Master of Social Work
Advanced Generalist Practice
Advanced generalist practitioners possess a broad range of practice skills. They employ an eclectic and disciplined approach, and are committed to evidence-based practice, including clinical social work. Social work at Wichita State University builds on this understanding of Advanced Generalist Practice by advancing four educational themes:
- Social Justice
- Cultural Competency
- Multidimensional Practice
- Empowerment
These themes are woven together to develop the school's model for Advanced Generalist Practice. The model incorporates the values and multiple role capability the social worker brings to each intervention. These core values and roles help integrate the practitioner's understanding of practice within a multi-system framework.
The multi-system framework is used on the assumption that human events can best be understood in their context. Human behavior and social problems are “nested” within a hierarchical structure. Smaller systems (individuals and families) are affected by the actions of larger systems (organizations, communities and societies) in such a way that effective practice requires skills with all system levels.
Whatever the setting or client, Advanced Generalist Practitioners are prepared to bring evidence-based practice skills to bear in each intervention. The complex and changing practice environments require that direct practitioners also be able to function in clinical work with individuals and across a spectrum of practice up to national policy analysis. Practice with individuals, groups, communities and society requires an ability to fulfill multiple practice roles, including:
- Administrator
- Advocate
- Broker
- Case manager
- Lobbyist
- Policy Practitioner
- Researcher
- Supervisor
- Therapist
- and more