Lee Stein, MSW, CSAC                      Phone: 984-3304         lstein@hawaii.edu

 
COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course provides knowledge and practical skills to become competent case managers in the human service agencies. Develops professional skills in order to teach those who need assistance to manage their own lives within the scope of their resources and abilities. Presents culturally sensitive strategies across diverse populations using a strengths-based model of case management.

GENERAL COURSE OBJECTIVES:

To describe, analyze, and apply principles of the Strengths Model of Case Management, and practice and develop the skills inherent in the effective delivery of these services. Included in this is an understanding of the broad range of case management interventions across diverse populations, and the development of culturally appropriate strategies and practices.

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STUDENT LEARNING OBJECTIVES/COURSE COMPETENCIES

Upon completion of this course, the student should be able to:

¨      Define case management as it is influenced by our society today.

¨      Compare and contrast various populations typically receiving case management services and apply appropriate service strategies to those populations.

¨      Compare and contrast the Strengths and Medical models of Case Management.

¨      Identify the purpose and principles of the Strengths Model of Case Management.

¨      Identify, develop and practice skills to effectively engage individuals receiving case management services.

¨      Identify cultural assumptions and barriers to the provision of effective case management services.

¨      Identify and practice skills that enhance the culturally sensitive delivery of case management services.

¨      Develop a strengths-based assessment and service plan.

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REQUIRED TEXTBOOK

Fundamentals of Case Management Practice: Exercises and Readings. Summers (2001).

Other readings as assigned.

ACTIVITES

            Course work will consist of: class and small group discussion, in-class experiential exercises, student presentations, viewing and commenting on videos, quizzes, a research project, homework assignments, attendance and class participation.

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COURSE PHILOSOPHY

            Attendance and Participation:

This class will focus on understanding the range of human needs and the response of community services to those needs. Because we will utilize experiential exercises as a learning tool, and  important aspects of learning occur through class interaction and participation, regular attendance and participation in class discussions is vital if you are to do well. You will receive points for attendance and participation weekly.

            Class Conduct:

            In order to create an effective, safe learning environment, class members are expected to treat one another and the instructor with respect at all times. Behaviorally this includes extending courtesy, attentiveness, politeness, consideration, care, and concern to others. Respectful and professional classroom behavior also includes removing hats, sunglasses, and turning off cell phones and pagers while in class.

Honoring Confidentiality:

In order for the classroom environment to be truly conducive to effective learning, self-exploration must occur. Therefore, any self-disclosure by fellow students or the instructor is to be considered confidential and should not be repeated outside of the class. This respect for the process of others is especially important in a small community where we have all experienced the pain and betrayal of someone sharing what is only ours to share.

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Your personal growth and satisfaction in this course will be greatly enhanced if you:

·        Are willing to participate in this class as fully as you are able.

·        Are willing to suspend judgmental attitudes towards yourself and others.

·        Are willing to be respectful and sensitive to the thoughts, attitudes, feelings and behavior of others in this class.

·        Are willing to honor the confidentiality of your fellow classmates at all times.

·        Recognize this class setting as a real life opportunity to explore your attitudes, beliefs, new ideas and ways of interacting, and to practice professional skills.

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EXPECTATIONS OF STUDENTS/INSTRUCTOR

·        Please talk to me if you are having difficulty with the course or decide to stop coming to class. I will do everything I can to help you do your best in this course and we can discuss options (such as “Credit/No Credit”). However, if you simply stop coming and do not officially drop the course, you will receive an “F” on your record. You can also see student counselor Michelle Katsutani, 984-3325 or a guidance counselor.

·        I will ask you to evaluate the course after about six weeks. This gives me time to incorporate changes or suggestions before the end of the semester.

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ASSIGNMENTS/GRADING (290 points possible: 100-90%=A; 89-80 points=B; 79-70 points=D; 60>=NC/F)

 1.      Attendance and Participation (45 points)

There are 30 classes. You can earn up to 1½ points per class – however, to earn full points you must both attend and participate.

2.      Self-Awareness Paper (20 points)

In this 2-3 page typed paper you will focus on what it is that you bring to the case management milieu. Read and apply Chapters 4, 5, 6 and 7 for this project. Details and discussion later. Due 10/6.

3.      Strengths-Based Assessment (30 points)

How do we assess client strengths in the deficit-oriented field of human services? In this small group project you will use information from assigned readings, as well as material discussed in class. Details and discussion later. Due 12/8.

