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Social Work

Course developer

Prior knowledge

Soci3022, Social Policy and Legislation

Course abstract

The course develops an understanding of social work, its functions and its connection with specific social contexts, the roles of a social worker, various models of social work practice and theoretical approaches that form the basis of social work practice. Much attention is paid to the basic ethical principles and values of social work. The aim of the course is to develop an understanding of social work as a profession and its role in modern society.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

Knowledge – understand the social work profession, its development and role in the society, ethical basis and the required qualities of a social worker (1st test, seminars, discussions), problem-solving processes, social work methods. social assistance and services (2nd test, presentation).
Skills - is able to assess critically the problem situations, analyse available resources and their use in the context of social work (group work, discussions, ecomap, presentation, report) and use the acquired theoretical knowledge in the analysis and evaluation of social work (discussions, presentation, report). Soft skills - is able to plan time and perform assigned tasks responsibly, independently obtain the necessary information using various information sources, critically evaluate and analyse the information (presentation, report), form cooperation, engage in discussion and reasonably defend own’s opinion (discussions, group work).
Competence – is able to evaluate situations and social processes independently, analyse them in accordance with the principles of scientific analysis and ethics and see the role of social work in promoting the welfare of society (presentation, report, 3rd test).

Course Content(Calendar)

1. The concept and functions of social work. - 2h
2. Historical development of social work. - 2h
3. Spheres of social work. - 8h
4. Values in social work. - 4h
5. Social work process. - 6h
6. Social work practice. - 4h
7. Efficiency of a social worker. - 4h
8. Theoretical basis of social work practice. –2h
Practical works and seminars (16h):
1. Guidelines for the development of social work.
2. Provision with social workers. Social service office, its functions.
3. Services and social assistance. provided by the state and local governments.
4. Values in social work. Clarification of personal values.
5. Latvian Social Workers Code of Ethics.
1st test – ethical basis
6. Social support systems. Ecomap as a tool for assessment. (2 h)
7. Methods of social work: social casework, groupwork and communitywork.
8. Spheres of social work. Presentation. (4 h)
2nd test - social work process, methods
9. The ideal model of a social worker (based on the Kettel test). (2 h)
10. Anti-discriminatory practice. Stereotyping.
11. 3rd test – all topics

Requirements for awarding credit points

Formal test with a mark.
Credit points are awarded if all seminar tasks are done (group work, discussions etc.), tests passed, ecomap and report are submitted and presentation is prepared (all graded at least 4).

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Literature reading, preparing for seminars and tests. A report on chosen topic (2400 – 3000 words without annex),
The presentation on the chosen topic.
Ecomap – to prepare one’s own map and analyse the support systems and potential threats

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

Tests are passed if at least 40% of answers are correct.
Report and presentations are evaluated satisfactory if they meet minimum of the set requirements.
Final mark consists of tests (50%), report (20%), presentation (20%), and ecomap (10%).

Compulsory reading

1. Bohnisch L., Schroer W. Social Work: A Problem-oriented Introduction. De Gruyter Oldenbourg, 2016. Pieejams: EBSCOeBook Academic Collection datubāzē https://web-p-ebscohost-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/ehost/resultsadvanced?vid=8&sid=363f69c9-36d2-4ca8-8fe3-111cd710edc5%40redis&bquery=TI+Social+Work%3a+A+Problem-oriented+Introduction&bdata=JmRiPW5sZWJrJnR5cGU9MSZzZWFyY2hNb2RlPVN0YW5kYXJkJnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZSZzY29wZT1zaXRl
2. Latvijas Sociālo darbinieku ētikas kodekss . Pieejams: https://www.lm.gov.lv/lv/socialais-darbs
3. NASW Code of Ethics. Pieejams: https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics
4. Roga-Vailza, V., Ozola, I., & Apine, E. (Red.). Sociālais darbs ar gadījumu. Prakse teorijā. Rīga: Latvijas Republikas Labklājības ministrija, 2021, 543 lpp. Pieejams: https://www.lm.gov.lv/lv/socialais-darbs-ar-gadijumu
5. Roga-Vailza, V., Ozola, I., & Apine, E. (Red.). Sociālais darbs ar gadījumu. Teorija praksē. Rīga: Latvijas Republikas Labklājības ministrija, 2021, 534 lpp. Pieejams: https://www.lm.gov.lv/lv/socialais-darbs-ar-gadijumu
6. Webb S. Social work in a risk society: social and political perspectives. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2006, 278 p.

Further reading

1. Coulshed V., Orme J.Social w ork practice: an introduction. Basingstoke; New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2006, 322 p.
2. Dzīves jautājumi. Zinātniski metodisks rakstu krājums. Rīga: SDSPA “Attīstība”, 1995.-
3. Ikgadējie izdevumi Pārskats par tautas attīstību. LU. Pieejams: https://www.lu.lv/zinatne/zinatniskas-publikacijas/tautas-attistibas-parskati/
4. Vilka, L. Sociālā darba izglītībai Latvijā 20 gadu: vēsturisks atskats un ieskats mūsdienu problemātikā. Pieejams: http://archive.lza.lv/LZA_VestisA/66_4/7_Lolita%20Vilka%20SOCIALA%20DARBA%20IZGLITIBAI.pdf

Periodicals and other sources

1. Sociālais darbs Latvijā (LM Periodiskais izdevums). Pieejams: https://www.socialwork.lv/raksti/
2. International Journal of Social Welfare. ISSN 1468-2397 Pieejams: https://onlinelibrary-wiley-com.ezproxy.llu.lv/journal/14682397

Notes

Restricted elective study course for ESAF academic bachelor study program "Sociology of Organizations and Public Administration"