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SOWK2100 Social Work Interviewing
Tennessee State University
Social Work Program
Social Work Interviewing Skills
SOWK 2100-01
FALL 2011
Credits: 3
Instructor: Delores Butler, LAPSW
Email: dbutler@tnstate.edu
Office: Elliott Hall 310E
Time: 9:40am -11:05am Th
Location: Elliott Hall 308
Office Phone: 963-7666
COURSE DESCRIPTION
Introduction to Social Work generic interviewing skills, essential facilitative qualities, and professional
integrity. Emphasis on working with culturally and psychologically, diverse and oppressed client systems.
Prerequisite: SOWK 2010.
REQUIRED TEXTS
Cournoyer, B. R. (2008). The Social Work Skills Workbook. (5th Edition). Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/
Cole.
Skill
Define the components of the
generalist intervention model
Integrate reflection and scholarship in
a term paper.
Articulate personal and professional
values.
Demonstrate basic interviewing skills
and critique the implementation of
interviewing skills.
Distinguish between critical and
ancillary information in case
information.
SKILLS & ASSESSMENTS
Assessment
Examinations
Who Am I: Communication Style & Values Analysis
Practice Video Recording
Practice Video Review: Your Video
Scenario Reviews
Client Problem Video Script
Who Am I PAPER
*EVALUATION: Percentage Basis
A term paper describing your communication style and values. This paper is a scholarly discussion of the
processes that have shape your prejudice, interactions, and approach to others. Submit a written report
including the following:
1. 25% of points – 1000 words or less. Examination of Self: the student’s review of his/her ego defenses,
logical fallacies, values, and beliefs in the context of the ideas discussed in class.
a. Self-appraisal in some form must be prominent.
b. Develop a clearly stated question to guide the report.
Michael A. Wright mwright17@tnstate.edu
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SOWK2100 Social Work Interviewing
2. 25% of points – 1000 words or less. Examination of the Literature: a review of scholarly literature in
reference to the question posed.
a. Develop at least one clearly stated hypothesis in the form: If I change [some aspect] of myself, it
would influence the way I interact with [some person or group] positively.
3. 20% of points – 850 words or less. Analysis: the student’s understanding of the origins, supporting
factors/experiences for his/her assumptions, environmental context of their development, and how similar
characterizations are discussed in scholarly literature.
4. Papers should be no more than 2500 words, include 10 or more scholarly references. No web sources will
count toward the required 10. Use scholarly method to add legitimacy to your report and headings to add
readability. All reports should be typed, double-spaced, in APA format.
5. PAPERS SUBMITTED AT THE DEADLINE THAT DO NOT FOLLOW THE ABOVE WILL NOT BE
READ.
6. 30% of points - * Written Evaluation Rubric
Scenario Reviews
EVALUATION: Percentage Basis
1. 50% of points – 250 word or less analysis of the scenario marked by scholarly references and/or
concepts germane to the course.
2. 50% of points – Thoughtful critique of the scenario marked by at least 3 alternative interaction
comments per scenario.
Michael A. Wright mwright17@tnstate.edu
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SOWK2100 Social Work Interviewing
Video Projects
Client Problem Video Script LATE PAPERS RECEIVE I LETTER GRADE LOWER
*EVALUATION: Percentage Basis
1. 50% of points – Following the guidelines provided by the professor for formatting the script.
2. 50% of points – Include verifiable citations of concepts addressed at each statement of the script.
Practice Video Recording NO MAKEUPs WILL BE SCHEDULED
*EVALUATION: COMPLETE/NOT COMPLETE
A 10-minute recording of your interviewing skill proficiency.
*A RUBRIC WILL BE USED TO EVALUATE THIS PROJECT. A RUBRIC IS AN OBJECTIVE
METHOD OF MEASUREMENT. EACH STUDENT WILL RECEIVE THE RUBRIC FOR
REVIEW AND REFERENCE.
Examinations
A total of 2 examinations will be administered over the course of the semester. 60 minutes of class
will be allotted for each exam. Students WILL NOT be given make-up quizzes for any exam missed.
Exams may cover anything discussed or assigned in reading.
Michael A. Wright mwright17@tnstate.edu
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MEETING SCHEDULE
SKILLS
Articulate
personal
and
professional
values.
DATE
LESSON
TOPICS
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
RESOURCES
Introductions
Explore the course outline. Begin to love the course.
Course Syllabus
“My People”
Exercise
Distinguish between prejudices and professional
judgment. Respond to your personal prejudices.
Chapter 2 Cournoyer
(2008) especially p.
