Social Work Department

Website: https://www.washburn.edu/academics/college-schools/applied-studies/departments/social-work/index.html

Faculty

Rhonda Peterson Dealey, DSW, LSCSW, Associate Professor, Department Chairperson
Heather Lassmann, PhD, MSW, Assistant Professor, BSW Program Director
Jenny Lamb, LSCSW, Lecturer, MSW Program Director
Lydia Diebolt, LSCSW, Lecturer
Jamie Hamilton-Ansley, LSCSW, Assistant Professor
Kimberly Harrison, PhD, LSCSW, Professor
Serena Kent, LMSW, Lecturer, MSW Field Education Director
Beth O'Neill, PhD, LMSW, Associate Professor (Assistant Provost for Curricula and Program Innovation)
Tonya Ricklefs, PhD, LMSW, Associate Professor, BSW Field Education Director
Scott Sainato, PhD, LMSW, Assistant Professor
Bassima Schbley, PhD, LMSW, Associate Professor

Mission

The mission of the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at Washburn University is to prepare students for the competent and ethical practice of social work within an entry-level generalist model, via systematic attention to the core multidimensional competencies established by the Council on Social Work Education. The program is committed to providing a respectful, supportive approach to learning, while maintaining high academic standards. In doing so, the BSW program is systematically linked to the core values of the social work profession.

BSW Program Description

Education for competence in social work practice is the guiding principle of the Department of Social Work. The BSW program in Social Work provides a respectful, supportive approach to learning while maintaining high academic standards. The program is committed to providing opportunities to students who may otherwise experience barriers to higher education. The BSW program is strongly linked to the core values of the profession. The program maintains its mission by integrating content throughout the curriculum relevant to the pursuit of social and economic justice, as well as its dedication to the value, worth, and dignity of all persons. The BSW program is designed to prepare undergraduate social work students for a generalist practice that will meet the multi-level needs of clients.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon graduation, BSW students are expected to demonstrate knowledge, skills, professional values and ethics, and cognitive/affective reasoning in relation to nine core competencies (CSWE, 2022):

Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
Advance human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice
Engage in anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion (ADEI) in practice
Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
Engage in policy practice
Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities

Licensure Eligibility

All graduates of the BSW program are eligible to pursue licensure at the baccalaureate level (LBSW) in the State of Kansas and in other states that require social work licensing or registration at the baccalaureate level. This licensure is necessary for the practice of social work, and satisfactory completion of an accredited social work program is necessary to be eligible for the LBSW (exact requirements vary from state to state).

Program Accreditation

Washburn University’s BSW program is fully accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Students may wish to review the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards for social work degree programs in social work education as set forth by the CSWE. The full text of the CSWE Policies is available in the Social Work office, or at www.cswe.org.

Washburn Transformational Experience (WTE)

Social work is a service-oriented profession; the social work faculty has created what has been called a “built-in” transformational experience and this is required of all BSW students. This means that a BSW student will fulfill the community service component of the WTE by successfully completing SW 354 Seminar & Field Education I & SW 355 Seminar & Field Education II and all other requirements of the Community Service WTE.

BSW students with questions about the WTE should check with their respective academic advisors, the Director of the BSW Program, or the Department Chair.

Department Honors

The Department of Social Work recognizes students who demonstrate excellence in their academic work with a designation of BSW honors. An honors designation is included in the commencement program and on the student’s academic transcript. Students who are granted honors may also choose to purchase an honor cord to wear at commencement, and should contact the Ichabod Shop for more information. BSW students who are eligible for honors must meet all of the following minimum requirements:

Overall cumulative GPA of 3.2
Social work GPA of 3.5
Grade of “A" on a designated SW 354 BSW Seminar assignment, as determined by the Social Work Department and specified on the BSW Honors Application

Students should apply for honors during the calendar year in which they intend to graduate. Students must meet the posted minimum GPA requirements both at the time of application and upon completion of all undergraduate coursework.

To apply for BSW honors, students should complete the BSW Honors Application electronically through Sonia Live and provide the requested demographic and academic information. The application will be open annually from January 1 through February 15; No applications for honors will be considered after February 15. Students will be notified of a provisional decision regarding honors in March based on the academic information available at that time, and this information will be used for the designation of honors in the commencement program. The final designation of honors that will be reflected on the student’s academic transcript will be decided following the posting of the student’s final semester grades.

Online and Web-Assisted Courses

Students who have not taken an online course at Washburn University are required to sign up for and participate in the online Student Orientation training at the earliest practicable time. The orientation is available in MyWashburn via the My Courses card along with any other courses in which the student is enrolled.

