Social Justice and Social Work (MA/MSW)
Recognizing that social work and social justice often inform one another and overlap in terms of content and philosophy, Loyola's School of Social Work (SSW) and Institute of Pastoral Studies (IPS) offer the MSW/MA in Social Justice.
This program is ideal for those who see a role for themselves in an organization that serves individuals and communities or advocates for social change. The MSW/MASJ stresses collaborative and community work at the mezzo and macro levels. As such, the MSW/MASJ seeks to create leaders for transformational organizations in local and global communities while also providing a solid theoretical basis for the work of change.
To learn more about the MSW/MASJ, please fill out our request for information form or attend an information session.
Curriculum
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
Social Justice MA Requirements | ||
Core Courses | ||
IPS 532 | Social Context of Ministry | 3 |
IPS 551 | Social Ethics in the Catholic Tradition | 3 |
IPS 610 | Foundations of Social Justice | 3 |
IPS 615 | Liberation Theology | 3 |
IPS 625 | Social Ethics: Politics and Global Economics | 3 |
IPS 635 | Community Organizing and Community Development 1 | 3 |
or SOWK 504 | Integrated Micro/Mezzo/Macro Theory and Practice | |
IPS 660 | Leadership in Social Justice Organizations 2 | 3 |
Electives | 6 | |
Contextual Education | ||
IPS 580 | Contextual Education I | 3 |
IPS 593 | Integration Project | 0 |
Social Work MSW Requirements | ||
SOWK 500 | Life Span Development, Human Behavior, Trauma, & Theory | 3 |
SOWK 501 | Assessment of Client Concerns in Context | 3 |
SOWK 502 | Power, Oppression, Privilege, and Social Justice 3 | 3 |
SOWK 503 | Practice Skills with Individuals and Families | 3 |
SOWK 504 | Integrated Micro/Mezzo/Macro Theory and Practice 4 | 3 |
or IPS 635 | Community Organizing and Community Development | |
SOWK 505 | Group Work Practice in Social Work: Micro/Mezzo/Macro | 3 |
SOWK 506 | Research and Evaluation in Social Work Practice | 3 |
SOWK 509 | Social Work Policy and Community Intervention | 3 |
SOWK 650 | Leadership & Supervision in Service Organizations | 3 |
SOWK 653 | Community Organizing and Policy Practice | 3 |
SOWK 680 | Advanced Micro-Level Practice | 3 |
SOWK 681 | Advanced Mezzo & Macro Practice | 3 |
SWII 530 | Internship I & Simulated Experience | 0.5 |
SWII 530S | Integrative Seminar | 1 |
SWII 531 | Internship II & Simulated Experience | 0.5 |
SWII 632 | Internship Instruction III & Simulated Experiences | 0.5 |
SWII 632S | Integrative Seminar | 1 |
SWII 633 | Internship Instruction IV & Simulated Experiences | 0.5 |
SOWK Elective | 3 | |
Total Hours | 70 |
- 1
SOWK 504 Integrated Micro/Mezzo/Macro Theory and Practice may be taken in lieu of this course. A student cannot take both SOWK 504 and IPS 635.
- 2
Fulfills SOWK 652 Organizations, Program Development, and Evaluation.
- 3
Fulfills IPS 620 Diversity and Equity.
- 4
IPS 635 Community Organizing and Community Development may be taken in lieu of this course. A student cannot take both SOWK 504 and IPS 635.
- 5
Must take with SWII 530 Internship I & Simulated Experience.
- 6
Must take with SWII 632S Integrative Seminar.
- 7
Subs for IPS 579 Contextual Education Introduction.
Suggested Sequence of Courses
The below sequence of courses is meant to be used as a suggested path for completing coursework. An individual student’s completion of requirements depends on course offerings in a given term as well as the start term for a major or graduate study. Students should consult their advisor for assistance with course selection.