4.      Service Plan (30 points)

In your small group you will develop a client-centered service plan based on your strengths-based assessment, group exercises, class discussions, and readings. Details and discussion later. Due 12/8.

5.      Homework – Exercises (60 points)

You are required to complete 6 assignments (@ 10 points each) in the text to explore course material. Dates 9/8; 9/15; 10/1 ;10/13; 10/20 ;11/17.

6.      Information Festivals (90 points)

There will be 3 info fests (@ 30 points each). Dates 9/22, 10/29, 12/3.

Extra Credit - You will have the opportunity to earn up to 10 points each for 2 “extra credit” opportunities. Possibilities include: attending a community-based human service training, special lectures on campus, viewing pertinent films, etc. All extra credit opportunities require a 1-page long typed summary. You must clear your extra credit choice with me prior to doing it. Although these opportunities are offered, class attendance, being prepared for class discussions, completing assignments, and taking quizzes are areas where you should focus your energy if you want to do well in this course.

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SPECIAL NEEDS

            The college makes available reasonable accommodations for individuals with special needs. If you are in need of some instructional or other accommodation because of a disability please let me know right away so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

           COURSE CALENDAR-FALL 2003 (M=Mon., W=Wed.)

                                       (Subject to Change)

DATE             TOPIC                                                            ASSIGNMENT

           Readings/assignments to be completed PRIOR to class where listed!

8/25 M             Introduction to Course                                    

8/27 W             Ethics - Professionalism - Boundaries        Ch. 1                             Frame of Reference – A.S.K.                       Handouts

9/1 M              Labor Day - Holiday

9/3 W              C Mt: Definition and Responsibility            Ch. 2

Applying the Ecological Model                    Ch. 3

 What Our Clients Experience

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9/8 M              Exercises Due – pg. 20-22; 88-91

The Strengths Perspective                          Handouts

 Extending Empathy                                   Ch. 4

9/10 W            Cultural Competence/Experiential Exercises

                         Bring Cultural Material to Class

9/15 M             Exercises Due – pg. 105-107

Examining Attitudes and Perceptions            Ch. 5

 Building on Client Strengths                            Handouts

9/17 W            Seeing Yourself as a Separate Person          Ch. 6

                        Clarifying Who Owns the Problem                   Ch. 7

9/22 M              Info Fest # 1

                          Identifying Good and Poor Responses           Ch. 8

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9/24 W            Good and Poor Responses, Cont.

                           Attending Skills                  

   Roadblocks to Communication

                           Skills Practice

9/29 M             Listening and Responding                            Ch. 9

                           Skills Practice                        

10/1 W            Exercises Due – pg. 162-165

Asking Questions                                              Ch. 10

   Skills Practice

6-Week Class Evaluation

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10/6 M            Self Awareness Paper Due                      (Ch.  4-7)

Bringing Up Difficult Issues                           Ch. 11

10/8 W            Addressing and Disarming Anger               Ch. 12

10/13 M         Exercises Due – pg. 175-178; 186-187

Putting It All Together - Practice                    Ch. 13

10/15 W            Practice, Cont.                                           Review Ch. 8-13

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10/20 M            Exercises Due – pg. 196-197

                        Assessment - Strengths/Needs                 Ch. 14/Handouts

10/22 W          Assessment, Cont.

The First Interview                                        Ch. 15

10/27 M            Assessment, Cont.                                     Handouts

Receiving and Releasing Information         Ch. 18

10/29 W        Info Fest #2

Developing a Service Plan                           Ch. 19

11/3 M          Service Planning

11/5 W          Service Planning Conference                        Ch. 20

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11/10 M            Referrals and Records                                 Ch. 21

11/12 W            Monitoring the Services                               Ch. 22

11/17 M            Exercises Due – pg. 291-296

Documentation and Recording                       Ch. 23

11/19 W            Developing Goals and Objectives                Ch. 24

11/24 M            Goals and Objectives, Cont.                                                   

11/26 W            Termination – Keeping the Door Open        Ch. 25

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12/1 M             Follow-up                                                Readings

                        Supervision                                             Readings

12/3 W             Info Fest #3

                        Group Presentation Preparation Time

12/8 M            Strengths Based Assessment/Service Plan Due

Presentations

12/10 W         Presentations, Cont;

                        Self-Awareness Update

Closure

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