Undergraduate Social Work Student Association

The primary purpose of the Washburn Student Social Work Association (WSSWA) is to encourage responsible student participation in the policy and decision-making processes of social work education and to promote student cooperation and welfare. WSSWA seeks to provide its members with activities designed to inform them of the many opportunities in the field of social work, to enhance the students’ personal and professional lives, to provide opportunities for association with social work professionals and community providers, and to participate actively in community service. Members commit themselves to the organization by attendance at meetings, involvement in activities, and participation on BSW Program committees. Membership in this organization is open to all Washburn undergraduate social work students. For more information see the Social Work Student Organizations page on the Social Work Department’s website: https://www.washburn.edu/academics/college-schools/applied-studies/departments/social-work/index.html.

Programs

Please see the Graduate catalog for additional information regarding the department's graduate programs:

Course Offerings

SW 100 Introduction to Social Work & Social Welfare (3)

The purpose of the course is to introduce interested students to the basic mission, values and ethics, knowledge base, methods, and services of the social work profession. An overview of the United States’ historical response to human needs and the current status of public social welfare policy will be explored. Prerequisite: None.

SW 250 Diversity and Social Justice in Social Work (3)

This course presents an overview of concepts related to diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and social justice, in the context of social work practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Students will practice self-awareness of their personal biases and values, and strategies for managing their influence on working with diverse clients and constituencies.

SW 325 Person In Environment I: Individuals & Families (3)

The purpose of this course is to develop knowledge about human behavioral interactions, using a person-in-environment perspective. Bio-psycho-social aspects of individual and family interactions will be emphasized. This course will provide the foundation for developing direct social work practice skills. Prerequisites: SW 100 and SW 250.

SW 326 Person In Environment II: Groups, Organizations, & Communities (3)

The purpose of this course is to develop knowledge about human interactions relevant to groups, organizations, communities, cultures, societies, and other, larger systems. The emphasis will be to build upon the person-in-environment perspective, and to expand this model to encompass the effects of larger systems on individual functioning. This course will provide the foundation for developing social work macro-level practice skills. Prerequisites: SW 100 and SW 250.

SW 350 Social Policy and Programs (3)

The major purpose of this course is to develop the conceptual knowledge of policy formulation, and the content, values, and process elements necessary for conducting social policy analysis. Prerequisites: SW 100 and SW 250.

SW 352 Micro Social Work Practice (3)

The major purpose of this course is to prepare social work students for their field practicum work. The emphasis is on the development of working knowledge of the generalist practice model, interactional theories, and methods of facilitating change. In addition, there will be an emphasis placed on developing skills for providing social work services. For social work majors only. Prerequisites: SW 100 and SW 250.

SW 353 Macro Social Work Practice (3)

This second practice course will emphasize more advanced theoretical material, and the application of the generalist practice model to more complex systems. Skill development will be emphasized for assessment of client systems, and delivery of social work services. For social work majors only. Prerequisites: SW 100 and SW 250.

SW 354 Seminar & Field Education I (6)

This course integrates the Field education component and the Practice Seminar. Students will spend 16 hours per week in their field education placements, with direct supervision by a licensed professional social worker. Opportunities for engaging in generalist social work practice at micro, mezzo and macro levels will be provided. In addition, students will attend a three-hour seminar each week. The seminar will emphasize the integration of their field experiences with the generalist practice model, and theories of change. Students must make application for the field in their junior year by the posted deadlines. Concurrent enrollment in SW 425 BSW Field Education Workshop is required. The culmination of the BSW program is the Field Education Placement. Two consecutive field education/seminar courses are required and constitute this culminating educational experience. Prerequisites: SW 100, SW 250, SW 325, SW 326, SW 352, SW 353, and a 2.5 cumulative grade point average; admission to the BSW program; and a field education-director-approved field education placement.

SW 355 Seminar & Field Education II (6)

This is the second semester of the field education experience and seminar required for social work majors. The culmination of the BSW program is the field education placement. This field education placement requires summative reflection, serving as a culminating experience for Bachelor's degree students. Two consecutive field education/seminar courses are required and constitute this culminating educational experience. Prerequisites: SW 100, SW 250, SW 325, SW 326, SW 352, SW 353, SW 354; admission to the BSW program; and a field education director- approved placement in a field education agency.

SW 356 Social Work Practice in Healthcare (3)

This course introduces students to generalist social work practice in healthcare settings, including the technological, social, political, ethical, and financial factors impacting patient care. This course emphasizes the relevant theories and models for healthcare practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Prerequisite: None.

