Full course description
In this course, you will learn the knowledge and skills essential to interpersonal practice (IP) while considering the community, organizational, and policy contexts in which social workers practice. Learners will explore how to perform various social work roles (i.e., counselor, group facilitator, mediator, broker, and advocate), recognizing that these roles must be based on the adherence to social work values and ethics. All phases of the IP treatment and prevention process (i.e., engagement, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation,and termination) will be presented with attention to how they are applied to work with individuals, families, and small groups. Using an evidence informed approach, learners will assess problems in clients' lives that relate to attributes of the client (e.g., age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability and spirituality), as well as situational and environmental factors relevant to the client's social functioning. Learners will understand patterns of functioning to assess strengths and limitations, and to plan, implement, and monitor change strategies.
The course is organized into eight modules that include information lectures, readings, resource videos, interviews with experts, and engaging activities to encourage reflection, growth, and action. We anticipate that it will take you approximately three or four hours to complete each of the modules.