Social Work Practicum, The

Description

About our authors

Professor Cynthia Garthwait has taught at The University of Montana since 1988, serves as BSW Program Director, and has served as Chair and Practicum Coordinator. Cindy is the Coordinator of the interdisciplinary Gerontology Minor. She is involved with the Montana Geriatric Education Center, which trains students in interdisciplinary health-related clinical sites, faculty in geriatrics, and health professionals in an interdisciplinary approach to geriatrics.

She is Co-Chair of the Institute for Gerontology Education, working with other faculty and staff on campus to increase the availability of aging content on campus. She is the Director of the Gerontology Fellows Program for BSW students, geared toward preparing social work graduates for intergenerational practice.

She works with MSW students enrolled in the Hartford Scholars on Aging for students wishing to acquire advanced training in gerontological social work. She provides consultation and training to health facilities and housing facilities serving older adults.

Hallmark features of this title

• A systematic format illustrates the links between theory and actual practice. Each chapter is divided into 3 major sections to move students from the classroom to the practicum. Tools included in each chapter help prepare students for professional practice.
• The chapters are sequenced to allow for ongoing professional development, while clarifying expectations for applying knowledge and providing experiential learning opportunities that lead to professional growth.
• Critical-thinking questions link learning to Council on Social Work Education core competencies, and prompt reflection to further learning.

New and updated features of this title

• UPDATED: Principles, guidelines, exercises and examples for the phases of the planned change process of social work help students connect theory they have learned in their courses to the practicum experience.
• UPDATED: Ethical and legal guidelines for the use of electronic communication include significant updates on social media, computer management, and the provision of computer-based services informed by the best practices and standards of National Association of Social Worker, the Council on Social Work Education, and the Association of Social Work Boards.
• NEW: The 8th Edition includes new content on topics including the critical analysis model of social policy, cultural humility and diversity in practice, guidelines for practice with involuntary clients and more.
• UPDATED: Topics for which the content has been significantly revised include blocking and building goals of community practice, professional development beyond the practicum, social justice in policy practice and more.