09686 - Social Work Methods and Techniques II

Learning outcomes

Learning outcomes

The course in Social Work Methods and Techniques II will address the theoretical paradigms of reference and the evolution of social policies, in order to understand and contextualize the social functions of the Assistant today in its cultural dimensions, ethical and professional.

The first part will be developed the Relationship to Individual Work (Case Work) through the knowledge of the interview as an important work tool of the profession: the main skills and abilities.

In the second part, focus will be on the knowledge needed to activate participatory work processes and resource promotion in community contexts.

A third part, more specific, will look at social work for families and children in difficulties in contexts characterized by multiproblematic and multiculturalism, given the complexity and richness of stimuli that this field allows in exploring methodological processes and professional tools.

Course contents

• Characteristics and dynamics of the professional relationship: self-awareness in the helping relationship, the concept of self-determination, empathy and authenticity, etc;

• Professional tools and methodologies: interview recording techniques, home visit, management of a work group, documentation in the social service, etc.

• The aid interview and counseling: know how to listen and know how to observe, correct and incorrect attitudes in conducting an interview; feedback and reframing, etc;

• network and community work: distinctive aspects and core competencies, theoretical and methodological foundations and practical experiences,
  theoretical foundations and practical experiences, the formal and informal system of help,

• Multidisciplinary work: implementation of a comprehensive intervention, main potential and difficulties, the challenges for the Social Worker's profession in the current context of Welfare's rarefaction.

Special Topics: The social worker in services to families and children in difficulty

• The study of the normative sources of juvenile law (international, national, regional)

• The historical, cultural roots and transgenerational factors of child abuse and its forms (physical and psychological abuse, sexual);

• the assessment of parenting skills: risk factors and protective factors (the emotional dimensions of the child, his family, the wider context);

• work in dangerous situations and / or connoted by multi problematic: support for parental functions and possible forms of assistance substitute (foster care, community socio-educational, adoption);

• immigrant families and child care: the professional challenges of the care system;

Readings/Bibliography

Roger Mucchielli, Apprendere il counseling. Manuale di autoformazione al colloquio di aiuto, Erickson, Trento, 2013

Elena Allegri, Il servizio sociale di comunità, Carrocci, Roma, 2015

Rose Moro M. Bambini di qui venuti da altrove. Saggio di transcultura, Franco Angeli, Milano, 2005 (Capitoli 2,3,4)

Supplied material by the teacher containing the "Regional guidelines for the reception and care of children and adolescents victims of abuse" (approved by DGR 1677/2013) and some articles related to the issue.

Recommended readings

Sara Serbati, Paola Milani, La tutela dei bambini. Teorie e strumenti di intervento con le famiglie vulnerabili, Carrocci, Roma, 2013

U. De Ambrogio, T. Bertotti, F. Merlini, L'assistente sociale e la valutazione. Esperienze e strumenti, Carrocci, Roma, 2007

Fruggeri L. Diverse normalità - Psicologia sociale delle relazioni familiari, Carrocci, Roma, 2005

Miodini S., Zini M.T. Il colloquio di aiuto – Teoria e Pratica nel Servizio Sociale, Carrocci, Roma, 2004

Bensayag M.,Schmit G.,L'epoca delle passioni tristi, Feltinelli Editore, Milano, 2004

Gary R., La vita davanti a sè, Neri Pozza Editore, Venezia, 2001

James Hillman, Il codice dell'anima, Biblioteca Adelphi, Milano, 1997

Simonetta Agnello Hornby, Vento scomposto, Milano, 2009

Marco Ius, Paola Milani, Sotto un cielo di stelle. Educazione, bambini e resilienza, Cortina Raffaello Editore, Milano, 2010

Fatema Mernissi, La terrazza proibita, Giunti Editore, Firenze, 1996

Francesca Corradini, L'assessment nel servizio sociale. Metodi relazionali di valutazione e indagine sociale con i minori e le famiglie, Erickson, Trento 2018

Teaching methods

Lectures, accompanied by works in subgroup / practical exercises, seminars, case studies, handouts.

Assessment methods

The examination involves an oral interview. The aim is to check whether the student has learned the contents of the texts and has reached a global and organic view of the topics dealt with. The student should not mnemonicize what he has read on the texts but through a personal linguistic style, and must be able to prove that the subject has been internalized and elaborated. Must answer questions promptly. It must demonstrate expressive mastery and use of a specific language and professionally correct terms.

Teaching tools

Lectures, accompanied by works in subgroup / practical exercises, seminars, case studies, handouts.

Office hours

See the website of Monica Pedroni