Community Social Work Diploma
Program Details
Program Phone Number
780-623-5562
Program Description
The Community Social Work (CSW) program is a two-year course of studies leading to a diploma upon the successful completion of both years. The program uses a generalist social work model to prepare learners for working in the human services field as entry-level social workers, as well as in other professional helping roles. Learners develop the knowledge, skills and values required to provide support to individuals, families, groups, and communities. Key areas of focus in this program include: interviewing skills, situation assessment, referral to community agencies, social policy issues and designing, developing and delivering community programs to meet the expressed concerns or issues of clients. Self-growth and interpersonal/human relationship building exercises allow students to better understand themselves and others. Courses in Anthropology (Aboriginal studies), Rural and Northern Practice and Addictions are offered to prepare students to work in rural, northern and remote communities. An essential part of the program is the learning gained from 420 hours of supervised field practicum experience and 30 hours of Integrated Seminar time in each year of the program. The field practicum offers students the opportunity to apply knowledge learned in the classroom, practice skills, assess their performance and gain work experience in a community setting.
Credential
Diploma
Admission Requirements
Grade 12 or equivalent with minimum of 60% in English 30-1 or 30 or minimum of 70% in English 33 or 30-2, three academic/professional letters of reference (within the last 5 years), signed Student Agreement form, Criminal Record Check Waiver and Child Welfare Prior Involvement Check. Community Social Work Yr 1 courses required to continue into Community Social Work Diploma. Please refer to the following link for minimum technical requirements at our Moodle Site.
Practicum
1. November 26, 2012 – December 21, 2012
2. April 8, 2013 – May 31, 2013.
Practicum locations vary.
Career Potential
Graduates will work with individuals, families, groups, and communities in a variety of agencies including court and probation services, emergency shelters, addictions, seniors services, aboriginal agencies, provincial and federal departments, residential treatment centres, schools and youth clubs.
Transferability
Graduates are eligible for provisional RSW registration with the Alberta College of Social Workers. A transfer agreement with the University of Calgary, Faculty of Social Work is in place. Graduates will receive 60 credits toward the Bachelor of Professional Arts – Human Services Degree Program at Athabasca University.
Program Schedule, Fees & Locations:
Please refer to the link below for current schedule and fees.
Program Schedule & Fees 2011 - 2012
Program Schedule & Fees 2012 - 2013
Course List
- ELEC200 - ELECTIVE
Course ID: ELEC200
Name: ELECTIVE
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
- ELEC200 - ELECTIVE
Course ID: ELEC200
Name: ELECTIVE
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
- PSYC285 - ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
Course ID: PSYC285
Name: ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
This course provides an overview of a variety of abnormal behaviours that are psychologically oriented. The characteristics and observable symptoms of abnormal behaviours are studied including various theoretical orientations, treatment methods, cultural, age and gender differences, and various factors related to the incidence of mental disorders. The learning in this course adds to the knowledge students acquired in Introductory Psychology and Developmental Psychology.
Prerequisite – PSYC 102, PSYC 104
- SOCW210 - PRACTICUM
Course ID: SOCW210
Name: PRACTICUM
Hours: 450
Credits: 6
The fieldwork in Year two is designed to provide students with an opportunity to engage in social work activities under supervision, and to practice skills as front line beginning professionals. The social work skills that are developed include planning, as well as generalist social work intervention skills. Students are expected to integrate social work theory to practice in their practicum.
Prerequisite – SOCW 110, SOCW 133
- SOCW215 - GROUP WORK
Course ID: SOCW215
Name: GROUP WORK
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
The course provides the student with the opportunity to learn the stages of group work practice, discuss and practice group techniques and processes, and develop “hands on” skills in the community.
Prerequisite – SOCW 132, SOCW 133
- SOCW217 - SOCIAL POLICY
Course ID: SOCW217
Name: SOCIAL POLICY
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
This course is designed to help social work students to understand the strategies by which Canadian social policy is determined and how this process impacts social work practice. Students also study the history of social welfare policy and how it is influenced by the economic and political environment; how present day social trends are influenced by social policy, historical and present day Aboriginal issues and how social workers can influence the process.
Prerequisite – SOCW 132
- SOCW218 - RURAL AND NORTHERN PRACTICE
Course ID: SOCW218
Name: RURAL AND NORTHERN PRACTICE
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
This course is designed to help social work students to understand the strategies by which Canadian social policy is determined and how this process impacts social work practice. Students also study the history of social welfare policy and how it is influenced by the economic and political environment; how present day social trends are influenced by social policy, historical and present day Aboriginal issues and how social workers can influence the process.
Prerequisite – SOCW 132
- SOCW219 - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Course ID: SOCW219
Name: COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
This course is designed to introduce the student to the basic theories, principles, concepts, techniques, processes and issues involved in community development. Proposal development skills and There will also be the opportunity to develop “hands on” skills as well as proposal development skills.
Prerequisite – SOCW 215 or permission of instructor.
- SOCW231 - FAMILY DYNAMICS
Course ID: SOCW231
Name: FAMILY DYNAMICS
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
This course continues the integration of social work knowledge and concepts related to family dynamics with Social Work practice skills. Emphasis will be given to the nature, structure and diversity of family units, the history of the family, and current trends. What constitutes a healthy family is discussed, and the issues in working with families from other cultures are explored.
Prerequisite – SOCI 101, SOCW 132, SOCW 133, SOCW 232
- SOCW232 - SELECTED ISSUES IN SOCIAL WORK
Course ID: SOCW232
Name: SELECTED ISSUES IN SOCIAL WORK
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
This course is a survey of current theory and practices, skills and attitudes related to specific areas of social work practice. These areas are interrelated but each possesses a distinctive social work knowledge base.
Prerequisite - SOCW 132
- SOCW235 - ADDICTIONS
Course ID: SOCW235
Name: ADDICTIONS
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
This course is designed to give students a basic understanding of addictions and to assist them to recognize the symptoms of addictive behaviour. Students will learn how to respond as professionals to the clients’ addiction who they may work with on a day to day basis. Students learn about the services available through agencies dealing with addictions.
Prerequisite – SOCW 132, SOCW 133 or permission of instructor.
- SOCW238 - SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH METHODS & ETHICS
Course ID: SOCW238
Name: SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH METHODS & ETHICS
Hours: 45
Credits: 3
This is an introductory course that examines the basics of research including terminology, the nature of knowledge, critical thinking, research design, data collection, and analysis. These areas will be taught in relation to social work interventions and the skills needed to utilize research in practice of the profession. A portion of this course will be spent discussing research ethics and the practice of social work.
Prerequisite – SOCW 110 or permission of instructor.
