Academics
Areas of Study

Overview

A fully online graduate degree for the Master of Social Work program has been approved by the Council on Social Work (CSWE) and is in the process of being implemented. The currently implemented curriculum remains face-to-face.

The master of social work program at Gallaudet University prepares students for advanced social work practice with deaf and hard-of-hearing populations. Graduates possess the knowledge and skills to enter the profession as practitioners in various settings, such as schools, health care agencies, family and child welfare agencies, mental health settings, disability organizations, corrections agencies, organizations that provide services to senior citizens, etc. Graduates possess knowledge and skills in areas of direct generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Graduates may practice in areas such as policy, research, program development, and agency and community work.

The MSW program consists of 61 credit hours of program study. The foundation curriculum consists of courses in eight core curriculum areas: human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy and services, social work practice, research, field education, values and ethics, diversity, and populations at risk, including social and economic justice. Foundation students attend a concurrent field practicum with courses, entering the field of practice for two eight-hour days a week at an internship site. Students complete the first year of study with approximately 500 hours of field practicum experience in addition to course and lab credit.

The advanced curriculum concentration courses consist of advanced content in all of the curriculum areas. Graduates expand and deepen knowledge and skills acquired during the foundation year and develop special knowledge and skills needed for practice with deaf and hard-of-hearing populations.  During the spring semester, students are placed in settings that require advanced social work practice skills. Students work at their internship sites for four eight-hour days, totaling thirty-two hours per week or 512 hours for the semester in addition to two online courses. At the completion of the second year of study, students graduate with 17 credits of field practicum (approximately 1012 hours of field practicum) and 44 course credits.

MSW students must achieve an ASLPI rating of 2 by the end of their foundation curriculum, prior to admission into the concentration curriculum. Students are responsible for scheduling their ASLPI evaluations by appointment with the ASLPI Center Center early in the fall semester of their first year in the program. 

Students not reaching the ASLPI rating of 2 in the fall semester must meet with their advisors to develop a plan of activities (ASL classes and interaction activities), which will facilitate skill and rating advancement. It is the student’s responsibility to register for these classes and activities, and to schedule subsequent ASLPI evaluations until the required rating is achieved. A rating of 2+ is required for graduation. Students not achieving the ASLPI rating of 2+ are required to provide a portfolio of documentation which would include the ASLPI or SCPI proficiency level(s) obtained and three letters of recommendation from individuals (internship supervisor, academic advisor, or others), along with everything else the students have done to improve their skills. Then the Social Work Department will make a decision based on that information, the student progress in the M.S.W. program, and the population and setting in which the student aims to work.

Courses & Requirements

The master of social work program at Gallaudet University prepares students for advanced social work practice with deaf and hard-of-hearing populations. Graduates possess the knowledge and skills to enter the profession as practitioners in various settings, such as schools, health care agencies, family and child welfare agencies, mental health settings, disability organizations, corrections agencies, organizations that provide services to senior citizens, etc. Graduates possess knowledge and skills in areas of direct generalist practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Graduates may practice in areas such as policy, research, program development, and agency and community work.

The MSW program consists of 61 credit hours of online program study. The foundation curriculum consists of courses in eight core curriculum areas: human behavior and the social environment, social welfare policy and services, social work practice, research, field education, values and ethics, diversity, and populations at risk, including social and economic justice. Foundation students attend a concurrent field practicum with courses, entering the field of practice for two eight-hour days a week at an internship site. Students complete the first year of study with approximately 500 hours of field practicum experience in addition to course and lab credit.

The advanced curriculum concentration courses consist of advanced content in all of the curriculum areas. Graduates expand and deepen knowledge and skills acquired during the foundation year and develop special knowledge and skills needed for practice with deaf and hard-of-hearing populations.  During the spring semester, students are placed in settings that require advanced social work practice skills. Students work at their internship sites for four eight-hour days, totaling thirty-two hours per week or 512 hours for the semester in addition to two online courses. At the completion of the second year of study, students graduate with 17 credits of field practicum (approximately 1012 hours of field practicum) and 44 course credits.