Year 1 | ||
---|---|---|
Fall | Hours | |
IPS 610 | Foundations of Social Justice | 3 |
IPS 551 | Social Ethics in the Catholic Tradition | 3 |
SOWK 501 | Assessment of Client Concerns in Context | 3 |
SOWK 503 | Practice Skills with Individuals and Families | 3 |
Hours | 12 | |
Spring | ||
IPS 615 | Liberation Theology | 3 |
IPS 532 | Social Context of Ministry | 3 |
SOWK 500 | Life Span Development, Human Behavior, Trauma, & Theory | 3 |
SOWK 502 | Power, Oppression, Privilege, and Social Justice 1 | 3 |
Hours | 12 | |
Summer | ||
*optional to take a course here | ||
Hours | 0 | |
Year 2 | ||
Fall | ||
IPS 660 | Leadership in Social Justice Organizations 2 | 3 |
SOWK 505 | Group Work Practice in Social Work: Micro/Mezzo/Macro | 3 |
SOWK 506 | Research and Evaluation in Social Work Practice | 3 |
SWII 530 | Internship I & Simulated Experience | 0.5 |
SWII 530S | Integrative Seminar | 1 |
Hours | 10.5 | |
Spring | ||
IPS 635 or SOWK 504 |
Community Organizing and Community Development or Integrated Micro/Mezzo/Macro Theory and Practice |
3 |
IPS 625 | Social Ethics: Politics and Global Economics | 3 |
SOWK 509 | Social Work Policy and Community Intervention | 3 |
SOWK | SOWK Elective | 3 |
SWII 531 | Internship II & Simulated Experience | 0.5 |
Hours | 12.5 | |
Summer | ||
*optional to take a course here | ||
Hours | 0 | |
Year 3 | ||
Fall | ||
IPS | IPS Elective | 3 |
SOWK 680 | Advanced Micro-Level Practice | 3 |
SOWK 650 | Leadership & Supervision in Service Organizations | 3 |
SWII 632 | Internship Instruction III & Simulated Experiences | 0.5 |
SWII 632S | Integrative Seminar | 1 |
Hours | 10.5 | |
Spring | ||
IPS 580 | Contextual Education I | 3 |
IPS 593 | Integration Project | 0 |
IPS | General IPS Elective | 3 |
SOWK 653 | Community Organizing and Policy Practice | 3 |
SOWK 681 | Advanced Mezzo & Macro Practice | 3 |
SWII 633 | Internship Instruction IV & Simulated Experiences | 0.5 |
Hours | 12.5 | |
Total Hours | 70 |
- 1
Fulfills IPS 620 Diversity and Equity
- 2
Fulfills SOWK 652 Organizations, Program Development, and Evaluation
- 3
Must take with SWII 530S Integrative Seminar
- 4
Must take with SWII 632S Integrative Seminar
- 5
Subs for IPS 579 Contextual Education Introduction
IPS = Institute of Pastoral Studies
SOWK and SWII = School of Social Work
Students should plan to complete their second internship fall-spring to follow the correct sequence for Contextual Education.
Specialization & Track
This dual degree is only compatible with the Leadership, Mezzo, and Macro Practice (LMMP) Specialization with Leadership, Community, Advocacy, and Policy (LCAP) Track.
Dual Degree Programs
Students in dual degree programs are responsible for abiding by academic policies and graduation requirements of both academic units to which they are enrolled. It is strongly recommended that students schedule regular meetings with academic advisors from both units to ensure timely degree completion. Dual degree programs may have slightly different degree requirements from the standard for one or both of the degrees earned. Students should closely read through all degree requirements and ask for clarification as needed.
Graduate & Professional Standards and Regulations
Students in graduate and professional programs can find their Academic Policies in Graduate and Professional Academic Standards and Regulations under their school. Any additional University Policies supersede school policies.
