(Adopted by the Social Work faculty 9/28/97)

The program’s goals are consistent with the values of the profession. The program prepares students for value-based practice and contributes to the development and delivery of social services in New Hampshire.

The Social Work Department communicates its goals in a variety of ways. First, the Curriculum Policy Statement of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), which embodies the program’s curriculum goals, and the department’s specific goals, are included in the program’s Social Work Student Handbook. The department distributes this document to each faculty member and student. Members of the Social Work Advisory Board and the VPAA of the University receive a copy of the Curriculum Policy Statement; members of the Advisory Board receive a copy of the Handbook.

Second, the goals of the program are included in the university catalog, Social Work Student Handbook, Field Education Manual, and the department webpage. This ensures a wide distribution to all persons associated with the program, including administrators, faculty, students, and field agency staff.

The goals of the Social Work Program are rooted in its mission, and are as follows:

1. To prepare students to become competent entry-level social work practitioners in a wide range of settings, with emphasis on direct service.

The preparation of students for generalist practice in entry-level positions is the primary function of the program. The curriculum is designed to provide students with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to practice on an entry-level with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in a variety of practice settings.

2. To prepare students for advanced graduate study in social work.

The curriculum of the baccalaureate social work program gives students the professional foundation necessary for advanced graduate study in social work. The field education component of the program provides opportunities for students to consider personal and professional options regarding specialization and graduate education. Students have the opportunity to explore and discuss these options with other field supervisors and as part of the field education seminar.

3. To assist in meeting the social service needs of the State of New Hampshire.

The social work program at Plymouth State University is located in the rural, northern region of the state. For this reason, in addition to contributing to the broader needs of the state, the program has a unique opportunity to contribute to the social service needs of the
community in this region.

Intended Student Outcomes

Goal #1: To prepare students to become competent entry-level social work practitioners in a wide range of settings with emphasis on direct service.

The faculty of the social work program have adopted the following educational objectives to meet this goal:

Knowledge: - Students should understand:

1. The history of the social work profession and the development of a social welfare system in the U.S.

2. The values and ethics of the social work profession and the profession’s positive regard for human diversity

3. The forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination that exist in our society and strategies of change that advance social and economic justice

4. The theory of generalist social work practice with systems of all sizes

5. The bio-psycho-social variables that effect individual development and behavior and theoretical frameworks that explain the interactions among   individuals and between individuals and social systems (families, groups, organizations, communities)

6. The current structures for the provision of social welfare services

7. A scientific, analytic approach to gaining knowledge for practice and the evaluation of practice and programs in all areas of social work practice

Skills: - Students should be able to:

1. Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice.

2. Apply the values and ethics of social work in professional practice

3. Demonstrate the professional use of self

4. Apply strategies and skills of change that advance social and economic justice

5. Apply the skills of generalist practice with systems of all sizes

6. Use theoretical frameworks to understand the interactions between people and their environment (social systems)

7. Analyze the impact of social policies on clients, practitioners, and agencies

8. Evaluate research studies and apply findings to practice and, under supervision, evaluate their own practice interventions and those of other relevant systems

9. Use supervision appropriate to generalist practice

10. Communicate and collaborate with clients, colleagues, and members of the community

11. Function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems, and, under supervision, seek necessary organizational change

Values: - Students should understand and demonstrate positive regard for:

1. Individual worth and dignity

2. Human diversity and unique client characteristics

3. Client self-determination

4. Confidentiality

5. Equitable access to necessary resources

6. Humane and responsive practices by social institutions in the delivery of necessary resources

7. Ethical conduct

8. Continuous professional growth

9. Students should also develop an awareness of their own values and recognize any conflicting personal and professional values

Goal #2: To prepare students for advanced graduate study in social work.

In addition to the objectives for goal #1, the program has developed the following program objectives to meet this goal:

1. To share information about MSW programs with students through various means.

2. To invite faculty representatives and student alumni/ae from area MSW programs to discuss graduate school with interested students.

3. To assist students with the application process and written application.

Goal #3: To assist in meeting the social service needs of the State of New Hampshire.

To meet this goal, the program has developed the following objectives:

1. To participate in and support NH NASW leadership and activities.

2. To inform students about population needs and services in New Hampshire.

3. To provide forums for ongoing professional development.

4. To provide consultation, training, and program evaluation to area social service agencies and organizations.