Departmental Information

Mission, Goals, Objectives

Department Mission Statement

The Buffalo State Social Work Department prepares generalist social workers who act ethically, think critically, value diversity and social and economic justice, and are committed to the advancement of the quality of life in the city of Buffalo and the larger community.

Departmental Goals

1. Educate students in the knowledge, values, and skills for generalist social work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities in diverse practice settings.
   
2. Contribute to the welfare of the social work profession, the college, and the community.
   
3. Promote community welfare through service-learning opportunities in the social work curriculum.

Departmental Objectives

Our graduates will demonstrate the ability to:

• Apply critical thinking skills within the context of professional social work practice.
• Understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards and principles, and practice accordingly.
• Practice without discrimination and with respect, knowledge, and skills related to client’s age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, family structure, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation.
• Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and apply strategies of advocacy and social change that advance social and economic justice.
• Understand and interpret the history of the social work profession and its contemporary structures and issues.
• Apply the knowledge and skills of generalist social work practice with systems of all sizes.
• Use theoretical frameworks supported by empirical evidence to understand individual development and behavior across the life span and the interactions among individuals and between individuals and families, groups, organizations, and communities.
• Analyze, formulate, and influence social policies.
• Evaluate research studies, apply research findings to practice, and evaluate their own practice interventions.
• Use communication skills differentially across client populations, colleagues, and communities.
• Use supervision and consultation appropriate to social work practice.
• Function within the structure of organizations and service delivery systems and seek necessary organizational change.