SOW 110P - Social Work Service Learning Practicum

 
Description
This course provides students with hands-on experience through a 100-hour service learning practicum in a social work or human services setting. Emphasis is placed on applying theoretical knowledge in real-world environments, strengthening professional identity and developing core competencies through active engagement with agencies, clients and community partners. Students practice ethical decision-making, cultural responsiveness and interpersonal communication while gaining insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of social workers. All students must obtain current Pennsylvania clearances (ACT 114, ACT 34, ACT 151) and comply with placement site requirements, including FBI fingerprinting and agency-specific protocols.

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 field-based course in the social work curriculum, SOW 110 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:

1. Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
2. Competency 2: Engage Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) in Practice
3. Competency 3: Engage Anti-Racism in Practice
4. Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice
5. Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities
6. Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations and Communities

1. Apply social work theories and classroom knowledge to real-life field experiences. (CSWE Competencies 1, 6, 8)
2. Analyze how agencies address client needs, community concerns and systemic challenges. (CSWE Competencies 2, 5, 6)
3. Clarify personal values, strengths and areas for growth within the social work profession. (CSWE Competencies 1, 2)
4. Demonstrate effective communication, collaboration and professionalism in agency settings. (CSWE Competencies 1, 6)
5. Practice ethical decision-making and apply the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics to fieldwork challenges. (CSWE Competency 1)
6. Navigate confidentiality laws and policies in field placements. (CSWE Competency 1)
7. Reflect on field experiences and articulate the role of social work in diverse communities. (CSWE Competencies 2, 3, 6)

 Listed Topics

1. Types and functions of social work agencies
2. Field placement expectations and professionalism
3. Client assistance and service delivery
4. The NASW Code of Ethics in action
5. Cultural competence and self-awareness
6. Confidentiality laws and ethical dilemmas
7. Agency structure and interdisciplinary teams
8. Communication with clients, peers and supervisors
9. Servant leadership and social work identity
10. Reflective journaling and field supervision
11. Professional networking and career pathways

• Communication
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
• Culture Society & Citizenship

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