Introduction to Social Work from edX

Social work is an exciting field and a marketable profession, and there are many different types of social work careers and areas of social work research. Social workers make a positive difference in the lives of individuals every day in many different ways. This course will introduce learners to the profession of social work and the human services delivery system. Social work practice settings from a micro, mezzo, and macro level will be explored, such as mental health and clinical social work, child welfare, substance abuse, older adults, poverty, criminal justice, and more.

Learners will examine the historical development of the social work profession focusing on the knowledge, values and skills that characterize the social worker. Students will be oriented to the context for social work practice and the foundational frameworks of the profession, including the strengths perspective, the socio-ecological model, and the biopsychosocial framework. Learners will also be introduced to the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and how to utilize the code to navigate ethical dilemmas and decision-making processes.

In this online course, learners will explore the concepts of social and economic justice and examine the characteristics of social injustice implicit in racism, classism, sexism, and gender orientation. The impact of social injustice is not always the same for people of color, women, or LGBTQ+ people. This course provides many opportunities to explore your own beliefs about diversity and social justice. Even though this is an asynchronous and self-paced course and not in-person, it is important to emphasize that the course should always be a safe environment that respects differences of opinion and recognizes that each of us is on our own journey in understanding diversity and communicating across cultures.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Gain an understanding of what a social worker is and does.
Gain an understanding of the importance of the nasw code of ethics to the profession of social work.
Define power, privilege, oppression, and intersectionality.

Summarize common theories, frameworks, and perspectives in the social work profession.
Describe the different levels of practice; micro, mezzo, macro.

Gain an understanding of what a social worker is and does.
Gain an understanding of the importance of the nasw code of ethics to the profession of social work.
Define power, privilege, oppression, and intersectionality.
Summarize common theories, frameworks, and perspectives in the social work profession.
Describe the different levels of practice; micro, mezzo, macro.

Syllabus

Week 1: What is Social Work?

Week 2: Social Work Values and Ethics

Week 3: Theoretical Frameworks that guide practice

Week 4: Cultural competency

Week 5: Anti-racism

Week 6: Social Work Practice Settings

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines intersectionality, which is highly relevant to professionals who work with marginalized populations

Explores ethical dilemmas and decision-making processes using the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics

Covers a wide range of topics within social work, including human rights, diversity, social justice, and micro, mezzo, and macro practice

Taught by instructors with expertise in social work, which benefits learners interested in developing professional skills

Requires no prerequisites, making it accessible to learners from various backgrounds

Unavailable information about the course institution

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 Introduction to Social Work with these activities:

National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics Tutorial

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Gain a deeper understanding of the NASW Code of Ethics, which is a foundational framework for social work practice

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Locate a NASW Code of Ethics tutorial online.
Review the tutorial.
Summarize the main points of the tutorial.

Review Course Materials

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Refresh your understanding of key concepts covered in the course and identify areas where you may need to focus during the course.

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Review lecture notes.
Review assigned readings.
Complete practice problems.

Create a Comic Depicting Social Injustice

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Foster a deeper understanding of the complexities of social injustice and its impact on individuals and communities through artistic expression.

Browse courses on Social Justice

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Brainstorm ideas for the comic.
Sketch out the comic.
Finalize the comic.

Three other activities

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Discussion on the Impact of Racism in Social Work Practice

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Engage in meaningful discussions with peers to explore and unpack the impact of racism in the field of social work.

Browse courses on Racism

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Find a study partner or group.
Discuss the impact of racism on social work practice.

Volunteer at a Local Social Service Agency

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Gain firsthand experience in social work by volunteering at an organization that aligns with your interests.

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Find a social service agency that interests you.
Contact the agency and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Attend volunteer training.
Start volunteering!

Develop a Social Work Intervention Plan

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Apply the knowledge gained in the course by developing a comprehensive social work intervention plan for a specific population or issue.

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Identify a social problem or issue.
Research the problem.
Develop a plan to address the problem.
Evaluate the plan.

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Social Work will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Social Worker

Social Workers help people navigate problems that are rooted in societal structures and interpersonal relationships. They work with individuals, families, groups, and communities to address issues such as poverty, homelessness, mental illness, and addiction. This course can help you build a foundation for a career as a Social Worker by providing you with an understanding of the social work profession, the values and ethics that guide social work practice, and the different levels of practice. You will also learn about the impact of social injustice and how to promote social and economic justice.