Learning Outcomes
By completing this program, students will be able to demonstrate:
- An in-depth understanding of philosophical and theological approaches to justice with a special focus on the Catholic social tradition as these approaches address global, post-modern contexts. [MA]
- A greater awareness and understanding of competing forces at the heart of conflicts over justice in various contexts and one’s own location in relation to them. (poverty, culture, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, power, inequality, religion) [MA]
- A spiritual maturity that drives one to fully and productively engage in diverse contexts experiencing oppression, marginalization, deprivation and conflict. [MA]
- The primary skills of deep listening, dialogue, socio-cultural assessment and analysis, adaptive leadership, conflict transformation, relationship building, and have basic facility in the secondary skills of community organizing and development, advocacy for policy change, and practical knowledge for organizational management and social entrepreneurship. [MA]
- Substantive development of key business skills in their chosen areas of interest, including such areas as marketing, management, operation, and accounting. [MA]
- An understanding of how these business skills can be put to work critically and constructively to support the missions of social justice organizations. [MA]
- For MSW learning outcomes, see MSW competencies.
MSW Program Generalist Learning Outcomes
Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Social workers understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards, as well as relevant laws and regulations that may impact practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Social workers understand frameworks of ethical decision-making and how to apply principles of critical thinking to those frameworks in practice, research, and policy arenas. Social workers recognize personal values and the distinction between personal and professional values. They also understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions influence their professional judgment and behavior. Social workers understand the profession’s history, its mission, and the roles and responsibilities of the profession. Social Workers also understand the role of other professions when engaged in inter-professional teams. Social workers recognize the importance of life-long learning and are committed to continually updating their skills to ensure they are relevant and effective. Social workers also understand emerging forms of technology and the ethical use of technology in social work practice. Social workers:
- make ethical decisions by applying the standards of the NASW Code of Ethics, relevant laws and regulations, models for ethical decision-making, ethical conduct of research, and additional codes of ethics as appropriate to context;
- use reflection and self-regulation to manage personal values and maintain professionalism in practice situations;
- demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior; appearance; and oral, written, and electronic communication;
- use technology ethically and appropriately to facilitate practice outcomes; and
- use supervision and consultation to guide professional judgment and behavior.
Competency 2: Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
Social workers understand how diversity and difference characterize and shape the human experience and are critical to the formation of identity. The dimensions of diversity are understood as the intersectionality of multiple factors including but not limited to age, class, color, culture, disability and ability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, immigration status, marital status, political ideology, race, religion/spirituality, sex, sexual orientation, and tribal sovereign status. Social workers understand 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 also understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and recognize the extent to which a culture’s structures and values, including social, economic, political, and cultural exclusions, may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create privilege and power. Social workers:
- apply and communicate understanding of the importance of diversity and difference in shaping life experiences in practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels;
- present themselves as learners and engage clients and constituencies as experts of their own experiences; and
- apply self-awareness and self-regulation to manage the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse clients and constituencies.
Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
Social workers understand that every person regardless of position in society has fundamental human rights such as freedom, safety, privacy, an adequate standard of living, health care, and education. Social workers understand the global interconnections of oppression and human rights violations, and are knowledgeable about theories of human need and social justice and strategies to promote social and economic justice and human rights. Social workers understand strategies designed to eliminate oppressive structural barriers to ensure that social goods, rights, and responsibilities are distributed equitably and that civil, political, environmental, economic, social, and cultural human rights are protected. Social workers:
- apply their understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to advocate for human rights at the individual and system levels; and
- engage in practices that advance social, economic, and environmental justice.
Competency 4: Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice
Social workers understand quantitative and qualitative research methods and their respective roles in advancing a science of social work and in evaluating their practice. Social workers know the principles of logic, scientific inquiry, and culturally informed and ethical approaches to building knowledge. Social workers understand that evidence that informs practice derives from multi-disciplinary sources and multiple ways of knowing. They also understand the processes for translating research findings into effective practice. Social workers:
- use practice experience and theory to inform scientific inquiry and research;
- apply critical thinking to engage in analysis of quantitative and qualitative research methods and research findings; and
- use and translate research evidence to inform and improve practice, policy, and service delivery.