MSW students must achieve an ASLPI rating of 2 by the end of their foundation curriculum, prior to admission into the concentration curriculum. Students are responsible for scheduling their ASLPI evaluations by appointment with the ASLPI Center Center early in the fall semester of their first year in the program. 

Students not reaching the ASLPI rating of 2 in the fall semester must meet with their advisors to develop a plan of activities (ASL classes and interaction activities), which will facilitate skill and rating advancement. It is the student’s responsibility to register for these classes and activities, and to schedule subsequent ASLPI evaluations until the required rating is achieved. A rating of 2+ is required for graduation. Students not achieving the ASLPI rating of 2+ are required to provide a portfolio of documentation which would include the ASLPI or SCPI proficiency level(s) obtained and three letters of recommendation from individuals (internship supervisor, academic advisor, or others), along with everything else the students have done to improve their skills. Then the Social Work Department will make a decision based on that information, the student progress in the M.S.W. program, and the population and setting in which the student aims to work.

Summary of Requirements

*An elective course (3) may be taken any semester of the program.

 

Semester I – Fall (16 Credits)

This foundation course affirms the central focus of social work practice as the person or human group in interaction with the social environment. Its purpose -- to understand the problematic transactions between people and their environments; its goal -- to use this understanding to restore and enhance mutually beneficial transactions between people and society through reciprocal tasks and adaptations. Concepts of biopsychosocial development across the life span will be presented. The family will be considered as an open system with functions that shift at stages of transitions.

Credits: 3
Requisites:

Prerequisite: Graduate level standing.

Distribution: Graduate, Masters

This foundation course is an introduction to the understanding and appraisal of social services and social policies in the United States. The social values and economic and political factors which guide their development will be discussed. Attention is given to the role of social work in evaluating and changing policies.

Credits: 3
Distribution: Graduate, Masters

This course is the first Foundation Year practice course given during the first semester of the MSW program. The course focuses on knowledge, values and skill development in social work practice with individuals with an opportunity to develop interviewing skills. The generalist social work model of practice is introduced, which includes engagement, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, termination, and follow up. Particular attention is placed on social work ethics, diverse populations and populations at risk.

Credits: 3
Requisites:

Co-requisite: SWK 771

Distribution: Graduate, Masters

This three-credit course is a required part of the foundation curriculum that provides social work students with generalist skills needed in the social work profession. This course provides students with an understanding of qualitative research design and evaluation procedures, focusing on concepts and skills required to evaluate practice and program effectiveness. Students evaluate alternative designs or models for research and evaluation, including in-depth interviews, focus groups, visual media comparisons, observational studies, and archival/document designs. Students learn to analyze qualitative data by applying appropriate content coding techniques. In addition, they learn to interpret the results, critically analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the research designs, and reflect upon how the results can be used for future research or practice.

Credits: 3
Distribution: Graduate, Masters

Foundation Field Practicum I comprises a semester-long, 16 - 20 hour-per-week, supervised experience in a social service agency or school and a bi-weekly seminar class. Under the guidance of experienced MSW social work internship supervisors, students do initial and ongoing assessments, plan and implement interventions designed to bring about personal growth, empower clients and client systems, and promote social change. Additionally they are expected to understand organizational structure, the specifics of service delivery in their setting and community services available to their client populations. The bi-weekly class sessions are designed to help students integrate the field experience with theory application and practice interventions with peers in a small group environment. Students are required to complete 250 hours in the field practicum setting before the end of the semester.

Credits: 4
Requisites:

Co-requisite: SWK 741

Distribution: Graduate, Masters

Semester II – Spring (15 Credits)

This course examines the behaviors, functions, and structure of groups, communities, and organizations. Students are introduced to theories that explain interactions within and between each of these larger systems. Students are also given an opportunity to apply many of the theoretical concepts used to explain the behaviors of individuals and families learned in the first semester Human behavior course, to behaviors exhibited by larger systems (groups, communities, and organizations). The course also addresses issues related to equitable distribution of goods and services that may be encountered by macro systems.

Credits: 3
Requisites:

Prerequisite: SWK 705.

