4,5,7,8,9,10)

c. social welfare policy; (comp 8)

d. community resources; (comp 7,10)

e. personality theory and function; psychosocial stages of development; (comp 6,7,10)

f. psychosocial bases of abnormal behavior; (comp 7,10)

g. conceptual bases of various models of intervention/problem solving; (comp 3,10)

h. data gathering techniques and evaluation procedures; (comp 6,10)

i. knowledge of self, the human condition and environmental influences. (comp 1,2,4,5)

2. Skills - What you must be able to do.

The social work major must be competent to perform a wide range of skills on behalf of the persons and communities (s) he serves. Skills in social work are methods, techniques,

and approaches used in the helping process to bring about improvements in social functioning.

Essential skills include:

a. interviewing individuals from diverse backgrounds and of varying physical and mental abilities; (comp 1,3,4,10)

b. observing and recording; (comp 6,10)

c. interpersonal, interactional skills (ability to relate meaningfully and comfortably with others); (comp 1,4,9,10)

d. group skills; (comp 10)

e. changing behavior and enhancing emotional and social growth; (comp 1,2,3,7,9,10)

f. consultation; teamwork; (comp 1,8,9)

g. social work problem solving; intervention; (comp 3,6,10)

h. advocacy (an agent of the person in need); (comp 1,4,5,7,8)

i. administration (management; leadership; supervision). (comp 1,8,9)

3. Values - How you feel.

The area of values and attitudes is critical to the core of competence in social work. Values and attitudes are the convictions and beliefs which influence the social worker's

behavior, reactions, responses, and approaches in the helping relationship.

Values and attitudes to be internalized:

a. worth and dignity of the individual and respect for the individual's person, privacy, decisions and opinions; (comp 1,2,4)

b. respect for and understanding of "different" individuals and cultural lifestyles and values. (comp 2,4,5)

c. non-judgmental attitude; (comp 1,2)

d. belief that all persons are capable of change; (comp 1,2,5)

e. sensitivity and alertness to injustices, hurts, and threats to people's social welfare and well-being; (comp 1,2,4,5,10)

f. exercise of personal responsibility and initiative in carrying out goals of the social work profession; (comp 1,2)

g. humility regarding one's own limitations...and willingness to seek assistance; (comp 1,2,3)

h. understanding and acceptance of value conflicts; (comp 2)

i. self-awareness and striving toward personal improvement. (comp 1,2)

The Social Work Program at UT Martin works closely with the Department of Children’s Services (DCS) and offers a Stipend Program and a Supervised Visitation Program. The stipend program will pay UT Martin tuition for a minimum of three and maximum of four full time semesters in the Social Work Program and the selected students will receive a stipend to aid with living expenses and books. The applicant for the program will be selected by DCS and in return will begin employment with the DCS upon graduation. The student agrees to work for the DCS for at least two years. During the stipend program involvement, the student will obtain two child welfare courses which will enable the student to become a certified case manager upon graduation. The stipend student must remain in good standing with the University and complete graduation within four semesters. The courses can also be taken by non-stipend Social Work students and they too can become a certified case manager with DCS. A certified Case Manager begins employment with DCS as a Case Manager II and receives a higher starting salary. In the event that the student is unable to complete their portion of the agreement the tuition and stipend will be refunded by the student in full. Students participating in the stipend program will experience their field work within DCS. Stipend students will also be given the opportunity to volunteer their services to the DCS through a Supervised Visitation Program. The Supervised Visitation Program allows families in the community to maintain bonds and relationships with their loved ones while focusing on the strengths within the family system. This Program also offers real work experience for our social work students.

NOTE: The Child Welfare II course should be taken the semester immediately prior to the students’ final internship. The student can also take the Child Welfare II course during their final internship if this occurs in the Fall semester only. In the case of a failed course, which delays the internship, the Child Welfare II course will be retaken in the form of an audited class to obtain a review of the material.

Social Work Courses (SWRK - 5820)

200 Introduction to Social Work and Social Welfare (3) Introduces students to the profession of social work and provides an overview of the professional knowledge, skills, and values necessary for generalist social work practice. An overview of the historical, philosophical, educational, and social dimensions of the social work profession. The origins, structure, and characteristics of the American social welfare system. Survey of the needs and problems people bring to social welfare agencies and patterns of societal responses. Special emphasis on rural areas.

220 Understanding Human Diversity and Oppressed Populations (3) Focuses on the dynamics and consequences of discrimination, economic deprivation and oppression on people of color, women, gay and lesbian persons. Other populations at risk are examined and distinguished by age, ethnicity, culture, class, and physical or mental ability. Exploration of personal and professional beliefs, values, roles and norms of culturally different clients and the use of culture in formulating appropriate intervention. (Same as WMST 220)

300 Social Welfare Policies and Services (3) Focuses on the identification of and relationship between social problems and social welfare policy. Emphasis is on social policy analysis using principles of social and economic justice as well as on intervention strategies at the local, state and national levels. Research, writing and oral presentations are required. Prereq: Approval for initial progression.

315 Social Work in Health Care (3) Provides special emphasis on the elderly. The role of the social worker relative to the patient and his/her family and to medical personnel, medical terminology, and crisis intervention. Prereq: Instructor’s approval.