Competency 5: Engage in Police Practice
Social workers understand that human rights and social justice, as well as social welfare and services, are mediated by policy and its implementation at the federal, state, and local levels. Social workers understand 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 understand their role in policy development and implementation within their practice settings at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels and they actively engage in policy practice to effect change within those settings. Social workers recognize and understand the historical, social, cultural, economic, organizational, environmental, and global influences that affect social policy. They are also knowledgeable about policy formulation, analysis, implementation, and evaluation. Social workers:
- Identify social policy at the local, state, and federal level that impacts well-being, service delivery, and access to social services;
- assess how social welfare and economic policies impact the delivery of and access to social services;
- apply critical thinking to analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.
Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Social workers understand that engagement is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers value the importance of human relationships. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge to facilitate engagement with clients and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers understand strategies to engage diverse clients and constituencies to advance practice effectiveness. Social workers understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions may impact their ability to effectively engage with diverse clients and constituencies. Social workers value principles of relationship-building and inter-professional collaboration to facilitate engagement with clients, constituencies, and other professionals as appropriate. Social workers:
- apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks to engage with clients and constituencies; and
- use empathy, reflection, and interpersonal skills to effectively engage diverse clients and constituencies.
Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Social workers understand that assessment is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge in the assessment of diverse clients and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers understand methods of assessment with diverse clients and constituencies to advance practice effectiveness. Social workers recognize the implications of the larger practice context in the assessment process and value the importance of inter-professional collaboration in this process. Social workers understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions may affect their assessment and decision-making. Social workers:
- collect and organize data, and apply critical thinking to interpret information from clients and constituencies;
- apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the analysis of assessment data from clients and constituencies;
- develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objectives based on the critical assessment of strengths, needs, and challenges within clients and constituencies; and
- select appropriate intervention strategies based on the assessment, research knowledge, and values and preferences of clients and constituencies.
Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Social workers understand that intervention is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers are knowledgeable about evidence-informed interventions to achieve the goals of clients and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge to effectively intervene with clients and constituencies. Social workers understand methods of identifying, analyzing and implementing evidence-informed interventions to achieve client and constituency goals. Social workers value the importance of inter-professional teamwork and communication in interventions, recognizing that beneficial outcomes may require interdisciplinary, inter-professional, and inter-organizational collaboration. Social workers:
- critically choose and implement interventions to achieve practice goals and enhance capacities of clients and constituencies;
- apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in interventions with clients and constituencies;
- use inter-professional collaboration as appropriate to achieve beneficial practice outcomes;
- negotiate, mediate, and advocate with and on behalf of diverse clients and constituencies; and
- facilitate effective transitions and endings that advance mutually agreed-on goals.
Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Social workers understand that evaluation is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Social workers recognize the importance of evaluating processes and outcomes to advance practice, policy, and service delivery effectiveness. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge in evaluating outcomes. Social workers understand qualitative and quantitative methods for evaluating outcomes and practice effectiveness. Social workers:
- select and use appropriate methods for evaluation of outcomes;
- apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the evaluation of outcomes;
- critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate intervention and program processes and outcomes; and
- apply evaluation findings to improve practice effectiveness at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
MSW Program Specialized LMMP Learning Outcomes
Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Social workers understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards, as well as relevant laws and regulations that may impact practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Social workers understand frameworks of ethical decision-making and how to apply principles of critical thinking to those frameworks in practice, research, and policy arenas. Social workers recognize personal values and the distinction between personal and professional values. They also understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions influence their professional judgment and behavior. Social workers understand the profession’s history, its mission, and the roles and responsibilities of the profession. Social Workers also understand the role of other professions when engaged in inter-professional teams. Social workers recognize the importance of life-long learning and are committed to continually updating their skills to ensure they are relevant and effective. Social workers also understand emerging forms of technology and the ethical use of technology in social work practice. Social workers:
- Practice self-reflection and self-evaluation in working through competing personal and professional values.