Distribution: Graduate, Masters

This is the second foundation course in the sequence of social work practice courses. It focuses on the knowledge, values, and skills required for effective intervention with larger systems of organizations and communities. It builds upon knowledge of interventions with individuals and groups to develop foundation skills such as advocating for clients within complex systems, building coalitions, negotiating with diverse groups, assessing community needs, program evaluation, development, management, proposal writing, understanding budgets, and supervision.

Credits: 3
Requisites:

Prerequisite: SWK 741.

Distribution: Graduate, Masters

This course is a foundation year social work practice course which focuses on the development of social work knowledge, values and skill in work with families and small groups. Students learn how to formulate assessments, develop goals and intervention strategies in work with families and small groups. This course introduces students to a variety of theoretical approaches that can be applied to diverse families and groups including those who are vulnerable or at risk.

Credits: 2
Distribution: Graduate, Masters

This three-credit course is a required part of the foundation curriculum that provides social work students with generalist skills needed in the social work profession. This course provides students with an understanding of quantitative research design and evaluation procedures, focusing on concepts and skills required to evaluate practice and program effectiveness. Students evaluate alternative designs or models for research and evaluation, including group and single-system designs. Students learn to analyze quantitative data by applying appropriate statistical tests. In addition, they learn to interpret the results, critically analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the research designs, and reflect upon how the results can be used for future research or practice.

Credits: 3
Distribution: Graduate, Masters

This course follows successful completion of SWK 771. Students return to their agencies a week prior to the start of classes for 16-20 hours a week. Understanding of generalist social work theory and the development of intervention skills are expanded during this semester. Students refine and deepen the goals of their learning contract, as well as the skills of assessment and intervention with clients and client systems. Students are required to complete 250 hours in the field practicum setting before the end of the semester.

Credits: 4
Requisites:

Prerequisite: SWK 771. Co-requisite: SWK 742.

Distribution: Graduate, Masters

Note: Advanced standing students must take one 3 credit elective in the concentration year.

Semester III – Fall (12 Credits)

This required course examines dysfunctional behavior in the context of developmental and environmental stresses. Ego psychology as a personality theory is considered as a means to understanding the development of adaptive and maladaptive ego functioning. This course surveys the varied manifestations of adult psychopathology including psychotic disorders, personality disorders, adjustment disorders, affective disorders, eating disorders and addiction.

Credits: 3
Requisites:

Prerequisites: SWK 705, 706, 741, and 742

Distribution: Graduate, Masters

This concentration course, taken in the second year, focuses on human behavior and the social environment of deaf and hard of hearing populations. The course looks at the complex interplay of psychosocial, system, and ecological forces in the life cycle development of individuals who experience deafness. The course explores forces of oppression and political and economic influences that impact the behavior, adaptation, and functioning of deaf and hard of hearing people.

Credits: 3
Requisites:

Prerequisites: SWK 705 and SWK 706

Distribution: Graduate, Masters

This practice course is taken in the concentration (second year) of the Masters degree program focusing on advanced social work practice with deaf and hard of hearing individuals, couples and families. The course emphasizes the development of culturally sensitive application of strategies and interventions in social work practice. Theoretical models of practice such as family systems theory, ego psychology and brief solution therapy will be applied to deaf and hard of hearing populations. The course deepens and broadens the development of approaches to address ethical dilemmas in practice within Deaf communities.

Credits: 3
Requisites:

Co-requisite: SWK 713

Distribution: Graduate, Masters

This is the second concentration practice course with a focus on specialized knowledge and skills needed to work with organizations and communities of which deaf and hard of hearing people are a part. Building on the foundation year principles of intervention with organizations and communities, this course prepares students for macro practice with a diverse population of deaf and hard of hearing people in communities and organizations. Using an empowerment framework, this course focuses on the processes of empowerment of deaf and hard of hearing populations, and interventions that increase their access to political and social processes in communities and organizations. The course addresses ethical issues presented in practice with deaf communities, such as accessibility, communication and language choices, power, oppression and related cultural factors. Topics include grassroots organizing, planning, grant writing and fund raising, administration, social action, needs assessment methodology and program evaluation skills. Empowerment theory, group theory and the strengths perspective are applied in work with deaf and hard of hearing populations.

