Professional Social Work in the United States from Udemy

Benefits

Benefit from actual course content used in online and face-to-face learning in accredited social work programs. Gain an understanding of the historical origins, salary projections, education, and licensure for the social work profession. Gain empathy for professional social work and insight about the case management and counseling skills offered by the profession.

What's Covered

The course begins with frequently asked questions. It then covers the

Historical Origins of the Profession,
Social Work Code of Ethics,
Educational Core Competencies,
Education Process and Duration,
Laws & Licensing Requirements, and
Major Social Work Organizations.

The content provides a solid basis for understanding the profession as it developed over time.

Skills that will be gained

Distinguish between social work and other helping professions.
Trace the history of social work as a profession.
Articulate the components of the social work code of ethics.
Map the requirements and opportunities of education for a career in social work.
Identify educational, legal, and organizational supports for the social work profession.

If you are new to social work and just casually interested, you will gain insight into the value of the profession and the difference between social work and other helping professions.

If you are new to social work and are thinking of making it a career, you will gain salary information, education requirements, and a view of the typical career trajectory.

If you know social work already, you will benefit from learning origin elements, ethics training, and insight on professional organizations that you often wondered about.

Features of the Course

This course is presented by a 16 year veteran social work professor. It features a basis in the science of the social work profession leading to a systematic view of professional practice. The course also presents exclusive illustrations you will only see in MAWMedia productions. Gain access to the course an the e-book version of the Introduction to Social Work text, Book 1 of 2.

Ideal Student

You are the ideal student if you want a complete and thorough introduction to the profession of social work. If you are thinking about a career change or just starting out, this introduction can help. You may be evaluating multiple options. The content here will help you distinguish social work from other disciplines like sociology and psychology.

Note: Cover image by David Castillo Dominici

What's inside

Learning objectives

Distinguish between social work and other helping professions.
Trace the history of social work as a profession.
Articulate the components of the social work code of ethics.

Map the requirements and opportunities of education for a career in social work.
Identify educational, legal, and organizational supports for the social work profession.

Distinguish between social work and other helping professions.
Trace the history of social work as a profession.
Articulate the components of the social work code of ethics.
Map the requirements and opportunities of education for a career in social work.
Identify educational, legal, and organizational supports for the social work profession.

Syllabus

Find the E-book and notice the quizzes.

This lecture provides an overview and expectations for the course.

A 52 page electronic version of the Introduction to Social Work text by Michael A. Wright, PhD, LAPSW. It is presented here for each printing with two pages per sheet. This is Book 1 exclusively for Udemy students.

Review an introduction to the profession of social work. Reflect on your interest in the profession.

Identify places and jobs where social workers can be found. Identify salary expectations and license requirements.

Define the profession of social work through the work of two historical personalities.

Compare and contrast the work of Flexner and Greenwood. Reflect on the establishment of social work as a profession.

Trace the historical record utilizing the writings of Mary Richmond as a guide.

Identify the 6 ethical parameters that form the preamble of the social work code of ethics.

List the six sections that form the complete social work code of ethics.

Explore the social work educational core.

Review the function of CSWE and its accreditation of social work educational programs.

Articulate the educational and skill-based progression of social work competency.

Define title protection and licensure as important legal functions for the profession of social work.

Review multiple social work professional organizations. Identify the web locations for more information concerning the organizations.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides insight into the historical origins of the profession, which can help prospective students understand its evolution and core values

Explores the social work code of ethics, which is essential for understanding the profession's guiding principles and ethical responsibilities

Maps the requirements and opportunities for education in social work, which is useful for planning a career path in the field

Identifies educational, legal, and organizational supports for the social work profession, which is helpful for navigating the professional landscape

Offers insight on professional organizations, which may be beneficial for those seeking to expand their network and knowledge

Includes an e-book version of the Introduction to Social Work text, which may be a helpful resource for further learning

Reviews summary

Introduction to us social work profession

According to learners, this course provides a solid introduction to the social work profession in the United States. Many students found it particularly helpful for exploring a potential career path or gaining a foundational understanding. The course covers key aspects such as the history of the profession, the Code of Ethics, educational requirements, and licensing information. The included e-book is often highlighted as a valuable resource. While considered a great starting point, some reviewers note that the content is introductory in depth and may not be sufficient for advanced study or exam preparation without supplementary materials. Overall, it's seen as a useful and informative overview.

Included text is highly appreciated.

"The e-book provided is an excellent companion and reference for the course material."

"I really appreciated having the full text available to read along with the lectures."

"The book adds significant value to the course content."

Useful for deciding if social work is right.

"As someone thinking about a career change, this course helped me decide if social work is for me."

"It gave me valuable insight into the requirements and trajectory of a social work career."

