This course will provide students an opportunity to learn and develop the necessary skills to engage in the preliminary stages of professional development as it relates to the field of social welfare. Designed for different levels of decidedness about their graduate school and career aspirations, this course will involve thoughtful self-assessment, address the social, economic, or personal conditions affecting the decision-making process, and incorporate strategies aimed toward the development of a personalized plan.

A review of the wide variety of careers available for social workers will be introduced, and the course will utilize a combination of lectures, readings, individual or small group activities and projects, and graduate school or career panels. Students will also receive individualized guidance and have opportunities to develop their personal statements, resumes, and interviewing skills.

This course will assist students in developing skills associated with effective case management in a social service setting. The case management process if traced from the intake interview to termination of services, with in-depth attention given to the three phases of case management: assessment, planning, and implementation. Emphasis is given to exploration of the responsibilities and skills of the effective case manager.

In addition, the context in which the case management process occurs is reviewed and organizational, legal, and ethical issues confronting the case manager are addressed. Historical perspectives of case management and theoretical models utilized by case managers are discussed in detail. Students will be required to complete a simulated case management project from initial screening to evaluation.