- Apply and anti-racist and anti-oppressive framework to macro practice decision-making, considering NASW and IFSW ethical codes, research and practice-based knowledge, and applicable legal and policy information.
- Promote policies for organizational, community, and policy change that reflect social work values and challenge inequities.
- Demonstrate an understanding of social work supervision as an accountability mechanism in supporting ethical and professional social work practice.
- Identify discrimination and marginalization and prioritize the voices of affected populations.
Competency 2: Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
Social workers understand how diversity and difference characterize and shape the human experience and are critical to the formation of identity. The dimensions of diversity are understood as the intersectionality of multiple factors including but not limited to age, class, color, culture, disability and ability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, immigration status, marital status, political ideology, race, religion/spirituality, sex, sexual orientation, and tribal sovereign status. Social workers understand 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 also understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and recognize the extent to which a culture’s structures and values, including social, economic, political, and cultural exclusions, may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create privilege and power. Social workers:
- Demonstrate proficiency in choosing and using a variety of communication styles to engage with people of various political ideologies, religious and cultural backgrounds, and points of view.
- Create engagement strategies that are inclusive and consider systems of power and intersectional identities, including areas of racism, sexism, nativism, etc.
- Recognize the discrepancies that may arise between respecting cultural differences of clients and constituencies and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- Develop leadership and other teams that reflect the diversity of the communities in which they work.
Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
Social workers understand that every person regardless of position in society has fundamental human rights such as freedom, safety, privacy, an adequate standard of living, health care, and education. Social workers understand the global interconnections of oppression and human rights violations and are knowledgeable about theories of human need and social justice and strategies to promote social and economic justice and human rights. Social workers understand strategies designed to eliminate oppressive structural barriers to ensure that social goods, rights, and responsibilities are distributed equitably, and that civil, political, environmental, economic, social, and cultural human rights are protected. Social workers:
- Integrate knowledge of international human rights conventions and covenants, as well as human rights theories and frameworks, into practice that addresses social, economic, and environmental justice.
- Critically examine the political process to participate in organizational, community, and policy change addressing human rights and social justice
- Identify human rights and justice issues of clients and constituents.
- Develop strategies to address human rights and justice issues and to evaluate outcomes with key stakeholders.
Competency 4: Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
Social workers understand quantitative and qualitative research methods and their respective roles in advancing a science of social work and in evaluating their practice. Social workers know the principles of logic, scientific inquiry, and culturally informed and ethical approaches to building knowledge. Social workers understand that evidence that informs practice derives from multi-disciplinary sources and multiple ways of knowing. They also understand the processes for translating research findings into effective practice. Social workers:
- Critically analyzes research results on best practices in management and supervision from a variety of disciplines.
- Develop research questions with input from stakeholders and analysis of how the research process may impact, both positively and negatively, clients, programs, organizations, communities, and/or policies. Intentionally include the voices and experiences of those most affected by any type of inequality into the research process
- Critically analyze research findings and practice models to inform practice at all levels of macro practice, including teams, organizations, community, and policy
- Identify possible barriers and resistance to the conduct and dissemination of research, as well as any ethical, political, and other dilemmas that may arise.
Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice
Social workers understand that human rights and social justice, as well as social welfare and services, are mediated by policy and its implementation at the federal, state, and local levels. Social workers understand 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 understand their role in policy development and implementation within their practice settings at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels and they actively engage in policy practice to effect change within those settings. Social workers recognize and understand the historical, social, cultural, economic, organizational, environmental, and global influences that affect social policy. They are also knowledgeable about policy formulation, analysis, implementation, and evaluation. Social workers:
- Communicate to stakeholders and policymakers the implications of policies and policy change in the lives of clients.
- Conduct and design a plan of organizational analysis and change, working with relevant constituencies, to evaluate interventions that impact clients and communities utilizing best practice models reflecting social work values, ethics, and the mission of the organization.
- Collect, maintain, interpret, and analyze data from both internal and external organizational environments, the community of stakeholders and diverse client groups to identify and prioritize social problems.