65-67
Attraction
Distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate
thoughts. Explore your standards of visual beauty.
Chapter 2 Cournoyer
(2008) especially p.
46-48
Essential Skills
Define Empathy, Respect, and Authenticity. Explore
your capacity to demonstrate social work essential
skills.
Chapter 1 Cournoyer
(2008)
Code of Ethics
Obtain a copy of the NASW Code of Ethics
http://www.socialworkers.org/pubs/code/code.asp
NASW Code of Ethics
Read the code of ethics. Explore your feelings
concerning social work core values.
Chapter 3 Cournoyer
(2008)
Parameters of
Competence
Identify the organizations that impact assessment of
competence in social work. Express how you will know
when you are ready to practice social work.
Chapter 2 Cournoyer
(2008)
Legal
Obligations
Identify the legal obligations of social workers. Share
how you make choices when two good options exist.
Chapter 3 Cournoyer
(2008)
Ego Defenses
and Logical
Fallacies
Examine methods individuals use to defend concepts of
self. Explore your values and how you arrived at a
concept of truth.
Ego Defenses Handout
Point: Know your role. Know your competence. Know
your self.
Exam covers lecture,
notes, and readings.
Chapter 2 Cournoyer
(2008) especially p.
33-41
Jeopardy I
Examination I
Michael A. Wright mwright17@tnstate.edu
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SOWK2100 Social Work Interviewing
PIE, GIM, and
Ecological
Systems
Explain the generalist intervention model. Create and
reflect on your own eco-map.
Chapter 1, 2
Cournoyer (2008)
especially p.6, 50-52
Engel, G.L. (1977).
GIM Handout
Integrate
reflection and
scholarship in a
term paper.
Generations and
Values
Create a genogram. Explore the relationships that
maintain your values and habits.
Reflective
Writing
List criterion for reflective writing. Reflect on
appropriate and inappropriate disclosure.
Scholarly
Writing with
Feelings
Outline a scholarly paper. Reflect on using your own
experience as a case study within a scholarly paper.
Define the
components of
the generalist
intervention
model.
Engagement
Recall the elements included in an engagement
presentation to a client. Support your views on client
empowerment.
Demonstrate
basic
interviewing
skills and
critique the
implementation
of interviewing
skills.
Scenario I
Point: Create and deliver an engagement presentation.
Chapter 2 Cournoyer
(2008) especially
p.48-50
Course Syllabus
Chapter 4,5,6
Cournoyer (2008)
Change: the
TTM Way
Outline a process for client and societal change.
Balance the work of preparing persuasive information
with the patience required when you encounter
disagreement.
Michael A. Wright mwright17@tnstate.edu
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SOWK2100 Social Work Interviewing
Assessment I:
Process
Identify the key techniques in assessment: probing,
reflecting, and noting. Balance the value of techniques
and intuition based on beliefs, behaviors, feelings,
sensations and context of the client.
Chapter 7,8
Cournoyer (2008)
Assessment II:
Practice
Contexts
Explore various contexts across ecological systems
where assessment may be used. Reflect on your
favorite ecological level of practice.
Handouts
Planning
Identify key techniques in planning: parsing,
prioritizing, translating, strategizing, mapping, and
contracting. Debate the usefulness of client primacy.
Chapter 9 Cournoyer
(2008) especially p.
304, 323-325, 330333
Scenario II
Point: Create a template for developing a client
interview script.
Implementation
Identify key techniques in implementation: focusing,
advising, educating, representing, reframing,
confronting, responding with immediacy, and
recording progress. Examine your own cultural
competence.
Chapter 10 Cournoyer
(2008)
Evaluation
Identify common practice evaluation methods both in
session (scaling) and after session (single-subject
design). Consider your capacity to contribute to the
knowledge base of social work. Consider your
capacity to create teaching/training materials based on
client interactions.
Chapter 10 Cournoyer
(2008)
Termination
Identify termination tasks, timing, and reflection.
Share how you will deal with emotional attachments
to clients.
Chapter 11 Cournoyer
(2008)
Distinguish
between
critical and
ancillary
information in
case
information.
Scenario III
Point: Recognize GIM elements in practice.
Define the
components of
the generalist
intervention
model.
Practice Video
Script
DUE: Practice Video Script
Define the
components of
the generalist
intervention
model.
Demonstrate
basic
interviewing
skills and
critique the
implementation
of interviewing
skills.
Define the
components of
the generalist
intervention
model.
Michael A. Wright mwright17@tnstate.edu
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Distinguish
between
critical and
ancillary
information in
case
information.