SW 357 Inclusive and Competent Social Work Practice in Healthcare (3)

The purpose of this course is to prepare social workers for generalist healthcare practice with clients with diverse backgrounds. The emphasis is on inclusive and culturally competent social work practice, to include the development of cultural awareness, humility, and knowledge about health and healthcare, as well as issues that can affect inclusive access, such as language and literacy, physical and cognitive ability, gender and sexuality, and macro, policy, and legal factors. Prerequisite: None.

SW 358 Family Decisions in Healthcare (3)

The purpose of this course is to provide overall theoretical information about how families function and communicate during the process of health and long-term care decision-making. This course will provide overall generalist social work application skills and addresses interdisciplinary communication skills critical for working in a variety of healthcare settings. Prerequisite: None.

SW 359 Human Sexuality and Social Work Practice (3)

The major purpose of this course is to prepare social work students to explore the physiological, psychological, and socio-cultural variables associated with sexual identify, sexual orientation, sexual behavior, as well as to introduce a variety of theories explaining sexual behavior, development of sexual norms, and gender fluidity. Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of all aspects of human sexual behavior. Prerequisite: None.

SW 360 Geriatric Social Work Practice (3)

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an overview of gerontological social work in generalist practice with an emphasis on the principles of practice, the application of research, and the formulation of policies as they relate to older adults. The course will define the role of the social worker from a gerontological perspective and will introduce considerations for special populations that are most vulnerable: aging people of color, the disabled, and gay and lesbian aged. Prerequisite: None.

SW 361 Independent Study (1-3)

Social Work majors may pursue an independent research project approved by the BSW Program Director in consultation with the Department Chair. Independent Study may not be used in place of any courses required of the social work major. Independent Study courses must meet equivalencies to Federal definition of a credit hour. Prerequisites: SW 100 and SW 250.

SW 362 Generalist Quantitative Research (3)

Introduces students to the basic principles of generalist quantitative social work research, including ethics, problem formulation, and quantitative research designs and methodologies. Emphasis is placed on becoming a responsible consumer of quantitative research as well as exploring quantitative evaluation of programs and outcomes of practice. Prerequisites: SW 100 and SW 250.

SW 363 Generalist Qualitative Research (3)

Introduces students to the basic principles of generalist qualitative social work research, including ethics, problem formulation, and qualitative research designs and methodologies. Emphasis is placed on becoming a responsible consumer of qualitative research as well as exploring qualitative evaluation of programs and outcomes of practice. Prerequisites: SW 100 and SW 250.

SW 372 Social Work Practice in Child Welfare (3)

The purpose of this course is to provide students with an overview of child welfare services from a historical, theoretical, and social work practice perspective. This course will examine specific types of child endangerment through the lens of social and racial justice, including the etiology of the maltreatment, provision of services, how the consumer views the services, as well as the influence of bias, power, and personal values on client outcomes.

SW 373 Case Management in Social Work Practice (3)

This course provides students with an overview of generalist case management, including the contexts in which services are delivered, with clients from diverse backgrounds. An emphasis is placed on social work knowledge and skills regarding assessment, goal setting and monitoring, and coordination of services; knowledge of person-in- environment and other culturally responsive frameworks; and cultural humility and respect for client self- determination.

SW 374 Social Work Practice with Survivors (3)

This course introduces social work practice with children and adults who have experienced sexual assault/abuse, interpersonal/family violence, human trafficking, or violent crime. An emphasis is placed on: person-in-environment and empowerment theories; social work assessment, intervention, and advocacy practices; related policies and laws and their connection with social work practice; intersections with the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics; managing affective reactions, vicarious traumatization, and self-care; and intersections with anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Prerequisites: SWK major or minor only.

SW 390 Contemporary Issues in Social Work (3)

A series of courses are designed to supplement the core curriculum. Each of these four required elective courses will focus on a contemporary issue, and will emphasize the integration of core social work values and ethics, the generalist practice model, and theories of human interactions and change. Specific courses taught under this course number include, among other courses: Child Welfare, Social Work and the Law, Multicultural Social Work, Case Management, and Social Work Policy Practice.

SW 395 Social Work International Service (3)

This course uses an international lens to provide BSW students the opportunity to learn about social work practice, including the effects of historical, social, psychological, physical, and environmental conditions on well-being at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. The course will emphasize ways that culture and diversity intersect with social work practice. A portion of this course includes international travel.

SW 425 BSW Field Education Workshop (0)

In this mandatory one-day workshop, BSW students will be oriented to the field education program, expectations regarding professional comportment, duties/responsibilities in completing tasks, required field education program paperwork, and other aspects of the field education experience. Concurrent enrollment in SW 354 Seminar and Field Education I is required. Prerequisites: SW 100, SW 250, SW 325, SW 326, SW 352, SW 353, and a 2.5 grade point average overall; admission to the BSW program; and a field education-director-approved placement in a field education agency.

Academic Catalog