ABS: Department of Social Work

Wickes 358 (989) 964-4062

Mission, Goals and Objectives

Mission

The mission of the social work department is to promote social welfare for residents of the Saginaw Valley, the state of Michigan, and beyond - through advancement of knowledge about social problems, and through education about effective social work practices. We seek to respond to the particular needs of oppressed people and institutions by training ethical and effective social workers who are prepared to provide services to the diverse groups in this region and who are committed to helping clients achieve the greatest self-sufficiency.

Goals

Our mission is manifested in the following goals for the department: The social work department seeks to:

  1. Prepare students for generalist social work practice in the various communities represented in the Saginaw Valley.
  2. Provide a foundation for entry into graduate social work education.
  3. Provide the community with professional social workers who are committed to the historic mission of social work and are prepared to address issues of social justice.
  4. Produce social workers who are ethical practitioners.

Objectives

Our goals are operationalized in the following objectives:  Graduates of the social work program will be able to

  1. Understand prejudice, oppression and discrimination, and act as advocates to advance social and economic justice at all levels of social work practice.
  2. Have understanding of and respect for the diversity of the communities in which they will live and work, and demonstrate knowledge of the world beyond.
  3. Apply critical thinking skills at all levels of social work practice.
  4. Apply knowledge of human development and behavior to enhance individual, groups and community interactions.
  5. Apply the knowledge and skills of generalist social work practice with systems of all sizes in various settings in the region.
  6. Understand the history of social work as a profession, and demonstrate awareness of contemporary issues and professional organizations that influence the profession.
  7. Analyze social policies and know how to affect change in policy at the agency level and higher.
  8. Understand principles of research, and apply knowledge of social work interventions through practice evaluation and use of empirical research to support choices in intervention.
  9. Function within the profession by adding to the knowledge base and seeking organizational change as necessary.
  10. Continually evaluate professional growth and development through supervision and consultation.
  11. Understand and operationalize the values and ethics of social work.
  12. Effectively and appropriately use self in social work practice.
  13. Use communication skills effectively to link diverse client populations and communities with resources and services.