SOWK2100 Social Work Interviewing
Practice Video
Recording
Recording Today
Practice Video
Recording
Recording Today
Reflections on
Course
Jeopardy II
Michael A. Wright mwright17@tnstate.edu
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EVALUATION FORMAT
Graded Items in this Course
%
Achieved
Scenario I Review (final exam time )
Scenario II Review ()
Points
Possible
Points
Possible
Comprehensive Final Examination
30
20
Who Am I: Communication Style &
Values Analysis (Due )
Client Problem Video Script
(Due )
Practice Video Recording
(Recording:
)
60
40
Examination I ()
%
Achieved
20
20
Scenario III Review ()
Graded Items in this Course
40
COLUMN TOTAL
180
COLLABORATION POINTS
Receive these points WHEN you turn in this sheet and meet in an appointment with the instructor between
mid-term and the end of the course.
Final Point Total
Used to Calculate Your Final Grade. Calculate your final grade by adding POINTS ACHIEVED +
COLLABORATION POINTS and dividing that total by 2.8.
GRADING SCALE
40
COLUMN TOTAL
A = 90 – 100
Expectation
1. Identify as a
professional social
B = 80 – 89
100
50
C = 70 – 79
D = 60 – 69
Definition
As students, you can expect to have your current knowledge, skills, and values
challenged as you learn and wrestle with professional social work knowledge, skills,
Michael A. Wright mwright17@tnstate.edu
F = 59 and below
280
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2.
worker
Demonstrate a Proactive
Commitment to
Learning
3. Utilize Resources and
Feedback with Efficacy
4. Communicate
5.
Effectively with respect
and cultural competence
Apply Problem Solving
and Critical Thinking
Skills
6. Demonstrate SelfAwareness and Ethical
Conduct
7. Manage a Healthy &
Balanced Lifestyle
effectively Managing
Stress
SOWK2100 Social Work Interviewing
and values in the development of a professional social work identity.
As a student, you are expected to take time to review the syllabus and workload of
the course to make a self-assessment to your abilities to fulfill the course
requirements. As needed, you should request additional information about
assignments or grading procedures. Faculty may respond to your request
individually or as a group, in class or out of class time. If you recognize a conflict
between due dates in the course and your personal responsibilities, notify your
professor immediately to problem-solve and negotiate a resolution.
As a student, you are expected to identify and communicate concerns you have and
to seek out help. Likewise, as a student, you need to be open to feedback by the
faculty on your work and professional behaviors and be willing to effectively use
and integrate that feedback into future work and your understanding of professional
social work behaviors. If you are unable to contact a professor or other support
resource, be sure to take note of the time, date, mode of contact to record a concrete
timeline of events. This will help us improve the system of support so that it better
responds to your needs.
Students are expected to develop communication and language that does not attack
individuals for beliefs, but engages in dialogue concerning substantive issues,
demonstrates critical thinking, and is supported by a rationale and evidence.
Students are expected to ask questions in a way that demonstrates your knowledge
and your thought process. In asking questions, students may adopt the following
manner: “I understand that this is… but I don’t see how this relates to that?” or
“May I have a point of clarity?”
Students are expected to embrace the idea that you represent the social work
profession when you are in the community and working with our partner agencies.
You are also expected to take time to become familiar with the NASW Code of
Ethics. You will, also, need to set time aside to reflect on, to integrate, and to
assess your learning about and understanding of ethical decision making.
Students are expected to take advantage of the multitude of resources available
during matriculation. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to someone and see out help.
FAILURE TO ADHERE TO THE ABOVE PROFESSIONAL EXPECTATIONS MAY RESULT IN DISCIPLINARY
ACTION BY THE INSTRUCTOR, AND THE DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WORK
Michael A. Wright mwright17@tnstate.edu
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SOWK2100 Social Work Interviewing
STUDENT LEARNING SELF-ASSESSMENT
Spring 2011
This survey is to be completed and turned in at the end of the semester when this course is completed. Your response on this survey does not impact your
grade. The information you provide is used to determine possible social work program improvements.
Limited Grasp
of the Skill
Define the components of the generalist intervention model
Integrate reflection and scholarship in a term paper.
Articulate personal and professional values.
Demonstrate basic interviewing skills and critique the
implementation of interviewing skills.
Distinguish between critical and ancillary information in case
information.
Revised 01/12/11
Michael A. Wright mwright17@tnstate.edu
Below
Average
Grasp
Average
Grasp
Above
Average
Grasp
Exceptional
Grasp of the
Skill