SOW 106 - Interviewing Skills

Credits: 3
3 Lecture Hours

Description
This course introduces foundational interviewing and interpersonal communication skills used in social work and human services. Students explore evidence-based strategies for building rapport, demonstrating empathy and responding ethically in diverse helping relationships. Emphasis is placed on verbal and nonverbal communication, active listening, cultural humility and adapting communication styles to meet the needs of varied client populations. Students practice core clinical techniques, including open-ended questioning, summarizing and treatment planning. Digital tools and video technology are used to reflect on communication practices and explore the role of virtual interviews and e-therapy in contemporary practice.

CSWE Required Competencies

This course is designed in accordance with the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) 2022 Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS). As a foundational course in the social work curriculum, SOW 106 addresses competencies required for accredited social work programs. The following competencies align with the course learning outcomes and prepare students for continued study and future licensure pathways:

Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Competency 2: Engage Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) in Practice
Competency 3: Engage Anti-Racism in 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

Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:

Explain the basic concepts and stages of effective interviewing and helping relationships. (CSWE Competencies 6, 7)
Identify the interpersonal skills needed to establish rapport, demonstrate empathy and communicate ethically. (CSWE Competencies 1, 6)
Apply client-centered and strengths-based techniques in role-play and recorded interviews. (CSWE Competencies 6, 8)
Demonstrate cultural responsiveness and awareness of diverse communication styles. (CSWE Competencies 2, 3, 6)
Utilize digital tools and video technology to enhance interviewing skills and reflect on professional communication. (CSWE Competency 1)
Develop a basic treatment plan and explore common models of intervention in individual and family practice. (CSWE Competencies 6, 7, 8)

Listed Topics

Helping relationships and interview stages
Core interpersonal qualities: empathy, genuineness, respect
Client-centered communication
Open-ended vs. closed questions
Use of self-disclosure and summarization
Immediacy, confrontation and value clarification
Cultural communication styles and nonverbal cues
Action strategies: may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused approaches, psychodynamic methods
E-therapy and digital platforms for client communication
Ethical communication and professional boundaries
Digital case reflection and video-based peer feedback
Treatment planning and documentation
Assertiveness, family therapy and desensitization techniques
Use of video recordings, digital role-plays and peer review

Reference Materials
Current textbook/materials as deemed appropriate by instructor

Students who successfully complete this course acquire general knowledge, skills and abilities that align with CCAC’s definition of an educated person. Specifically, this course fulfills these General Education Goals:

Communication
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
Culture Society & Citizenship
Technological Competence

Approved By: Dr. Quintin B. Bullock Date Approved: 05/14/2025
Last Reviewed: 05/14/2025

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