Credits: 3
Requisites:

Co-requisite: SWK 751

Distribution: Graduate, Masters

Semester IV – Spring (15 Credits)

This online course is designed for students who are preparing for Service Providers and careers working with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Based upon the World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), this course explores the biopsychosocial implications of both congenital and acquired hearing differences and their possible impacts on communication, education, participation, and quality of life. A special emphasis is placed on the diversity of communication needs and choices among deaf and hard of hearing people. Areas examined include interprofessional practice among counselors and audiologists, sound and hearing, the anatomy and physiology of the hearing mechanism, etiologies of hearing difference, hearing measurement, audiometric interpretation, auditory (re)habilitation, and multisensory communication technologies including hearing aids, cochlear implants, group listening systems, telecommunication devices, captioning and alerting systems. Practical applications of these topics for service providers and professionals are emphasized.

Credits: 3
Distribution: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course presents specialized content about social welfare policies affecting deaf and hard of hearing people and people with disabilities. These policies are discussed within the framework of analysis and evaluation to determine future directions for policy. The impact of the service delivery, funding, and organizational systems on the implementation of policy will be considered. The course will look at policies for people who are deaf-blind, developmentally disabled, and chronically mentally ill.

Credits: 3
Requisites:

Prerequisite: SWK 711.

Distribution: Graduate, Masters

Students in advanced year have a full block placement in the spring semester while taking two additional online courses. During the semester, students are placed in internship settings that require advanced social work practice skills. Students work at their practicum sites for four eight hours days totaling thirty-two hours per week, or 512 hours for the semester. The field practicum is an agency or school carefully selected to promote learning in the concentration focus of deaf and hard of hearing populations. An experienced MSW field instructor supervises the student in practicum. The goal of the practicum is for students to deepen their knowledge and skills in social work practice, particularly with deaf and hard of hearing populations. The practicum serves as a vehicle for students to integrate knowledge, skills, ethical and professional values, culturally competent practice approaches, and ongoing assessment of the effectiveness of each social work intervention.

Credits: 9
Requisites:

Prerequisites: SWK 771 and SWK 772

Distribution: Graduate, Masters

*An elective course (3) may be taken any semester of the program

Semester I – Fall (9 Credits)

This foundation course affirms the central focus of social work practice as the person or human group in interaction with the social environment. Its purpose -- to understand the problematic transactions between people and their environments; its goal -- to use this understanding to restore and enhance mutually beneficial transactions between people and society through reciprocal tasks and adaptations. Concepts of biopsychosocial development across the life span will be presented. The family will be considered as an open system with functions that shift at stages of transitions.

Credits: 3
Requisites:

Prerequisite: Graduate level standing.

Distribution: Graduate, Masters

This foundation course is an introduction to the understanding and appraisal of social services and social policies in the United States. The social values and economic and political factors which guide their development will be discussed. Attention is given to the role of social work in evaluating and changing policies.

Credits: 3
Distribution: Graduate, Masters

This three-credit course is a required part of the foundation curriculum that provides social work students with generalist skills needed in the social work profession. This course provides students with an understanding of qualitative research design and evaluation procedures, focusing on concepts and skills required to evaluate practice and program effectiveness. Students evaluate alternative designs or models for research and evaluation, including in-depth interviews, focus groups, visual media comparisons, observational studies, and archival/document designs. Students learn to analyze qualitative data by applying appropriate content coding techniques. In addition, they learn to interpret the results, critically analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the research designs, and reflect upon how the results can be used for future research or practice.

Credits: 3
Distribution: Graduate, Masters

Semester II – Spring (9 Credits)

This online course is designed for students who are preparing for Service Providers and careers working with individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Based upon the World Health Organization International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF), this course explores the biopsychosocial implications of both congenital and acquired hearing differences and their possible impacts on communication, education, participation, and quality of life. A special emphasis is placed on the diversity of communication needs and choices among deaf and hard of hearing people. Areas examined include interprofessional practice among counselors and audiologists, sound and hearing, the anatomy and physiology of the hearing mechanism, etiologies of hearing difference, hearing measurement, audiometric interpretation, auditory (re)habilitation, and multisensory communication technologies including hearing aids, cochlear implants, group listening systems, telecommunication devices, captioning and alerting systems. Practical applications of these topics for service providers and professionals are emphasized.

