Students will be introduced to generalist practice methods using a planned change model referred to as the Generalist Intervention Model (GIM). In preparation for becoming professional social work practitioners, students need a strong knowledge base, a wide variety of skills and techniques, and an understanding of the values and ethics that are the foundation of competent and responsible professional practice. In this course, students develop skills in establishing client worker relationships; differentiating between personal and professional values, resolving ethical dilemmas and in applying the generalist intervention model: engagement, assessment, planning, intervention, and termination/evaluation to enhance the well-being of all clients, client systems, and communities.
These generalist practice knowledge, values and skills are used to enhance the well-being of clients across multiple system levels with an emphasis on small and rural areas from a local to global context. The theoretical foundation for these generalist practice skills includes a worldview that incorporates a commitment to promote social and economic justice in working with persons and populations at risk in our diverse society. This course emphasizes a strengths and empowerment perspective and requires an understanding of the impact of multiple avenues (intersectionality) of discrimination and oppression on the lives of clients and client systems. In addition, students develop or enhance their abilities to think critically as well as to communicate professionally with a wide variety of people and through a variety of methods.
The librarian who works with Social Work students is Kellian Clink. Please contact her at kellian.clink@mnsu.edu
