SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE

The course aims to:
• Provide a theoretical-operational definition of social work practice, analyzing its nature, characteristics, and functions within the profession.
• Examine the methodological process of social work across its various phases (intake, analysis, assessment, planning, implementation, monitoring, and termination), with reference to professional support tools.
• Explore the core components of professional practice, with attention to the risks associated with operational practice and related coping and prevention strategies (supervision, reflexivity, professional self-care).
• Develop advanced skills related to working with system stakeholders, building territorial networks, and fostering interprofessional integration, with particular emphasis on multidisciplinary teamwork.
• Critically analyze intervention practices in different areas of social work, in order to promote adaptability and contextualization of methodologies across diverse operational settings.

By the end of the course, students will be able to:
1. Define and critically discuss the fundamental concepts of social work practice and its specificities in comparison to other professional approaches.
2. Apply methodologies, techniques, and professional tools in diverse operational contexts, demonstrating adaptability to needs and available resources.
3. Analyze and interpret complex cases, identifying risks, critical issues, and potentials, while determining appropriate intervention strategies.
4. Design integrated and participatory intervention plans, in collaboration with other professionals and community stakeholders.
5. Argue ethical dilemmas and deontological issues with analytical rigor and clarity of exposition, demonstrating critical awareness and professional responsibility.

A thorough knowledge of the contents of the courses Methodologies of Social Work, Theories of Social Work, and Organization of Social Work is required.

Part I – Foundations and Theoretical Framework
• Definition of Social Work Practice
Critical analysis of the concept of practice in social work as an integrated expression of theory, method, and action, with particular attention to the relationship between reflective dimensions and professional operations.
• The Methodological Process: Phases and Tools
In-depth examination of the phases of the helping process ( assessment, planning, implementation, monitoring, and termination) and of the related operational tools.
• Characteristics and Components of Professional Practice
Analysis of the core elements of practice, with attention to the role of technical-methodological, relational, and ethical competencies.
• Risks and Challenges of Practice; Coping Strategies
Examination of the risks connected to professional action and presentation of strategies for prevention and management, with particular reference to professional supervision and reflective practice.
Part II – Professional Dynamics
• Working with System Stakeholders
In-depth analysis of the social worker’s role in interactions with different institutional, community, and family stakeholders, with attention to negotiation, mediation, and advocacy processes.
• Networking and Interprofessional Integration
Examination of the theories and practices of networking, with particular reference to the integration of social and health services and the activation of both formal and informal community resources.
• Teamwork
Analysis of team functioning dynamics, with attention to communicative, organizational, and decision-making aspects, as well as to the competencies required for the exercise of an integrated and collaborative professionalism.
Part III – Practice in Different Areas of Social Work Intervention
Operational practices and modes of intervention will be analyzed in the following areas:
• interventions targeting individuals in situations of vulnerability: mental health issues, addictions, disabilities, reduced autonomy or non-self-sufficiency, migrants, individuals subject to penal measures;
• interventions targeting families and minors;
• child protection interventions;
• interventions addressing gender-based violence;
• interventions related to emergency, crisis, and international cooperation.

M.L. Raineri, Guidelines and Procedures of Social Work, Erickson, 4th edition, 2022
Annamaria Campanini (Editor), The Fields of Social Work Intervention, New edition, Carocci, 2020
The relevant chapters of these texts will be indicated during the lectures.
Additional bibliographic references will be provided throughout the course.

Assessment is designed to verify the acquisition of theoretical knowledge, the ability to apply social work practices, and the argumentative and critical skills developed throughout the course.

Combined Examination (Written + Oral):

A two-step assessment composed of a written test (open questions) followed by an oral discussion. It verifies theoretical-methodological mastery, critical reflection, and communicative and dialogical competences, offering a comprehensive evaluation aligned with the educational profile of the Social Work degree program.

Regarding the Grading Scale (criteria for grade allocation):
Scores in the 18–22 range will be awarded in the presence of:
• a sufficient knowledge of the theoretical contents in relation to the examination materials;
• a limited ability to apply knowledge to concrete cases;
• sufficient communication skills, particularly with regard to the use of the specific professional language of Social Work.
Scores in the 23–26 range will be awarded in the presence of:
• a fair knowledge of the theoretical contents in relation to the examination materials;
• a fair ability to apply knowledge to concrete cases;
• fair communication skills, particularly with regard to the use of the specific professional language of Social Work.
Scores in the 27–30 range will be awarded in the presence of:
• good to excellent knowledge of the theoretical contents in relation to the examination materials;
• good to excellent ability to apply knowledge to concrete cases;
• fully appropriate communication skills, particularly with regard to the use of the specific professional language of Social Work.
Honors (cum laude) will be awarded in the presence of excellent knowledge of the theoretical contents of the syllabus, sound judgment and communication skills, as well as the ability to establish connections and apply theoretical knowledge to concrete cases at an outstanding level.

written and oral

Grading criteria:
Scores in the 18–22 range will be awarded in the presence of:
sufficient knowledge of the theoretical content based on the exam materials;
limited ability to apply knowledge to practical cases;
sufficient communication skills, especially in the use of the specific language of the Social Work profession.
Scores in the 23–26 range will be awarded in the presence of:
fair knowledge of the theoretical content based on the exam materials;
fair ability to apply knowledge to practical cases;
fair communication skills, especially in the use of the specific language of the Social Work profession.
Scores in the 27–30 range will be awarded in the presence of:
good or excellent knowledge of the theoretical content based on the exam materials;
good or excellent ability to apply knowledge to practical cases;
fully appropriate communication skills, especially in the use of the specific language of the Social Work profession.
Honors ("cum laude") will be awarded in the presence of:
excellent knowledge of the theoretical content covered in the course;
excellent judgment skills and communication abilities;
excellent ability to make connections and apply theoretical knowledge to practical cases.

The course adopts an integrated teaching approach aimed at combining the theoretical and practical dimensions of social work practice. Specifically, it includes:
• Lectures with multimedia support, presenting theoretical content, legal frameworks, and main methodological models.
• Analysis of real and simulated case studies, as a means of developing observation, social diagnosis, and intervention design skills.
• Role playing and simulated professional interviews, aimed at enhancing relational and communication competences required in professional practice.
• Group workshops dedicated to the construction and use of operational tools (resource maps, sociograms, genograms, ecomaps), with the goal of fostering practical skills and collaborative work capacities.
• Seminars and contributions from external professionals, enriching academic perspectives with practical experiences from operational contexts and stimulating critical reflection and professional dialogue.


The professor will be available to answer students' questions, including through scheduled meetings either in person or remotely.

The syllabus is subject to partial modifications during the lessons.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Poverty and inequalities" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development