WHAT IS SOCIAL WORK? 

Social work is a practice-based profession that promotes social change, development, cohesion and the empowerment of people and communities. Social work practice involves the understanding of human development, behavior and the social, economic and cultural institutions and interactions.

PROGRAM GOAL

Social Work Program aims to develop students’ skills and competencies essential for social work practices that include problem solving and decision making, professional healthy relationships, research, and networking. Students are prepared to render effective social services to individuals, families, organizations and communities towards improvement of the quality of life.

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

• Acquire skills in problem-solving, matching needs and resources, evaluation and termination of services rendered;
• Develop critical thinking and proficiency in analyzing the root causes of the problems of the Filipino people;
• Gain proficiency in social work techniques and strategies such as needs assessment facilitation, resource mobilization, documentation and communication for effective service;
• Achieve deeper understanding of the nature of social work profession, its values, philosophy and ethics.

PROGRAM OUTCOMES

1. Articulate and discuss latest developments in social welfare policies, programs, and services of the locality, region and country in terms of relevance, responsiveness, accessibility and availability to target populations to uphold the rights, privileges and dignity of every human person.
2. Communicate to individuals, families, groups and communities the value of human life, the rights and responsibilities of the person, the  need for social awareness and the impact of community empowerment to promote better understanding and harmony in social relationships.
3. Work effectively and independently in multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural teams to encourage social work practices that respect cultural diversity, support open dialogue and willingness to find a common ground.
4. Act in recognition of the social work profession by promoting the welfare of individuals, families and communities in accordance with social work values and ethical principles reflective of Ignacian Marian ideals.
5. Critically analyze the origin, progress and purposes of social work in the Philippines to preserve and promote our historical-cultural heritage that recognizes the honest achievements of Filipinos in any field of endeavor.
6. Participate in various types of socially responsible employment activities and service-driven public discourses that are responsive to the emerging needs of communities one serves.
7. Exhibit flexibility, creativity, passion and art of helping various clients in ensuring therapeutic, protective, preventive, and transformative social interventions that restore healthy relationships in the home, community and workplace.
8. Engage in advocacy work to promote socio-economic, cultural rights and well-being of persons especially the underprivileged and the marginalized sectors to uplift their life and uphold their dignity as God’s most precious creation.
9. Produce conscientious work assessments and compassionate social interventions that utilize knowledge of human behavior and social environment emphasizing the “person-in-situation” dynamics.
10. Critique the impacts of national and global socio-structural inadequacies, discrimination, and oppression on quality of life to bring about honest, productive and compassionate social interventions.
11. Develop networks and partnerships to generate resources to be used in social programs and services to uplift the quality of life of underserved communities.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES:

Medical Social Worker – are employed in the medical field and provide services to patients in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities.

Substance Abuse Social Worker – Substance abuse social workers specialize in providing services to clients that struggle with drug or alcohol abuse.

School Social Worker – These social workers are an important part of a child’s learning and growth. In particular, they often provide direct services to special needs students, such as those that are on an individualized education plan, or IEP.

Private Practice – If you have a master’s degree in social work and you’re licensed, you can work as a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW). You’ll work with individuals, couples, families, and perhaps groups of people and provide counseling services.

Child & Family Social Workers – help protect at-risk children and support families. These social workers respond to crises and help families access services.

Mental Health Social Worker – Substance misuse social workers can find employment at rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, and detention centers. In these settings, professionals assess, counsel, and create interventions to help individuals with alcohol and substance use problems.

Clinical Social Worker – Clinical social workers can practice at any level of social work, from big-picture advocacy and policy change to diagnosing and treating individuals with substance misuse and mental health conditions.

Social Work Teacher – Social work professors develop curriculums, teach classes at the postsecondary level, help students form their dissertations and research projects, and conduct their own research. They also help supervise students during their field placements and may also oversee departments and manage other professors.

SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM HEAD: Cheeney Marnelle L. Sasa, RSW, MSSW

Garnerd TOP 7: National Licensure Examination for Social Workers Year 2012