Innovative Social Work Field Education in Congregational and Community-based Settings Serving Persons Fifty Five+: An Interdisciplinary Training Initiative for BSW and MSW Students

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
K. Jay Poole, Assistant Professor (Creator)
John C Rife, Associate Dean for Academic Administration (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: Advances in medical technology, nutrition and life styles are all contributing to increased life expectancy for persons age 55+. However, persistent poverty, chronic disease and gaps in both community social services and family caregiving often adversely affect the quality of life for older persons. The Council on Social Work Education has identified social work field education as the signature pedagogy for social work education (CSWE, 2008). Accordingly, social work field education has a special responsibility for preparing students for effective practice with older adults. This article presents results from an innovative social work field education program which prepares BSW and MSW students to work in interdisciplinary teams with congregational nurses as they serve persons age 55+. This project, the Congregational Social Work Education Initiative, is an interdisciplinary social work and nursing field education project which serves members of religiously affiliated organizations (RAOs) and persons who are homeless. Funded by community health foundations, the project trains BSW and MSW students for professional practice in congregational and community-based settings.

Additional Information

Publication
Social Work and Christianity, 40(4), 404-21
Language: English
Date: 2013
Keywords
community, congregations, fieldwork, interdisciplinary social work, internship, older persons, organizations, partnerships, social work education, nursing education

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