中央康涅狄格州立大學

Our integrative curriculum provides comprehensive understandings of client systems using a range of theories and practice models that inform multidimensional assessments and interventions within a variety of social work roles, including but not limited to advocate, educator, case manager and broker. This methodology is especially pertinent when working with groups of people who are socially and culturally subordinated, economically impoverished, politically disenfranchised and systematically subjugated. The individual, familial and community impacts from these systems of domination often leads targeted groups to be labeled as “vulnerable” or “at risk” populations.

Groups within the State of Connecticut who are designated as such include marginalized women, children and adolescents, Puerto Rican/Caribbean Basin Natives, African Americans, persons living with HIV/AIDS, persons with disabilities, refugees, new immigrants, gay men, lesbian women, bi-sexual and transgender individuals, older adults. Refugee populations include Bosnians, Kosovos, Laotians, Vietnamese, Mexican and Columbian. Immigrants include Jamaican, Haitians, Bahamian and Brazilian populations.

Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work. Underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledge, social work engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance wellbeing.

Learning Outcomes

• Demonstrate competencies in social work knowledge, values and skills measured by senior evaluations, portfolio and employer surveys.
• Demonstrate understanding of diverse client systems with an emphasis on populations at risk, including cultural and spiritual considerations and the socio political and economic environment.
• Develop writing skills.
• Develop a social work value base.
• Demonstrate skills necessary to effect change with client systems of various sizes.