English
for social work students 3
Class 1
September 21, 2011

MSW. BÙI THỊ THANH TUYỀN

Lecturer, University of Social Sciences and Humanities
Department of Social Work

Agenda
Introduction:
Introduction of Social Work in the US (Dr. Collins)
Expectations checking (What do the students expect from this class?)
General announcements
Meet lecturer after class
Identify student’s levels
Questions for the introduction
What’s your name?
Where are you from?
Why do you choose to study social work?
What is your area of interest?
Where did you do your field education? What does the agency do? What is the agency’ s target groups?
Social Work in the United States: An Introduction
Mary Elizabeth Collins, A.M., PhD.
Professor, Boston University School of Social Work
Visiting Lecturer, Vietnam National University School of Social Sciences and Humanities
Department of Social Work
Questions for Students

In what ways do you see that social work in Vietnam and the U.S. are similar?

In what ways do you see that social work in Vietnam and the U.S. are different?
History of Social Work in the U.S.
There have always been systems of “helping” across societies and historical time periods. In earlier time periods “charity” often had roots in religious organizations.

In the late 1800’s charity work became more organized; often provided by untrained volunteers who were wealthy women known as “friendly visitors”.

Mary Richmond and Jane Addams were social work pioneers in the early 1900s.

Two branches of social work: Mary Richmond is associated with “casework” and Jane Addams is associated with “community organizing.”

During this time many programs and services were created often focused on women and children; enforcing safe housing and workplace regulations; and addressing needs of immigrants.

First Schools of Social Work were established.

National Association of Social Workers founded in 1955.

The social work profession has continued to grow and adapt to changing economic and social needs. Currently, social work is one of the fastest growing careers in the United States.

Social Work and Poverty
Social problems are almost always linked with poverty and related issues (discrimination, disability, displacement).

Although social work has developed in many areas it maintains a commitment to addressing the root causes of problems related to poverty.
National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
NASW is the national professional association (www.socialworkers.org)

Professional social workers assist: individuals, groups, communities

(1) to restore or enhance their capacity for social functioning, while
(2) creating societal conditions favorable to their goals.

Some Characteristics of a Profession

Theory based body of knowledge

Required standards of education and training

Code of professional ethics
National Association of Social Workers
Social workers help people overcome challenges:
Poverty
Discrimination
Domestic abuse
Drug and alcohol addiction
Physical illness
Mental illness
Unemployment
Disability

Social workers help prevent crises and counsel individuals, families, and communities to cope more effectively with the stresses of everyday life.

Social workers are found in: schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, senior centers, elected office, prisons, military, corporations, and more.
NASW Code of Ethics
Social workers’ primary goal is to help people in need and to address social problems.
Social workers challenge social injustice.
Social workers respect the inherent dignity and worth of the person.
Social workers recognize the central importance of human relationships.
Social workers behave in a trustworthy manner.
Social workers practice within their areas of competence and develop and enhance their professional expertise.
Social Work Training and Education
A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement.

A master’s degree in social work (MSW) is typically required for many positions, especially counseling, supervisor, administrative, and staff training.

Continuing education also required for professionals.
Council on Social Work Education
(www.cswe.org)
Currently:
473 accredited bachelor’s social work programs
209 accredited master`s social work programs

CSWE sets policy and program standards for social work education, provides accreditation for bachelor`s and master`s degree programs in social work, promotes research and faculty development, and advocates for social work education.

Foundation Courses in MSW
Human Behavior in the Social Environment
Social Welfare Policy
Research
Introduction to Clinical Practice: focuses on work with individuals, families, and groups. Knowledge and skills in diagnosis and assessment, treatment, and prevention.
Introduction to Macro Practice: focuses on changing larger systems, such as communities and organizations. It includes: planning, program development, community organizing, policy analysis, legislative advocacy, program evaluation, and human services management.
Field Education

Practice in agencies (clinical, macro, policy)
Supervision by a social worker
Learning contract
Integrate theory and practice
Some key concepts in social work
Evidence-based policy and practice
use of the “best” evidence for making decisions
Cultural competence
skills, knowledge, attitudes for working effectively with variety of different people
International/Global social work
elements of social work that are consistent across countries
Family support interventions
working in partnership with families when children are at risk
Empowerment models
models related to building on the strengths rather than deficits of clients
Questions
What is the history of social work in Vietnam?

What are the major problems that social work addresses in Vietnam?

What are students’ field experiences?

What are some of the key concepts of social work in Vietnam?
Expectations checking
Group the students (4 groups)

Students discuss about their expectations

Students present their results

Summarize the expectations
General announcements
Attendance:
Accepted: more than 80%
Not accepted: less than 80%

Late Attendance:
Accepted: 15’
Not accepted: after 15’

Cell phone: put in silent mode

Special needs: contact lecturer
Grades
Final exam: 50% of the course grade

Bi-weekly quizzes: 15% ( 5 tests)

Participation: 5%

Mid-term exam: 30% of the course grade


Meet lecturer after class
Prefer: email
tuyenbt3@yahoo.com

Emergency: cellphone
0916494768
Identify student’s levels



Test 1
Review
Sexually abused children
Street children
homosexual couple/women/men/people
MSM
People living with HIV
People with disability
Elderly/seniors
End of Class




Questions?