I. Purpose and Description of Course

This first semester practice course provides an overview of generalist social work as a method of intervention with fundamental concepts, principles, values, techniques, and skills. Students learn generalist practice content that focuses on strengths, capacities and resources of client systems in relation to their broader environments. Within this generalist practice framework, the content encompasses knowledge and skills to work with individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. These skills include: 1) engaging clients in an appropriate working relationship; 2) identifying issues, problems, needs, resources, and assets; 3) collecting and assessing information; 4) identifying gaps in service delivery; and 5) developing an initial intervention plan. Students are introduced to the steps of the evidence-based practice (EBP) process and expected to apply critical thinking skills to their interventions at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. The course aim is to achieve three outcomes. First, the beginning social work student will gain and skills in assessment across all levels of intervention (i.e., micro, mezzo, macro). The generalist social work practice perspective is presented as a problem-solving model to assist individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities to achieve personal and socia