Bachelor in Social Work

Social Work is a profession for those with a strong desire to help and improve people's lives.

According to the U.S. Dept. of Labor's Bureau Statistics, employment of social workers is expected to increase by 22 percent during the coming decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

What do social workers do:

• Provide counseling to individuals, families, and groups
• Help people obtain needed resources and services
• Develop programs and work with communities to meet peoples' needs
• Address problems related to child abuse, mental illness, poverty, illness or disability, substance abuse, discrimination, family conflict or violence, job jeopardy, and aging

Seminar in Field Education (SIFI) Course

Course Description:

The seminar in the field instruction course is designed to prepare new field instructors to provide educational supervision to social work students. Using readings, class discussion, case examples, and experiential exercises, participants will learn how to create and apply an educational framework to student supervision. The focus will be on Teaching Methods (Supervisory Methods), Practice Skills, Ethics, Cultural Competency, and termination. Attention will be paid throughout the seminar to issues that arise in the supervisory relationship and how to effectively teach students to bridge what they learning in the classroom with what they are practicing in the field.

Course Goals:

Upon completion of this course you will be able to:

• Understand the essential elements of an effective supervisor relationship
• Use learning tools based on an assessment of the student’s learning needs and the context of the agency setting.
• Understand and demonstrate supervisory skills such as giving feedback, addressing conflict, and identifying learning problems.
• Understand, identify and address issues related to cultural competency and ethical dilemmas within the supervisory relationship and learning environment.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the student’s growth and incorporate that knowledge in the evaluation process.

Course Dates and Times: There are twelve sessions spread over the course of the year. Classes will be held in Mahoney Hall on the Dobbs Ferry Campus in the conference room from 9 to 11 am on Tuesdays.

Social Work Fast Facts

• Career-oriented program
• Prepared to complete a Masters in Social Work (MSW) degree in one-year as an advanced standing student

Buro Millennial / Pexels

Social Work B.S.W Curriculum

Students who are accepted into the major concentration in Social Work must complete:

• SOWK 311 Human Behavior/Social Environment I
• SOWK 312 Human Behavior/Social Environment II
• SOWK 314 Issues Diversity Social Work Practice
• SOWK 322 Social Work Practice I
• SOWK 332 Social Work Research
• SOWK 342 Social Welfare Policy/Services
• SOWK 423 Social Work Practice II
• SOWK 424 Social Work Practice III
• SOWK 426 Influence Communication/Organization/Social Policy
• SOWK 431 Field Practicum I
• SOWK 432 Field Practicum II
• SOWK 435 Social Work with Children & Adolescent or SOWK 436 Social Work Health & Mental Health Service

The following general education courses should be completed:

• PSYN 101 Introduction to Psychology
• SOCL 101 Introduction to Sociology
• CISC 120 Introduction to Computers/App Software
• SOWK/ BEH 201 Introduction to Social Work
• BIOL 110 Introduction to Human Biology

Students majoring in social work should consult with their social work advisor regarding the proper sequencing of courses and the selection of electives to meet major requirements. Students must maintain a 2.8 GPA in major courses and achieve a grade of B- or better in the Field Practicum in order to continue in the social work major. There is a 24-credit residency requirement in the major concentration of social work. There is a five-year statute of limitations on the required social work courses. Exceptions may be approved by the director of the program.

Program Outcomes

Program Outcomes/CSWE Competencies

• Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
• Competency 2: Engage diversity and difference in practice
• Competency 3: Advance human rights and social, economic and environmental justice
• Competency 4: Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
• Competency 5: Engage in policy practice
• Competency 6: Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
• Competency 7: Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
• Competency 8: Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
• Competency 9: Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities

Program Goals

To educate students for entry-level generalist social work practice including interventions with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities Students will acquire the knowledge and skills to serve diverse populations and needs with sensitivity, creativity and professional courage Students will have respect for the integration of professional ethics and values into their practice Students will have a commitment to seek avenues for lifelong learning and professional development Students, who may wish to pursue graduate education, will have a solid academic and practice foundation of knowledge skills Students will acquire a commitment to, and contribute to improving unjust or oppressive social conditions and policies and towards promoting effective and humane agency/organization practices and programs

Admission Requirements

Students who plan to major in social work or who want to explore their interest in this field are encouraged to consult with the director of the Social Work Program.

Students must apply for admission to the social work major by the end of their sophomore year. They should contact the director of the Social Work Program for information and application procedures for admission to the major. Transfer students are encouraged to contact the Social Work Program for application materials at the same time they are applying for admission to the College. Freshmen and sophomores intending to apply for admission to the Social Work Program should declare Pre-Social Work as their major. Students should have a 2.6 GPA or better for admission to the major, but students may be admitted provisionally at the discretion of the program director. Students usually enter the Social Work Program at the beginning of their junior year, in the fall semester, following completion of the application process and acceptance for admission to the program.

Career Opportunities

The BSW Program is career-oriented and gives students ample fieldwork and faculty mentorship opportunities to prepare them to begin their careers in this rewarding and growing field.

Graduates with a BSW are prepared to work in a variety of areas such as:

• Mental health clinics
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Substance abuse programs
• Nursing homes
• Family and children's services
• Criminal justice
• College counseling
• Employee assistance programs
• Private practice
• and many more

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job prospects in social work are above average, particularly for those with a master's degree and licensure. Earning a Master's of Science in Social Work can lead to expanded job opportunities, higher salaries, and more career growth.

Master of Science in Social Work programs can accept undergraduate social work credits and apply those toward a graduate degree. This enables MSW candidates to complete a graduate program in one year, as opposed to two years. Earning your degree faster saves time and money by letting you fast track your professional career.

Mercy College is the dynamic, diverse New York City area college whose students are on a personal mission: to get the most out of life by getting the most out of their education.

Founded in 1950, Mercy offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs within five schools: Business, Education, Health and Natural Sciences, Liberal Arts and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Mercy College challenges its faculty and staff to make higher education work for anyone hungry enough to earn a better place in life. With campuses in Dobbs Ferry, Bronx, Manhattan and Yorktown Heights, the vibrancy of the College culture is sustained by a diverse student body from around the region.