Goals & Competencies

BSW PROGRAM MISSION

The East Tennessee University Bachelor of Social Work Program prepares students to use the knowledge, values, and skills necessary to demonstrate competency in generalist social work practice, reflecting the core values and ethical obligations of the social work profession. The program instills in its students the commitment to engage diversity in practice and advocate for human rights, as well as social, economic, and environmental justice by challenging all forms of oppression. 

BSW PROGRAM GOALS

The following goals of the BSW Program are derived from the program's mission.

  1. Provide a sound educational environment that nurtures learning, stimulates self-reflection, encourages open dialogue, and is characterized by honesty, integrity, trust, and respect.

  2. Draw on students' liberal arts foundation to build the knowledge, skills, values, ethics, and professional identity necessary for competent entry-level generalist practice in various contexts and all levels of practice.

  3. Ensure a knowledge base in human behavior theories that support intervention at multiple levels in order to improve the quality of life for all citizens, especially those who are disadvantaged.

  4. Prepare students to comprehend current social welfare policies' history, socio-politico-economic contexts, provisions, and consequences top client systems.

  5. Prepare students to advocate for more effective policies, programs, and services to advance social well-being.

  6. Motivate and prepare students for use of research tools to critically evaluate and improve practice, programs, and service delivery systems that employ social workers.

  7. Prepare students to meet social welfare needs in a culturally competent manner with diverse populations, giving attention to Northeast Tennessee and surrounding areas.

BSW PROGRAM 9 CORE COMPETENCIES 

Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior

Competency 2: Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice

Competency 3: Engage in Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice

Competency 4: Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice

Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice

Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities.