Social Work/Law (MSW/JD)
Offered jointly with the Loyola University Chicago School of Law, this dual degree gives clinical skills and a broader understanding of the human concerns in legal interventions to practicing lawyers. Students in this program gain a psychological and social perspectives that come into play when representing and advocating for children, families, women, and the elderly.
Curriculum
MSW/JD Dual-Degree Program
The MSW/JD combines courses offered by the School of Law's JD program with courses offered by the School of Social Work's MSW program. In the School of Social Work, students are required to complete all foundation courses. In addition, advanced practice courses are taken according to specialization area and electives.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| JD Requirements | ||
| LAW 113 | Civil Procedure | 4 |
| LAW 122 | Constitutional Law | 4 |
| LAW 132 | Contracts | 4 |
| LAW 140 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| LAW 152 | Property | 4 |
| LAW 162 | Torts | 4 |
| LAW 190 | Legal Writing I | 2 |
| LAW 192 | Legal Writing II | 2 |
| LAW 410 | Legal Writing III | 2 |
| LAW 414 | Professional Responsibility | 3 |
| LAW 424 | Professional Identity Formation | 1 |
| LAW Perspective Elective | 2-3 | |
| LAW Electives | 38-40 | |
| LAW Experiential Learning Elective | 4 | |
| LAW Internship | 0 | |
| MSW Requirements | ||
| Generalist MSW Courses | ||
| Community Immersion Program (1-Week Community Immersion Program) | 0 | |
| 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 |
| SOWK 503 | Practice Skills with Individuals and Families | 3 |
| SOWK 504 | Integrated Micro/Mezzo/Macro Theory and Practice | 3 |
| 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 |
| SWFI 530 | Internship I & Simulated Experience | .5 |
| SWFI 531 | Internship II & Simulated Experience | .5 |
| SWFI 530S | Integrative Seminar | 1 |
| Specialized Courses | ||
| Courses Required of All Students | ||
| SOWK 680 | Advanced Micro-Level Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 681 | Advanced Mezzo & Macro Practice | 3 |
| SWFI 632 | Internship Instruction III & Simulated Experiences | 0.5 |
| SWFI 632S | Integrative Seminar | 1 |
| SWFI 633 | Internship Instruction IV & Simulated Experiences | 0.5 |
| Specializations & Tracks | 9 | |
| All students must choose a Specialization and Track. | ||
| Micro Practice Specialization | ||
| Schools/Professional Educator's License (PEL) Track | ||
| The Exceptional Child | ||
| School Social Work Policy and Practice I | ||
| School Social Work Policy and Practice II | ||
| Certified Alcohol and Other Drug Counselors (CADC) Track | ||
| Clinical Practice in Addiction | ||
| Substance Abuse Treatment in Groups | ||
| Introduction to Alcohol and Other Drug Disorders | ||
| Migration Studies Track | ||
| Immigration Dynamics and U.S. Social Policy | ||
| Social Work Practice with Refugees and Immigrants | ||
| Migration, Social Justice, and Human Rights | ||
| Advanced Clinical Practice Track | ||
3 Track Courses | ||
| See Course Options for the Advanced Clinical Track 1 | ||
| Leadership, Mezzo & Macro Practice (LMMP) Specialization | ||
| Leadership, Community, Advocacy, and Policy (LCAP) Track | ||
| Leadership & Supervision in Service Organizations | ||
| Organizations, Program Development, and Evaluation | ||
| Community Organizing and Policy Practice | ||
| Total Hours | 120-123 | |
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.
The following course templates offer a guide on how to complete all course requirements within four years:
Full-Time MSW/JD Student Template 4 Yr Program-Option 1 (Ideal Option for Dual Degree Students)
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| LAW 113 | Civil Procedure | 4 |
| LAW 152 | Property | 4 |
| LAW 162 | Torts | 4 |
| Fundamentals (taken as part of orientation) | 0 | |
| LAW 190 | Legal Writing I | 2 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| LAW 132 | Contracts | 4 |
| LAW 122 | Constitutional Law | 4 |
| LAW 140 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| Perspective Elective | 2-3 | |
| LAW 192 | Legal Writing II | 2 |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Summer | ||
| SOWK 502 | Power, Oppression, Privilege, and Social Justice | 3 |
| LAW Internship | 0 | |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| SOWK 500 | Life Span Development, Human Behavior, Trauma, & Theory | 3 |
| SOWK 503 | Practice Skills with Individuals and Families | 3 |
| LAW 410 | Legal Writing III | 2 |
| Select one of the following: | 2 | |
| Child, Family, and the State | ||
Elective 1 |
||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Evidence | ||
Elective 1 |
||
| SWFI 530 | Internship I & Simulated Experience | 0.5 |
| SWFI 530S | Integrative Seminar | 1 |
| Hours | 15.5 | |
| Spring | ||
| SWFI 531 | Internship II & Simulated Experience | 0.5 |
| SOWK 501 | Assessment of Client Concerns in Context | 3 |
| LAW Elective | 2-3 | |
| LAW 414 | Professional Responsibility | 3 |
| Domestic Violence or LAW Elective 1 | 3 | |
| LAW 602 | ChildLaw Trial Practice (Intensive) (course taken 1 week prior to spring term) | 3 |
| Hours | 14.5-15.5 | |
| Summer | ||
| SOWK 504 | Integrated Micro/Mezzo/Macro Theory and Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 506 | Research and Evaluation in Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 505 | Group Work Practice in Social Work: Micro/Mezzo/Macro | 3 |
| LAW Elective | 2 | |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| SWFI 630 | Field Instruction III & Simulated Experience | 1 |
| SWFI 630S | Integrative Seminar | 2 |
| SOWK 509 | Social Work Policy and Community Intervention | 3 |
| SOWK (based on specialization) | 3 | |
| LAW Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Spring | ||
| SWFI 631 | Field Instruction IV & Simulated Experience | 1 |
| SOWK 606 | Practicum in Research & Evaluation | 3 |
| LAW Elective | 3 | |
| Fellows Capstone Seminar 2 | 1 | |
| Hours | 8 | |
| Summer | ||
| LAW Internship | 0 | |
| Hours | 0 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Childlaw Clinic | ||
LAW Elective(s) 1 |
||
| SOWK (based on specialization) | 3 | |
| SOWK (based on specialization) | 3 | |
| LAW Elective | 3 | |
| LAW Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| LAW Elective(s) | 4 | |
| SOWK (based on specialization) | 3 | |
| SOWK (based on specialization) | 3 | |
| LAW Elective | 3 | |
| LAW Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Summer | ||
| Bar Exam | ||
| Hours | 0 | |
| Total Hours | 125-127 | |
- 1
Specified Course is required for Fellows and any elective for Non-Fellows
- 2
Required only for Fellows
- JD = 76-79 Credit Hr. Program (Plus 9 hrs. transfer in from MSW to equal 85-88 JD hours)
- MSW = 51 Credit Hr. Program (Plus 9 hrs. transfer in from JD to equal 60 MSW hours)
- 77 hours JD are required. An extra elective may be required for a student who falls within the range of 76 credits or less.
Note: Most of Years 3 & 4 can be flipped; student needs to meet with MSW & JD advisors before finalizing flipped schedule; SOWK 509 Social Work Policy and Community Intervention and Fellows Capstone must be taken as outlined
Full-Time MSW/JD Student Template 4 Yr Program-Option 2 (Ideal Option for Dual Degree Students)
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| LAW 113 | Civil Procedure | 4 |
| LAW 152 | Property | 4 |
| LAW 162 | Torts | 4 |
| Fundamentals (taken as part of orientation) | 0 | |
| LAW 190 | Legal Writing I | 2 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| LAW 132 | Contracts | 4 |
| LAW 122 | Constitutional Law | 4 |
| LAW 140 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| Perspective Elective | 2-3 | |
| LAW 192 | Legal Writing II | 2 |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Summer | ||
| LAW Internship | 0 | |
| Hours | 0 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| SOWK 500 | Life Span Development, Human Behavior, Trauma, & Theory | 3 |
| SOWK 503 | Practice Skills with Individuals and Families | 3 |
| LAW 410 | Legal Writing III | 2 |
| Select one of the following: | 2 | |
| Child, Family, and the State | ||
Elective 1 |
||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Evidence | ||
Elective 1 |
||
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| SWFI 530 | Internship I & Simulated Experience | 0.5 |
| SWFI 530S | Integrative Seminar | 1 |
| SOWK 501 | Assessment of Client Concerns in Context | 3 |
| SOWK 504 | Integrated Micro/Mezzo/Macro Theory and Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 502 | Power, Oppression, Privilege, and Social Justice | 3 |
| Domestic Violence or LAW Elective 1 | 3 | |
| LAW 602 | ChildLaw Trial Practice (Intensive) (course taken 1 week prior to spring term) | 3 |
| Hours | 16.5 | |
| Summer | ||
| SWFI 531 | Internship II & Simulated Experience | 0.5 |
| SOWK 505 | Group Work Practice in Social Work: Micro/Mezzo/Macro | 3 |
| SOWK 506 | Research and Evaluation in Social Work Practice | 3 |
| LAW Elective | 2 | |
| Hours | 8.5 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| SOWK (based on specialization) | 3 | |
| SOWK 509 | Social Work Policy and Community Intervention | 3 |
| LAW Elective | 3 | |
| LAW Elective | 3 | |
| LAW Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| SOWK (based on specialization) | 3 | |
| SOWK (based on specialization) | 3 | |
| LAW Elective | 2-3 | |
| LAW 414 | Professional Responsibility | 3 |
| Fellows Capstone Seminar 2 | 1 | |
| Hours | 12-13 | |
| Summer | ||
| LAW Internship | 0 | |
| Hours | 0 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Childlaw Clinic | ||
LAW Elective(s) 1 |
||
| SWFI 630 | Field Instruction III & Simulated Experience | 1 |
| SWFI 630S | Integrative Seminar | 2 |
| LAW Elective | 3 | |
| LAW Elective | 3 | |
| SOWK (based on specialization) | 3 | |
| Hours | 16 | |
| Spring | ||
| LAW Elective(s) | 4 | |
| SWFI 631 | Field Instruction IV & Simulated Experience | 1 |
| SOWK (based on specialization) | 3 | |
| SOWK 606 | Practicum in Research & Evaluation | 3 |
| LAW Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Summer | ||
| Bar Exam | ||
| Hours | 0 | |
| Total Hours | 125-127 | |
- 1
Specified Course is required for Fellows and any elective for Non-Fellows
- 2
Required only for Fellows
- JD = 76-79 Credit Hr. Program (Plus 9 hrs. transfer in from MSW to equal 85-88 JD hours)
- MSW = 51 Credit Hr. Program (Plus 9 hrs. transfer in from JD to equal 60 MSW hours)
- 77 hours JD are required. An extra elective may be required for a student who falls within the range of 76 credits or less.
