This unique core text helps BSW and MSW students to structure their field placement learning around the nine CWE professional social work competencies. Empowering students to go beyond merely completing tasks, the book facilitates mastery and integration of these competencies by elucidating key concepts and applying them to realistic competency-based case scenarios. Each user-friendly chapter—directly linked to a particular competency— promotes thought-provoking reflection about fieldwork with critical thinking questions, integrated competency logs, an on-line template log, and a detailed case study. These tools reinforce learning by connecting competencies directly to students’ internship experiences.
Cases are structured to serve as models when students prepare their own cases and include a review of the competency; detailed practice settings; socioeconomic and context factors at micro, macro, and mezzo levels; a problem overview; an assessment of client strengths and weaknesses; and a closing summary. Additional learning aids include chapter opening vignettes and objectives, chapter summaries, and glossaries. Web and video links offer students a wealth of supplemental resources, and a robust instructors package provides teachers with PowerPoints, written competency assignments with grading rubrics, and discussion exercises. The print version includes free, searchable, digital access to entire contents of the book.
Key Features:
Integrates field placement experiences with the nine CSWE 2015 competencies
Promotes thought-provoking reflection about fieldwork with detailed case studies and challenging learning tools
Includes discussions of ethical dilemmas, technology, and social media to reflect growing use and the challenges associated
Includes online instructors’ resources including, PowerPoints, written competency assignments with grading rubrics, and discussion exercises
Print version includes free, searchable, digital access to entire contents of the book
Author Biography:
John Poulin, PhD, MSW, is a professor emeritus and adjunct professor at Widener University's Center for Social Work Education in Chester, Pennsylvania, currently teaching the foundation field seminar in Widener's online MSW program. In 2016, he retired from Widener University, where he taught generalist practice, research, and policy courses for 32 years.
Selina Matis, PhD, LCSW, LICSW, is a lifelong resident of Southwestern Pennsylvania. She received her doctoral degree in social work from Widener University. Additionally, she has a MSW (Master of Social Work), BS in Elementary Education and a MS in School Psychology all from California University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Matis is a full-time Practice Education Associate Faculty member at Capella University in the MSW Program. Clinically, she has worked primarily in the mental health arena supporting children and their families in a variety of settings. She has specialized in treating trauma across the lifespan. She currently runs a private practice providing counseling, consultation, and supervision services.
Heather Witt, PhD, LMSW, MEd, is a licensed social worker and assistant professor of Social Work at Boise State University. She received her PhD and MSW from Widener University in Chester, Pennsylvania. As a clinical social worker, she worked with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults providing individual, group, family, and relationship therapy.