Credits: 3
Distribution: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course examines the behaviors, functions, and structure of groups, communities, and organizations. Students are introduced to theories that explain interactions within and between each of these larger systems. Students are also given an opportunity to apply many of the theoretical concepts used to explain the behaviors of individuals and families learned in the first semester Human behavior course, to behaviors exhibited by larger systems (groups, communities, and organizations). The course also addresses issues related to equitable distribution of goods and services that may be encountered by macro systems.

Credits: 3
Requisites:

Prerequisite: SWK 705.

Distribution: Graduate, Masters

This three-credit course is a required part of the foundation curriculum that provides social work students with generalist skills needed in the social work profession. This course provides students with an understanding of quantitative research design and evaluation procedures, focusing on concepts and skills required to evaluate practice and program effectiveness. Students evaluate alternative designs or models for research and evaluation, including group and single-system designs. Students learn to analyze quantitative data by applying appropriate statistical tests. In addition, they learn to interpret the results, critically analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the research designs, and reflect upon how the results can be used for future research or practice.

Credits: 3
Distribution: Graduate, Masters

Semester III – Fall (8-10 Credits)

This course is the first Foundation Year practice course given during the first semester of the MSW program. The course focuses on knowledge, values and skill development in social work practice with individuals with an opportunity to develop interviewing skills. The generalist social work model of practice is introduced, which includes engagement, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, termination, and follow up. Particular attention is placed on social work ethics, diverse populations and populations at risk.

Credits: 3
Requisites:

Co-requisite: SWK 771

Distribution: Graduate, Masters

Foundation Field Practicum I comprises a semester-long, 16 - 20 hour-per-week, supervised experience in a social service agency or school and a bi-weekly seminar class. Under the guidance of experienced MSW social work internship supervisors, students do initial and ongoing assessments, plan and implement interventions designed to bring about personal growth, empower clients and client systems, and promote social change. Additionally they are expected to understand organizational structure, the specifics of service delivery in their setting and community services available to their client populations. The bi-weekly class sessions are designed to help students integrate the field experience with theory application and practice interventions with peers in a small group environment. Students are required to complete 250 hours in the field practicum setting before the end of the semester.

Credits: 4
Requisites:

Co-requisite: SWK 741

Distribution: Graduate, Masters

Semester IV – Spring (9 Credits)

This is the second foundation course in the sequence of social work practice courses. It focuses on the knowledge, values, and skills required for effective intervention with larger systems of organizations and communities. It builds upon knowledge of interventions with individuals and groups to develop foundation skills such as advocating for clients within complex systems, building coalitions, negotiating with diverse groups, assessing community needs, program evaluation, development, management, proposal writing, understanding budgets, and supervision.

Credits: 3
Requisites:

Prerequisite: SWK 741.

Distribution: Graduate, Masters

This course is a foundation year social work practice course which focuses on the development of social work knowledge, values and skill in work with families and small groups. Students learn how to formulate assessments, develop goals and intervention strategies in work with families and small groups. This course introduces students to a variety of theoretical approaches that can be applied to diverse families and groups including those who are vulnerable or at risk.

Credits: 2
Distribution: Graduate, Masters

This course follows successful completion of SWK 771. Students return to their agencies a week prior to the start of classes for 16-20 hours a week. Understanding of generalist social work theory and the development of intervention skills are expanded during this semester. Students refine and deepen the goals of their learning contract, as well as the skills of assessment and intervention with clients and client systems. Students are required to complete 250 hours in the field practicum setting before the end of the semester.

Credits: 4
Requisites:

Prerequisite: SWK 771. Co-requisite: SWK 742.

Distribution: Graduate, Masters

Semester V – Fall (12 Credits)

This required course examines dysfunctional behavior in the context of developmental and environmental stresses. Ego psychology as a personality theory is considered as a means to understanding the development of adaptive and maladaptive ego functioning. This course surveys the varied manifestations of adult psychopathology including psychotic disorders, personality disorders, adjustment disorders, affective disorders, eating disorders and addiction.