320 Human Behavior and Social Environment I (3) Introduces a broad range of theories relating to human bio-psycho-social development through childhood. General systems theory used to provide a social work orientation to the understanding of human behavior in individuals, small groups, large groups, communities and formal organizations. Social and economic factors as well as sex/gender and race are considered as determinants of behavior. Prereq: Approval for initial progression; ZOOL 201 or 251; PSYC 110 or 120.

325 Social Work in Child Welfare (3) Focuses on child neglect and abuse, family treatment, foster care, adoptions and other family and children’s services. Prereq: Instructor’s approval

330 Human Behavior and Social Environment II (3) Continues the presentation of a model which analyzes the life-cycle and organizational functioning focusing on the period from early adolescence through very old age, as well as the effect on systems of diversity, oppression, and populations-at-risk. Emphasis is placed on the interactional processes involved in the socialization of the individual as a member of the family unit, social groups, organizations and communities. Prereq: SWRK 320.

335 Social Work in Mental Health (3) Focuses on mental retardation and mental health issues and appropriate interventions at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Prereq: Instructor’s approval.

340 Social Work Practice I (3) Presents a generalist approach to the basic principles and concepts of social work practice. Building on foundation knowledge, values and skills introduced in SWRK 200, an ecological-systems approach to problem solving is emphasized. Introduction of the general methods of social work interaction on micro-systems is the primary emphasis. Prereq: SWRK 320 and concurrent registration in SWRK 350.

345 Juvenile Justice: Social Problems and Legal Issues for Social Work and Criminal Justice (3) Focuses on the juvenile, the family, and the community as related to and interwoven with legal issues, practices and processes encountered by the social work and criminal justice professionals and their clients. (Same as CJ 370)

350 Social Work Practice Skills and Techniques (3) Offers a laboratory-like interaction which builds on the theoretical information presented in Social Work 340. Skills and processes of engagement, data collection, assessment, intervention, evaluation, and termination phases, in service delivery with a variety of systems are included. This course focuses on interviewing and recording techniques which can be applied to all levels of social work practice. Role play and videotaped scenarios assist in development of skills. Prereq: SWRK 320 and concurrent registration in SWRK 340.

375 Social Work in the School Setting (3) Provides understanding of the social worker's role in the interface between pupils, parents, schools, and communities. Focus on primary prevention and intervention in the school setting. Prereq: Instructor’s approval.

400 Social Work Practice II (3) Is the second of three courses providing the framework for generalist beginning social work practice and builds on the foundation provided in SWRK 340. Emphasis on mezzo-systems including family system. Also, an overview of group work, including a historical perspective and related group models. Focus on group formation, including assessment, composition, working agreement and stages of group development. Nondiscriminatory practice reinforced. Student participation in field experience is required. Prereq: SWRK 340 and approval for advanced progression.

410 Social Work Research and Evaluation (3) Introduces students to quantitative and qualitative methods of research used in social work. Emphasis will be placed on developing the student’s knowledge and ability to ethically use scientific inquiry as a tool for adding to the knowledge base of social work practice, evaluating one’s own practice, and evaluating social service programs. Prereq: Math 210 and approval for initial progression.

415 Social Work in Child Welfare II (3) This course is a preparatory course for certification as a child welfare worker. Specific knowledge, skills and values of the TN Department of Children's Services are presented Prereq: SWRK 325 and admission to the social work program. (NOTE: The Child Welfare II course should be taken the semester imediately prior to the students' final internship. The student can also take the Child Welfare II course during their final internship if this if this occurs in the Fall semester only. In the case of a fialed course, which delays the internship, the Child Welfare II course will be retaken in the form of an audited class to obtain a review of the material.)

425 Special Topics (1-3) Selected topics of current interest and importance. Prereq: Instructor's approval. Course may be repeated with differnt topics.

440 Social Work Practice III (3) Is the third of three courses providing the generalist method as a practice framework for beginning social work practice. Integration of knowledge, values and skills in problem solving, interpersonal helping, and intervention approaches with individuals, groups and communities. Primary emphasis on macro-systems. Ethical implications of practice examined in depth. Student participation in a 3 hour per week field experience is required. Prereq: SWRK 340 and approval for advanced progression.

455 Social Work Travel Study [Selected Topics] (1-3) A course designed as an educational travel experience in Social Work within the Unived States or internationally under the supervision of a university instructor. May be taught as an organized study-tour or as an independent travel and study project. Toics, prerequisites, and course requirements announced in advance. May be offered on a pass/fail basis. Students may repeat course with different topics. Not regularly offered. Requires instructor's approval.

460 Social Work Senior Seminar (2) Integration of social work professional foundation areas as defined by the Council on Social Work Education in a written case study. This course must be taken the semester prior to SWRK 490.

470 Social Work Field Instruction Preparation (1) A lab course designed primarily to prepare students for field instruction, professional employment and /or continued training. This course must be taken the semester prior to SWRK 490.

490 Social Work Field Instruction (12) Provides block placement for direct practice experience in a selected social work setting. Students’ activities supervised jointly by a designated agency employee in the work setting and by the Social Work Program Coordinator of Field Instruction or other designated social work faculty. Individual work with student interns and their supervisors is provided by periodic visits during the semester by faculty. Additional learning and preparation through regularly scheduled seminars. Field Education is designed, supervised, coordinated and evaluated based on criteria by which students demonstrate the achievement of program compentencies. Prereq: Completion of all other courses required for graduation and approval for full progression.

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