- Recognize how oppression and social injustice affects client groups, organizations and communities and being proactive in intervening.
for human rights and justice.
- Understand strategies and techniques for advocating at local, state, and federal levels in policy development.
Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Social workers understand that engagement is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers value the importance of human relationships. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge to facilitate engagement with clients and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers understand strategies to engage diverse clients and constituencies to advance practice effectiveness. Social workers understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions may impact their ability to effectively engage with diverse clients and constituencies. Social workers value principles of relationship-building and inter-professional collaboration to facilitate engagement with clients, constituencies, and other professionals as appropriate. Social workers:
- Demonstrate ability to identify a comprehensive range of stakeholders in the relevant practice setting: organization, community, and/or policy.
- Demonstrate self-awareness and professional behavior in engaging with individuals, teams, community groups and organizations.
- Demonstrate verbal, written, and digital skills to engage multiple, diverse constituencies.
- Understand and demonstrate effective group and team facilitation and mediation process skills that facilitate engagement and collaboration.
- Define and recognize their own and others’ leadership skills to effectively promote stakeholder engagement and change.
Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Social workers understand that assessment is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge in the assessment of diverse clients and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers understand methods of assessment with diverse clients and constituencies to advance practice effectiveness. Social workers recognize the implications of the larger practice context in the assessment process and value the importance of inter-professional collaboration in this process. Social workers understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions may affect their assessment and decision-making. Social workers:
- Analyze power distributions to identify influential decision-makers, whether formal or informal, among individuals, teams, organizations, communities, and other institutional entities
- Identify and create mezzo and macro interventions based on an assessment and analysis of assets, needs, benefits, service gaps, rights, and power and resource distributions.
- Demonstrate ability to collaborate with stakeholders throughout the assessment process.
- Analyze collected data and communicate summaries of the data in written and oral form as appropriate.
- Present options for intervention based on data-informed assessments.
- Articulate the benefits and drawbacks of various metrics, analytical methods and tools, and data sources (primary & secondary, quantitative & qualitative)
Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Social workers understand that intervention is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers are knowledgeable about evidence-informed interventions to achieve the goals of clients and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge to effectively intervene with clients and constituencies. Social workers understand methods of identifying, analyzing and implementing evidence-informed interventions to achieve client and constituency goals. Social workers value the importance of inter-professional teamwork and communication in interventions, recognizing that beneficial outcomes may require interdisciplinary, inter-professional, and inter-organizational collaboration. Social workers:
- Articulates ethically sound, social work value-centered supervision strategies for employees, including performance reviews and corrective action plans.
- Engage with stakeholders in the identification of issues and policies that impact individual well-being and the communities and organizations that support them.
- Mobilize constituents to participate and lead in issue analysis and formulation of corresponding advocacy agendas with effective strategies and tactics to advance meaningful change for social justice, equity, and inclusion.
- Participate in coalitions, networks, professional associations, and community based organizing efforts to leverage political capital to challenge unjust structures of power and effect positive change.
- Formulate and persuasively communicate cogent arguments through effective written and oral formats that reach diverse audiences and utilize varied platforms.
Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Social workers understand that evaluation is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Social workers recognize the importance of evaluating processes and outcomes to advance practice, policy, and service delivery effectiveness. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge in evaluating outcomes. Social workers understand qualitative and quantitative methods for evaluating outcomes and practice effectiveness. Social workers:
- Demonstrate ethical knowledge and awareness of evaluation guidelines that can be employed in assessment of practice and ensure confidentiality of engaged participants.
- Comprehend evaluation norms, benchmarks and guidelines as approved by NASW and CSWE that allow accurate and impartial assessments at all levels of social work practice.
- Illustrate comprehensive knowledge of human rights-based understanding of evaluation design, methods, approaches, and analysis that can be applied in simple to complex settings within social work mezzo and macro policy and organizational environments.
- Distinguish, explain, and apply various types of theories of change and logic models to understand systems thinking to identify and facilitate growth-oriented evaluative mindsets among all stakeholders.