5 credits
This course is designed to develop the basic practice skills necessary for BSW students to begin professional social work practice. Students in the course receive an overview of the knowledge, skills, values, and ethics that a generalist social worker must possess to work effectively with a client. Concepts underlying social work practice, such as the helping process—intake and assessment; basic interviewing skills for the beginning social work professional; engagement; and best practices—are addressed. The practice content to be explored includes understanding self-awareness and confidentiality. While the major emphasis of the course is on basic interviewing skills, a strengths perspective within a systems framework is incorporated in the course.