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School Social Worker

School Social Workers help students succeed in school and life. They work with students, families, and school staff to address a wide range of issues, such as academic difficulties, behavioral problems, and mental health concerns. This course can help you build a foundation for a career as a School Social Worker by providing you with an understanding of the social work profession, the values and ethics that guide social work practice, and the different levels of practice. You will also learn about the impact of social injustice and how to promote social and economic justice.

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Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor

A Social Worker helps people of all ages live healthier, more fulfilling lives. They work with individuals, families, groups, and communities to address a wide range of social and emotional issues. This course can help you build a foundation for a career as a Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor by providing you with an understanding of the social work profession, the values and ethics that guide social work practice, and the different levels of practice. You will also learn about the impact of social injustice and how to promote social and economic justice.

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Child Welfare Social Worker

Child Welfare Social Workers help protect children from abuse and neglect. They work with families to provide support and services, and they may also remove children from homes where they are at risk. This course can help you build a foundation for a career as a Child Welfare Social Worker by providing you with an understanding of the social work profession, the values and ethics that guide social work practice, and the different levels of practice. You will also learn about the impact of social injustice and how to promote social and economic justice.

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Case Manager

Case Managers help people access and coordinate the services they need to improve their lives. They work with individuals, families, and communities to address a wide range of issues, such as housing, food insecurity, and healthcare. This course can help you build a foundation for a career as a Case Manager by providing you with an understanding of the social work profession, the values and ethics that guide social work practice, and the different levels of practice. You will also learn about the impact of social injustice and how to promote social and economic justice.

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Community Organizer

Community Organizers work with communities to identify and address issues that are important to them. They help communities build power and advocate for change. This course can help you build a foundation for a career as a Community Organizer by providing you with an understanding of the social work profession, the values and ethics that guide social work practice, and the different levels of practice. You will also learn about the impact of social injustice and how to promote social and economic justice.

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Gerontological Social Worker

Gerontological Social Workers help older adults live independently and with dignity. They work with older adults and their families to provide support and services, and they may also advocate for policies that improve the lives of older adults. This course can help you build a foundation for a career as a Gerontological Social Worker by providing you with an understanding of the social work profession, the values and ethics that guide social work practice, and the different levels of practice. You will also learn about the impact of social injustice and how to promote social and economic justice.

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Probation Officer

Probation Officers supervise and support people who have been convicted of crimes. They work with probationers to help them comply with the terms of their probation, find employment, and access treatment for substance abuse or mental health issues. This course can help you build a foundation for a career as a Probation Officer by providing you with an understanding of the social work profession, the values and ethics that guide social work practice, and the different levels of practice. You will also learn about the impact of social injustice and how to promote social and economic justice.

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Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research and analyze public policies to make recommendations for improvements. They work with policymakers to develop and implement policies that address a wide range of issues, such as healthcare, education, and criminal justice. This course can help you build a foundation for a career as a Policy Analyst by providing you with an understanding of the social work profession, the values and ethics that guide social work practice, and the different levels of practice. You will also learn about the impact of social injustice and how to promote social and economic justice.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks, such as fundraising, budgeting, and program development. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career as a Nonprofit Manager by providing you with an understanding of the social work profession, the values and ethics that guide social work practice, and the different levels of practice.

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Consultant

Consultants provide advice and guidance to organizations on a variety of topics. They may work in a variety of fields, such as business, healthcare, and education. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career as a Consultant by providing you with an understanding of the social work profession, the values and ethics that guide social work practice, and the different levels of practice.

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Grant Writer

Grant Writers write proposals to secure funding for organizations. They work with organizations to identify funding opportunities and develop proposals that are persuasive and meet the requirements of funders. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career as a Grant Writer by providing you with an understanding of the social work profession, the values and ethics that guide social work practice, and the different levels of practice.

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Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers oversee the human resources department of an organization. They are responsible for a wide range of tasks, such as recruiting, hiring, training, and developing employees. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career as a Human Resources Manager by providing you with an understanding of the social work profession, the values and ethics that guide social work practice, and the different levels of practice.

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Program Director

Program Directors oversee the development and implementation of programs. They work with staff to ensure that programs are meeting their goals and objectives. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career as a Program Director by providing you with an understanding of the social work profession, the values and ethics that guide social work practice, and the different levels of practice.

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Fundraiser

Fundraisers raise money for organizations. They work with individuals, businesses, and foundations to secure donations. This course may be useful for building a foundation for a career as a Fundraiser by providing you with an understanding of the social work profession, the values and ethics that guide social work practice, and the different levels of practice.

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