Credits: 3
Requisites:

Prerequisites: SWK 705, 706, 741, and 742

Distribution: Graduate, Masters

This concentration course, taken in the second year, focuses on human behavior and the social environment of deaf and hard of hearing populations. The course looks at the complex interplay of psychosocial, system, and ecological forces in the life cycle development of individuals who experience deafness. The course explores forces of oppression and political and economic influences that impact the behavior, adaptation, and functioning of deaf and hard of hearing people.

Credits: 3
Requisites:

Prerequisites: SWK 705 and SWK 706

Distribution: Graduate, Masters

This practice course is taken in the concentration (second year) of the Masters degree program focusing on advanced social work practice with deaf and hard of hearing individuals, couples and families. The course emphasizes the development of culturally sensitive application of strategies and interventions in social work practice. Theoretical models of practice such as family systems theory, ego psychology and brief solution therapy will be applied to deaf and hard of hearing populations. The course deepens and broadens the development of approaches to address ethical dilemmas in practice within Deaf communities.

Credits: 3
Requisites:

Co-requisite: SWK 713

Distribution: Graduate, Masters

This is the second concentration practice course with a focus on specialized knowledge and skills needed to work with organizations and communities of which deaf and hard of hearing people are a part. Building on the foundation year principles of intervention with organizations and communities, this course prepares students for macro practice with a diverse population of deaf and hard of hearing people in communities and organizations. Using an empowerment framework, this course focuses on the processes of empowerment of deaf and hard of hearing populations, and interventions that increase their access to political and social processes in communities and organizations. The course addresses ethical issues presented in practice with deaf communities, such as accessibility, communication and language choices, power, oppression and related cultural factors. Topics include grassroots organizing, planning, grant writing and fund raising, administration, social action, needs assessment methodology and program evaluation skills. Empowerment theory, group theory and the strengths perspective are applied in work with deaf and hard of hearing populations.

Credits: 3
Requisites:

Co-requisite: SWK 751

Distribution: Graduate, Masters

Semester VI – Spring (12 Credits)

This course presents specialized content about social welfare policies affecting deaf and hard of hearing people and people with disabilities. These policies are discussed within the framework of analysis and evaluation to determine future directions for policy. The impact of the service delivery, funding, and organizational systems on the implementation of policy will be considered. The course will look at policies for people who are deaf-blind, developmentally disabled, and chronically mentally ill.

Credits: 3
Requisites:

Prerequisite: SWK 711.

Distribution: Graduate, Masters

Students in advanced year have a full block placement in the spring semester while taking two additional online courses. During the semester, students are placed in internship settings that require advanced social work practice skills. Students work at their practicum sites for four eight hours days totaling thirty-two hours per week, or 512 hours for the semester. The field practicum is an agency or school carefully selected to promote learning in the concentration focus of deaf and hard of hearing populations. An experienced MSW field instructor supervises the student in practicum. The goal of the practicum is for students to deepen their knowledge and skills in social work practice, particularly with deaf and hard of hearing populations. The practicum serves as a vehicle for students to integrate knowledge, skills, ethical and professional values, culturally competent practice approaches, and ongoing assessment of the effectiveness of each social work intervention.

Credits: 9
Requisites:

Prerequisites: SWK 771 and SWK 772

Distribution: Graduate, Masters
Program Outcomes

Generalist Year Competencies:

 

Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
PBF1: 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;
PBF2: use reflection and self-regulation to manage personal values and maintain professionalism in practice situations;
PBF3: demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior; appearance; and oral, written, and electronic communication;
PBF4: use technology ethically and appropriately to facilitate practice outcomes; and
PBF5: use supervision and consultation to guide professional judgment and behavior.

 

Competency 2: Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
PBF6: apply and communicate an understanding of the importance of diversity and difference in shaping life experiences in practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels;
PBF7: present themselves as learners and engage clients and constituencies as experts of their own experiences; and
PBF8: 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
PBF9: apply their understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to advocate for human rights at the individual and system levels; and
PBF10: engage in practices that advance social, economic, and environmental justice.