Note: Most of Years 3 & 4 can be flipped; student needs to meet with MSW & JD advisors before finalizing flipped schedule; SOWK 509 Social Work Policy and Community Intervention and Fellows Capstone must be taken as outlined
Full-Time MSW/JD Student Template 4 Yr Program-Option 3 (Ideal Option for Dual Degree Students)
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | |
| LAW 113 | Civil Procedure | 4 |
| LAW 152 | Property | 4 |
| LAW 162 | Torts | 4 |
| Fundamentals (taken as part of orientation) | 0 | |
| LAW 190 | Legal Writing I | 2 |
| Hours | 14 | |
| Spring | ||
| LAW 132 | Contracts | 4 |
| LAW 122 | Constitutional Law | 4 |
| LAW 140 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| Perspective Elective | 2-3 | |
| LAW 192 | Legal Writing II | 2 |
| Hours | 15-16 | |
| Summer | ||
| SOWK 502 | Power, Oppression, Privilege, and Social Justice | 3 |
| LAW Internship | 0 | |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Fall | ||
| SOWK 500 | Life Span Development, Human Behavior, Trauma, & Theory | 3 |
| SOWK 503 | Practice Skills with Individuals and Families | 3 |
| LAW 410 | Legal Writing III | 2 |
| Select one of the following: | 2 | |
| Child, Family, and the State | ||
Elective 1 |
||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Evidence | ||
Elective 1 |
||
| LAW Elective | 2-3 | |
| Hours | 16-17 | |
| Spring | ||
| SWFI 530 | Internship I & Simulated Experience | 0.5 |
| SWFI 530S | Integrative Seminar | 1 |
| SOWK 501 | Assessment of Client Concerns in Context | 3 |
| SOWK 504 | Integrated Micro/Mezzo/Macro Theory and Practice | 3 |
| LAW 414 | Professional Responsibility | 3 |
| Domestic Violence or LAW Elective 1 | 3 | |
| LAW 602 | ChildLaw Trial Practice (Intensive) (course taken 1 week prior to spring term) | 3 |
| Hours | 16.5 | |
| Summer | ||
| SWFI 531 | Internship II & Simulated Experience | 0.5 |
| SOWK 506 | Research and Evaluation in Social Work Practice | 3 |
| SOWK 505 | Group Work Practice in Social Work: Micro/Mezzo/Macro | 3 |
| LAW Elective | 2 | |
| LAW Internship | 0 | |
| Hours | 8.5 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Fall | ||
| SWFI 630 | Field Instruction III & Simulated Experience | 1 |
| SWFI 630S | Integrative Seminar | 2 |
| SOWK 509 | Social Work Policy and Community Intervention | 3 |
| SOWK 606 | Practicum in Research & Evaluation | 3 |
| LAW Elective | 3 | |
| LAW Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| SWFI 631 | Field Instruction IV & Simulated Experience | 1 |
| SOWK (based on specialization) | 3 | |
| LAW Elective | 3 | |
| Fellows Capstone Seminar 2 | 1 | |
| LAW Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 11 | |
| Summer | ||
| LAW Internship | 0 | |
| Hours | 0 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Fall | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Childlaw Clinic | ||
LAW Elective(s) 1 |
||
| SOWK (based on specialization) | 3 | |
| SOWK (based on specialization) | 3 | |
| LAW Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Spring | ||
| LAW Elective(s) | 4 | |
| SOWK (based on specialization) | 3 | |
| SOWK (based on specialization) | 3 | |
| LAW Elective | 3 | |
| Hours | 13 | |
| Summer | ||
| Bar Exam | ||
| Hours | 0 | |
| Total Hours | 125-127 | |
- 1
Specified Course is required for Fellows and any elective for Non-Fellows
- 2
Required only for Fellows
- JD = 76-79 Credit Hr. Program (Plus 9 hrs. transfer in from MSW to equal 85-88 JD hours)
- MSW = 51 Credit Hr. Program (Plus 9 hrs. transfer in from JD to equal 60 MSW hours)
- 77 hours JD are required. An extra elective may be required for a student who falls within the range of 76 credits or less.
Note: Most of Years 3 & 4 can be flipped; student needs to meet with MSW & JD advisors before finalizing flipped schedule; SOWK 509 Social Work Policy and Community Intervention and Fellows Capstone must be taken as outlined.
Specializations & Tracks Options
The Social Work/Law (MSW/JD) program have the following specialization and track options:
- Leadership, Mezzo, and Macro Practice (LMMP) Specialization
- Micro Practice Specialization
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 supercede school policies.
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.
MSW Program 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.