Social Work 606-783-2656 Competencies Required in the Program The purpose of the social work program competencies are to guide students development as beginning professional social workers in generalist practice, from knowledge acquiring, comprehension and application of knowledge to analysis, synthesis and evaluation of generalist social work practice. Students will: 1. Be able to discuss the scope of the social work profession. 2. Comprehend and explain both the history and change of the institution of Social Welfare and the role of the profession of social work within it. Be able to discuss the effect these changes had on different population. 3. Be able to recall and apply cardinal values of the profession, (as they are outlined in the Code of Ethics) and apply these values to ethical dilemmas faced by professional social workers. 4. Discuss social work's person-in-environment focus as it applies to changing needs of individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities in various stages of development. 5. Understand and be able to apply a generalist "change process" based upon General Systems Theory to various-sized client systems in all practice areas. Be able to comprehend and analyze how legislative, judicial, administrative and other political processes effect social welfare policy and social programs. 6. Learn methods for monitoring and evaluating their own day-to-day practice and use these methods in a practicum setting. Be able to demonstrate that they can critically analyze a research article) thus are knowledgeable consumers of research). 7. Obtain practical experience in working with individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities as a primary part of their undergraduate education. 8. Develop a broad understanding of the human condition and an appreciation of racial, religious, gender-based, ethnic, class, and gay/lesbian issues related to differences and oppression.