 

Competency 4: Engage In Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice
PBF11: use practice experience and theory to inform scientific inquiry and research;
PBF12: apply critical thinking to engage in analysis of quantitative and qualitative research methods and research findings; and
PBF13: use and translate research evidence to inform and improve practice, policy, and service delivery.

 

Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice
PBF14: Identify social policy at the local, state, and federal level that impacts well-being, service delivery, and access to social services;
PBF15: assess how social welfare and economic policies impact the delivery of and access to social services;
PBF16: 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
PBF17: apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks to engage with clients and constituencies; and
PBF18: use empathy, reflection, and interpersonal skills to effectively engage diverse clients and constituencies.

 

Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
PBF19: collect and organize data, and apply critical thinking to interpret information from clients and constituencies;
PBF20: 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;
PBF21: develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objectives based on the critical assessment of strengths, needs, and challenges within clients and constituencies;
PBF22: 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
PBF23: critically choose and implement interventions to achieve practice goals and enhance capacities of clients and constituencies;|
PBF24: apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in interventions with clients and constituencies;
PBF25: use inter-professional collaboration as appropriate to achieve beneficial practice outcomes;
PBF26: negotiate, mediate, and advocate with and on behalf of diverse clients and constituencies; and
PBF27: facilitate effective transitions and endings that advance mutually agreed-on goals.

 

Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
PBF28: select and use appropriate methods for evaluation of outcomes;
PBF29: apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the evaluation of outcomes;
PBF30: critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate intervention and program processes and outcomes; and
PBF31: apply evaluation findings to improve practice effectiveness at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.

 

E.P. 2.1: Concentration year specialization builds on foundation year generalist practice as described in EP 2.0, adapting and extending the social work competencies for social work practice with Deaf and Hard of Hearing populations.Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialization Year Competencies:

 

Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
PBC1: practice personal reflection, self-correction, effective communication in American Sign Language and English, and ethical reasoning to assure continual professional development in advocacy and practice with deaf and hard of hearing populations.
PBC2: use advanced differential assessments, interventions, and evaluations responsive to changing technological developments and emerging evidence-based models of practice in diverse contexts for deaf and hard of hearing populations.

 

Competency 2: Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
PBC3: understand diversity in a broad sense that recognizes the ways in which a culture’s structures and values may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or enhance privilege and power among deaf and hard of hearing people.
PBC4: gain sufficient self-awareness to minimize the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse groups of deaf and hard of hearing people.

 

Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
PBC5: understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination impacting deaf and hard of hearing populations.
PBC6: work with deaf and hard of hearing populations to advocate for human rights and social and economic justice.

 

Competency 4: Engage In Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice
PBC7: Integrate practice experience to inform scientific inquiry in designing and implementing research studies with deaf and hard of hearing populations.
PBC8: apply research findings to support evidence-based practices with deaf and hard of hearing populations.

 

Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice
PBC9: analyze, formulate, collaborate, and advocate for disability policies that advance societal wellbeing within deaf and hard of hearing populations.

 

Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
PBC10: apply theories, models, and the best available evidence in assessment with deaf, hearing, and hard of hearing systems of all sizes to understand strengths, problems, and social justice issues in systems of all sizes, locally and globally

 

Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
PBC11: utilize theoretical frameworks to guide differential assessments for effective social work practice with deaf, hearing, and hard of hearing people in systems of all sizes.
PBC12: identify and analyze evidence-based interventions designed to meet the unique needs of deaf and hard of hearing populations.

 

Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
PBC13: implement evidence-informed prevention interventions using theoretical frameworks that meet the needs and enhance the capacities of deaf and hard of hearing systems.

 

Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
PBC14: utilize theoretical frameworks, models, and research for guiding differential assessments and practice evaluation with deaf, hearing, and hard of hearing people in systems of all sizes.
PBC15: evaluate evidence-based interventions designed to meet the unique needs of deaf and hard of hearing populations and use critical thinking to evaluate the appropriateness, adapt, and modify assessment tools and approaches.

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Master of Social Work (MSW)

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