Mission, Goals, and Objectives

The Ferris State University Social Work Program

The Ferris State Social Work program has been in existence since 1970, and is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. The program combines a strong liberal arts foundation, along with a professional foundation of knowledge, skills and values specific to the social work profession.

MISSION , GOALS AND OBJECTIVES:

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Ferris State University Social Work Program is to educate professional social workers who will be leaders in their field, promoting social and economic justice, diversity, and empowerment and eliminating oppressive social conditions. We inspire students to be critical thinkers to meet the challenges of a global society through lifelong learning, innovation, political engagement, service, and community collaboration.

PROGRAM GOALS

  1. Prepare Social Workers to be quality generalist practitioners with individuals, families, organizations and communities toward the enhancement of the human condition.

"A generalist is a person with broad general knowledge and skills in several disciplines, fields or areas." - Bradford W Sheafor in Social Work Practice.

Students will:

  1. Use a set of theoretical frameworks and competencies that have been proven effective with specific target populations
  2. Develop a personal and professional identity based on the values and ethical principles of the social work profession
  3. Demonstrate the ability to integrate social work theory, knowledge and practice with both the liberal arts and theoretical frameworks from other disciplines that impact effective professional intervention
  4. Function effectively within the structure and organization of service delivery systems and from a systems perspective, advocate for change on all levels

    Faculty and Alumni will:

  5. Apply current trends in theory and provide curricula and teaching interventions that reflect a depth and breadth of knowledge values and skills in the liberal arts and social work profession
  6. Encourage student persistence in the field of social work during their academic career and after graduation
  1. Prepare social workers to practice without discrimination with highly diverse populations.

Students will:

  1. Practice without discrimination and with respect, knowledge and skills related to client’s age, class, color culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex and sexual orientation
  2. Understand and recognize the dynamics of oppression and discrimination
  3. Apply strategies of social and political change to promote social justice and alleviate poverty

    Faculty and Alumni will:

  4. Use examples of diverse populations in course content
  1. Prepare social workers to engage in activities that promote lifelong learning toward the effective performance of personal and professional responsibilities.

Students will:

  1. Apply research findings, program evaluation and clinical outcome evaluation to evaluate their practice, interventions and programs
  2. Utilize mentoring, supervision and burnout prevention to enhance professional effectiveness
  3. Engage in university and community learning activities to broaden political and cultural perspective
  4. Utilize information systems (library, internet, networking) and technological expertise to stay current with practice, policy and political issues

    Faculty and Alumni will:

  5. Engage in lifelong learning opportunities to stay current and to provide good role modeling
  1. Prepare social workers to engage in activities that promote collaboration, reciprocal relationships and advocacy within diverse social/political environments toward the enhancement of the human condition.

Students will:

  1. Apply strategies of social and political change to promote social justice and to alleviate poverty.
  2. Understand, evaluate and formulate effective social policy
  3. Understand the historical perspective and evolution of the social work profession and apply to contemporary issues
  4. Utilize collaboration toward the development/integration of resources in communities where resources are scarce

    Faculty and Alumni will:

  5. Utilize a systems perspective and case and cause advocacy as part of course content and professional development

The Ferris Social Work Program is built around developing knowledge, skills and values around six competencies, entitled the Planned Change Model. Throughout your student career, these six competencies will be intricately woven into your course work, your research and your field placement.

THE PLANNED CHANGE MODEL

    1. Intake and Engagement
    2. Data Collection and Assessment
    3. Planning and Contracting
    4. Intervention and Monitoring
    5. Evaluation and Termination
    6. Political Advocacy and Community Organization