"Learning about education and licensing was crucial for my future planning."

Addresses history, ethics, education, licensing.

"I found the sections on the NASW Code of Ethics and licensing requirements particularly informative."

"The historical context provided a good understanding of how the profession developed."

"It covered all the fundamental areas you need to know when starting out."

Provides a good overview for beginners.

"This course was a great introduction to social work for someone like me just exploring the field."

"I got a solid foundation and understanding of what social work entails in the US."

"It’s a perfect starting point if you are considering social work but don't know much about it."

"The course offered a clear overview of the profession's core aspects."

Not suitable for advanced learners/exam prep.

"This is definitely an introductory course; don't expect in-depth clinical skills or advanced theory."

"If you're already in a social work program, this might be too basic for you."

"It's not enough preparation for licensing exams, you'll need other resources."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Professional Social Work in the United States with these activities:

Review Key Figures in Social Work History

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Strengthen your understanding of the historical context of social work by reviewing the contributions of key figures. This will provide a richer understanding of the profession's values and evolution.

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Research the biographies of Mary Richmond and Jane Addams.
Summarize their key contributions to the field of social work.
Reflect on how their work shaped the profession's values and practices.

Review 'Social Diagnosis' by Mary Richmond

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Gain a deeper understanding of the foundations of social work practice by reviewing a seminal text. This will enhance your understanding of the profession's historical development and core principles.

View Social Diagnosis. C. 2 on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'Social Diagnosis' by Mary Richmond.
Read the introduction and at least three chapters focusing on assessment methods.
Summarize the key concepts and principles presented in the book.

Volunteer at a Local Social Service Agency

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Gain practical experience and apply your knowledge by volunteering at a social service agency. This will provide valuable hands-on experience and allow you to put your learning into practice.

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Identify a local social service agency that aligns with your interests.
Contact the agency and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Complete the necessary application and training requirements.
Volunteer your time and skills to support the agency's mission.

Three other activities

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Show all six activities

Review 'The Spirit Level' by Wilkinson and Pickett

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Expand your understanding of the social determinants of health and well-being by reviewing a book on income inequality. This will provide valuable context for your social work practice.

View Repairing British Politics: A Blueprint for... on Amazon

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Obtain a copy of 'The Spirit Level' by Wilkinson and Pickett.
Read the introduction and at least three chapters focusing on the impact of inequality on social problems.
Summarize the key findings and arguments presented in the book.

Create a Presentation on the Social Work Code of Ethics

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Solidify your understanding of the NASW Code of Ethics by creating a presentation. This will help you internalize the ethical principles that guide social work practice.

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Research the NASW Code of Ethics.
Identify the key principles and standards outlined in the code.
Create a presentation that explains the code and its implications for social work practice.
Include case studies to illustrate ethical dilemmas and decision-making.

Compile a List of Social Work Organizations and Resources

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Create a comprehensive list of social work organizations and resources to enhance your professional network and access valuable information. This will provide a useful reference tool for your future career.

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Research various social work organizations and resources.
Compile a list of organizations, including their websites and contact information.
Categorize the organizations by their focus areas (e.g., child welfare, mental health).
Add a brief description of each organization's mission and services.

Career center

Learners who complete Professional Social Work in the United States will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Social Worker

A social worker provides support and resources to individuals, families, and communities facing various challenges. This course helps clarify the distinctions between social work and related fields, offering a foundational understanding of the profession's values and historical context. The course's exploration of the social work code of ethics is particularly relevant. Aspiring social workers will find the overview of educational requirements, licensing, and professional organizations invaluable for navigating their early career steps. Specifically, the modules focused on CSWE accreditation and licensure requirements provide essential knowledge.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Case Manager

Case managers coordinate and oversee services for individuals who require assistance, such as those with disabilities or chronic illnesses. This course provides an understanding of the historical origins of social work, setting the foundation for effective case management. The course's coverage of the social work code of ethics provides vital ethical guidance in decision making. Studying the content about educational requirements and professional organizations helps inform one's approach to helping patients. In particular, the sections on educational competencies and finding job placements may be useful.

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Social Work Administrator

A social work administrator oversees social service programs and organizations, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery. This course provides a solid grounding in the historical origins of the profession, as well as ethics training. Aspiring administrators will find value in the course's overview of educational requirements, licensing, and major social work organizations. Sections detailing accreditation standards and legal protection may prove particularly enlightening for leadership roles. The course helps equip future administrators with a comprehensive understanding of the field.

