My Work.
- Professional Development
Professional Development
Family Sociology for Social Service Work - SSWK 1002
- Students discuss the variations of family structure, as well as the problems and issues facing contemporary families. Particular attention is paid to the historical and current impact of colonization on Indigenous families. Students examine family development and family functions in the context of environment - work, school and leisure. Focusing on social issues facing families today, students explore intervention approaches, including building resilience, utilized by social service workers (SSW). Students are encourages to conceptualize the study of family dynamics from a perspective of strength and resilience using an ecological framework and strengths-based approach. the inclusivity of family is explored within the context of gender, EDI (Equity, Diversity & Inclusion), and social justice. Students are introduced to evidence-based practice and information literacy within the framework of family sociology.
- Students examine the Ontario College of Social Work and Social Service Workers Code of Ethics to identify and reliably display the skills, values and knowledge required to be a successful professional Social Service Worker. Students develop personal learning goals and research community agencies to serve as field placements to help further individual goals. Students develop an administrative portfolio and complete required documentation in preparation for field placement. Students explore the importance of self-care and wellness in the social service field.
- Students explore the individual, relational and cultural influences on identity formation over the lifespan. Students examine the major psychological developmental theories, and explore and contrast these with newer theories. There more recent approaches conceptualize adult development and identity formation as dynamic and multifaceted, reflecting the multiple and varied roles each person adopting in adulthood
- Students are introduced to the history of social work in Canada and the social issues and systemic barriers facing communities, with particular attention paid to colonization. Students explore the role of a social service worker via the lenses of person in-environment perspectives based upon an equity and inclusion framework. They are encouraged to critically explore their own values and beliefs related to societal issues. Students participate in a community service learning practice that integrates classroom learning with meaningful service to the community, involving critical reflective practice. They explore the legal and ethical rights and responsibilities as a future member of the college of Social Workers and Social Service Worker Association. Students explore and recognize appropriate resources for professional practice.
- Students explore the qualities embedded in an effective professional helping relationship. They focus on understanding and applying active listening skills, including attending, questioning, paraphrasing and empathic reflection. Emphasis is placed on the values which form the basis of client-centred, strengths-based, and ecological approaches, including: respect, genuiness, empathy, and empowerment.