Communication and Interpersonal Skills in Social Work

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Details

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Provider

Coursera
Pricing

Paid Course
Languages

English
Certificate

Certificate Available
Effort

11 weeks, 1 hour a week
Sessions

Self-Paced
Level

Intermediate
Subtitles

English

Found in

Overview

This course focuses on essential communication and interpersonal skills critical in social work, highlighting their role in fostering trust, managing emotions, and navigating complex client interactions. Effective communication is key to professional success and client outcomes in this field. Learners will develop practical strategies for building relationships, managing emotional responses, and engaging with diverse client populations. By applying these skills, professionals can handle challenging interactions, facilitate group dynamics, and support clients with varying needs. What sets this course apart is its combination of theory and real-world practice. Each topic integrates evidence-based approaches with examples from social work settings, ensuring learners can immediately apply techniques to real-life scenarios. This course is ideal for social work students and professionals who wish to strengthen their communication abilities. A foundational understanding of social work principles is recommended to fully benefit from the material. This course is based on the book, Communication and Interpersonal Skills in Social Work, by Juliet Koprowska. Copyright ©2020 by Sage Publications Limited. All rights reserved, including rights for text and data mining and training of artificial technologies or similar technologies. Published by Sage Publications Limited, London. Used by arrangement with Sage Publications Limited.

Syllabus

Communication Skills: Don't They Just Come Naturally?

This module examines the foundations of effective communication in social work, exploring key theories, concepts, and practical skills. Learners will analyze how context, paralanguage, feedback, and systemic thinking shape professional interactions. Through case studies and exercises, participants will develop a deeper understanding of communication dynamics in real-world scenarios.

What Do We Know About Effective Communication?

This module examines evidence-based communication strategies in social work, highlighting the impact of skilled communication on service user outcomes. Learners will explore key research findings, the concept of the working alliance, and factors that contribute to effective professional relationships. The module also reviews historical and contemporary studies to understand what matters most to service users.

The Human Face of Social Work: Understanding Emotion and Non-Verbal Communication

This module delves into how humans perceive, express, and interpret emotions through facial cues and non-verbal communication, with a focus on their significance in social work practice. Learners will explore cultural and developmental influences on emotional expression, the neuroscience behind imitation and emotional regulation, and practical strategies for applying these insights in real-world social work scenarios.

Getting Started

This module introduces foundational skills for effective communication and ethical practice in social work. Learners will explore strategies for making positive first impressions, initiating contact through various channels, and navigating both planned and unplanned encounters with service users and professionals. Emphasis is placed on adaptability, professionalism, and accurate documentation in diverse organizational settings.

Making Progress and Managing Endings

This module delves into essential social work skills such as effective communication, ethical intervention, and managing the conclusion of professional relationships. Learners will explore practical strategies for gathering information, giving advice, and handling both planned and unplanned endings with clients. Emphasis is placed on real-world application and reflective practice.

Communicating with Children and Families

This module examines effective communication strategies for engaging with children and families in social work, emphasizing ethical considerations, diversity, and the importance of direct work. Learners will explore approaches for working with infants, parents, and fathers, as well as techniques for addressing emotions and language barriers. The module also introduces models for family engagement, including Family Group Conferencing and the use of genograms.

Working with Groups

This module delves into the foundational theories and practical strategies for effective group work in social contexts. Learners will examine group dynamics, planning processes, leadership roles, and ethical considerations to enhance group interventions. Real-world examples and structured planning tools are explored to support successful group facilitation.

Working with People with Additional Communication Needs: Communicative Minorities

This module examines effective social work practices for supporting individuals with diverse communication needs, including linguistic minorities, Deaf and visually impaired people, and those experiencing temporary or permanent changes in communicative ability. Learners will explore ethical considerations, the use of interpreters, and strategies for adapting interventions to ensure inclusive and equitable service delivery.

Working with Involuntary Service Users

This module examines the unique challenges and strategies involved in working with involuntary service users in social work. Learners will explore ethical considerations, communication techniques, and intervention skills, including pro-social modeling and structured problem-solving. Real-world case studies and legal frameworks are used to deepen understanding and practical application.

Safety and Risk: Working with Hostility and Deception

This module examines how social workers can recognize, understand, and respond to hostility and deception in professional settings. Learners will explore theories of aggression, contextual factors influencing behavior, and practical communication strategies to manage risk and maintain safety. Emphasis is placed on applying professional standards and developing effective interpersonal skills.

The Demands and Rewards of Interpersonal Work

This module examines the complexities of interpersonal work in social care, focusing on professionalism, ethics, and the emotional demands of helping others. Learners will explore the concept of emotional labour, reflect on personal motivations and challenges, and consider strategies for maintaining resilience and preventing burnout.