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Child Welfare Specialist

Child welfare specialists protect the well being of children by investigating reports of abuse or neglect, and providing support to families. This course provides insight into the history of social work, which is beneficial for developing effective interventions. The lessons on the social work code of ethics helps ensure ethical conduct. The course's review of educational requirements and professional organizations gives important insights for anyone in this role. The sections detailing educational core competencies and legal protections may be particularly helpful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Child Welfare Specialist

Healthcare Social Worker

Healthcare social workers provide support and resources to patients and their families within hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. This course introduces aspiring healthcare social workers to the historical origins of the field, as well as information on salary expectations. The course's lessons on the social work code of ethics provides a framework for ethical dilemmas encountered in healthcare. The overview of educational requirements and professional organizations provides useful insights for navigating a career in this area. The sections that articulate ethics training and legal protections for social workers may be useful.

See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Social Worker

Geriatric Social Worker

Geriatric social workers specialize in providing support and resources to older adults and their families. This course introduces aspiring geriatric social workers to the historical underpinnings of the profession. The material on the social work code of ethics ensures ethical conduct. The overview of educational requirements and professional organizations provides a pathway for professional development. The sections on educational competencies and legal protections may be useful, helping these social workers provide the best support.

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Mental Health Counselor

Mental health counselors provide therapeutic support to individuals dealing with emotional and psychological challenges. This course explains the origins of social work, providing a foundation for understanding different approaches to patient care. The material on the social work code of ethics provides a framework for the ethical considerations in therapeutic settings. The course's review of educational requirements and professional organizations may be helpful for those pursuing advanced certifications in mental health counseling. The discussion of educational competencies may be useful.

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Addiction Counselor

Addiction counselors assist individuals struggling with substance abuse or other addictive behaviors. This course covers the history of social work and provides a foundation for understanding addiction within a social context. The social work code of ethics provides ethical guidelines for addressing the challenges of addiction counseling. The overview of educational requirements and professional organizations can help addiction counselors achieve professional goals. The discussion of core competencies may be useful.

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Community Organizer

Community organizers work to empower communities by addressing social issues through advocacy and collective action. This course's examination of the historical origins of social work provides a solid framework of the factors that impact disenfranchised groups. Learning about the social work code of ethics provides community organizers with a strong ethical foundation for community engagement. It may be useful for community organizers to study the sections on educational core competencies and professional organizations, such as the NASW. This course may be useful for a community organizer.

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Probation Officer

Probation officers supervise individuals who have been convicted of crimes, helping them reintegrate into society. This course's overview of the social work code of ethics helps probation officers provide ethical oversight to those under their care. Learning about various social work organizations provides insight into available resources for rehabilitation. Aspiring probation officers may benefit from the course's exploration of the history of social work and the evolution of ethical standards. This can provide a framework for understanding the challenges and opportunities within the criminal justice system. The material on licensing requirements may be useful.

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Rehabilitation Counselor

Rehabilitation counselors work with individuals who have disabilities or chronic illnesses to help them achieve independence. This course offers a tour of the history of social work, providing context on the factors that impact those with disabilities. The lessons on the social work code of ethics helps guide ethical conduct when working with vulnerable populations. The overview of educational requirements and professional organizations provides insights into career options. The content on legal protections for the profession of social work may be helpful.

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School Counselor

School counselors support students' academic, social, and emotional development within an educational setting. This course's exploration of the history of social work offers a foundational understanding of the factors that affect a student's performance. The course's lessons on the social work code of ethics may be helpful for ensuring ethical conduct. The information on educational requirements and professional organizations provides counselors with resources for continued professional growth. In particular, the discussion of core competencies may be useful.

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Legislative Advocate

Legislative advocates work to influence public policy by representing the interests of specific groups or causes. This course's exploration of the historical origins of social work provides context for the challenges faced by particular social groups. The lessons on the social work code of ethics ensure that advocates pursue social justice. The overview of professional organizations provides networking opportunities and resources for effective advocacy. Those who are interested in professional organizations may find the course helpful.

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Nonprofit Director

Nonprofit directors lead organizations dedicated to addressing social issues, often working with vulnerable populations. This course provides a historical overview of the social work profession, providing a solid underpinning for the challenges facing nonprofits. The lessons on the social work code of ethics helps ensure that services are delivered ethically. The view of educational requirements and professional organizations provides opportunities for networking and collaboration. This course may be useful to a nonprofit director.

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Social Science Researcher

Social science researchers design and conduct studies to understand social phenomena and inform policy decisions, often requiring a master's degree or doctorate. This course provides a solid foundation in the historical origins of social work, helping researchers to contextualize their findings and apply them to real-world problems. The course's exploration of the social work code of ethics helps ensure that research practices are ethical and socially responsible. The overview of educational requirements and professional organizations helps researchers to network and collaborate effectively..

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Professional Social Work in the United States

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Introduction to us social work profession

Activities

Career center

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