Social Work: Empowering Communities and Changing Lives

Course Description

"Social Work: Empowering Communities and Changing Lives" is an introductory-level course offered by AlaskaX that provides a comprehensive overview of the social work profession. This course delves into the core values, ethical standards, and diverse practice areas of social work, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to make a positive impact on individuals, families, and communities.

What Students Will Learn

  • The fundamental principles and core values of the social work profession
  • How to apply the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics in real-world scenarios
  • Understanding of various social work practice settings, including healthcare, child welfare, mental health, and substance abuse
  • The complexities of defining and addressing poverty
  • Different levels of social work practice: micro, mezzo, and macro
  • The role of social workers in promoting social justice and human well-being
  • How to navigate ethical dilemmas in social work practice
  • The importance of cultural competence and diversity in social work

Pre-requisites

While there are no strict prerequisites, it is recommended that learners complete SWK1x: Introduction to Social Work before enrolling in this course. A basic understanding of social issues and a passion for helping others will be beneficial.

Course Coverage

  • NASW Code of Ethics and its application in social work practice
  • Diversity of human needs and social services
  • Social policy and legislation affecting social work
  • Trauma-informed care and addressing racism and injustice
  • Health and wellness in social work practice
  • The impact of climate change on communities and social work responses
  • Systemic barriers and how to address them
  • Career opportunities in social work
  • Social work in various settings (healthcare, child welfare, mental health, etc.)
  • Poverty and its complexities
  • Military social work practice
  • Aging and disability services
  • Global social work practice

Who This Course Is For

  • Aspiring social workers looking to start their career
  • Students considering a degree in social work
  • Professionals in related fields seeking to understand social work principles
  • Anyone interested in making a positive impact on society and addressing social issues

Real-World Applications

  1. Pursuing a career in social work across different settings
  2. Advocating for social justice and policy changes
  3. Improving decision-making processes in human services organizations
  4. Providing trauma-informed care in healthcare or mental health settings
  5. Addressing poverty and its effects on communities
  6. Working with diverse populations and understanding their unique needs
  7. Developing and implementing social programs and interventions
  8. Collaborating with other professionals to address complex social issues

Syllabus

Week 1: Poverty & Child Welfare
Week 2: Health Care Systems
Week 3: Mental Health & Substance Abuse
Week 4: Military Social Work Practice
Week 5: Aging & People with Disabilities
Week 6: Social Work in a Global World

Conclusion

This course offers a unique opportunity to gain insights into the dynamic field of social work, equipping learners with the knowledge and skills needed to make a meaningful difference in people's lives. By exploring various practice areas and addressing critical social issues, students will be well-prepared to pursue a rewarding career in social work or apply these valuable insights to their current profession.