Community and organizational leadership is vital in social work practice because of the focus on systemic change. Social workers must understand that addressing root causes of social issues creates lasting change for entire communities. Social workers in community and organizational roles influence resource allocation, ensuring that funding and services reach those most in need. They engage in policy advocacy to create or modify laws that promote wellbeing and foster collaboration to enhance community development. This type of social work practice emphasizes preventive measures, addressing problems before they escalate. You’ll empower communities by involving them in decision-making and building capacity, leading to better service delivery and more resilient communities.
Knowledge you need
You’ll develop and sustain vital organizations and healthy communities through human services management, community development, and advocacy. You’ll learn assessment, interviewing, and engagement techniques with communities and organizations, which are crucial for effective practice. You’ll navigate social policies and social welfare systems, focusing on preventive and intervention methods. Our intention is to develop leaders who are equipped to manage fiscal resources and develop resources. Through your ability to support communities and organizations, systemic barriers are identified and addressed to mitigate impact. You’ll learn organizational and community theories and models for managing human resources. Ultimately, you’ll build skills in strategic planning, grant writing, fundraising, financial management and budgeting, and community organizing.
You will be prepared to engage in transformative work that will make a positive difference in the communities you serve through:
- Primary interventions for organizations, communities, and social policy.
- Promotion of vital social change in response to the needs of diverse communities.
- Social system responses to complex individual and social needs.
Focus Area Courses
- SWK 618 Social Policy and Services (Leadership/Policy Advocacy in Practice) (3 cr.)
- SWK 662 Fiscal Management and Resource Development (3 cr.)
- SWK 663 Leveraging Organizational, Community and Political Systems (3 cr.)
- SWK 664 Designing Transformational Programs (3 cr.)
- Required 3 credit hours from a social work elective (courses available)