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Graduate College of Social Work

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Course Descriptions

 

Instructor-Led

Hybrid

Self-Paced

To register and pay by credit card, click here. 

 

Why Won't They Change: An Introduction to Change Management for Social Workers

Date: August 5, 2022

Time:  9 AM - Noon (3 CEUs)

Location: This course is being offered exclusively on Zoom. A direct link will be sent prior to the date and time of the class.

Course Fee: $75

Register: Here

About the Course:

We are living in a world of constant change, both at home and in the workplace. Because successful change efforts often depend on the willingness of people to change behaviors, change management practitioners utilize skill sets similar to those used by social workers. This course provides a brief introduction to the complexities of organization change and an overview of strategies to effectively implement sustainable change. Attendees will gain a basic understanding of common change theories and learn tools and techniques commonly used in corporate change management.

WHAT STUDENTS CAN EXPECT TO LEARN:

Upon concluding this course, participants will be able to:
  • Understand the motivators and requirements for successful organizational change
  • Assess a situation and determine an appropriate change strategy
  • Understand and use change tools to support change strategy

About the Instructor: 

 Presented by Alanna T, Moitzi, an Organizational Development Consultant in the Leadership Institute at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. She received a BA in Psychology from Baylor University in Waco, Texas and an MSW from the University of Houston in Houston, Texas. Alanna currently holds a clinical social work license in the state of Texas, a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification through the Project Management Institute, a certification in change management through Prosci, and is certified in executive coaching through the International Coaching Federation.

 

 

 

 

Social Identity, Positionality & Defining Racism

Date: August 29 through September 16, 2022 

Self-Paced with Zoom sessions on September 1, 8, 15, 2022

Time:  11 AM - Noon (12 CEUs)

Location: This course is being offered exclusively on Zoom. A direct link will be sent prior to the date and time of the class.

Course Fee: $240

Register: Here

About the Course:

In this course, we look at racism as a system and our positions within that system, with an emphasis on social, economic and political power. We explore racial identity development and characteristics of dialogue about race and racism. We utilize book chapters, articles, videos, podcasts, websites, discussions and more as ways of learning, with a focus on theory and action.
This course is part of a larger series that will explore the historical and modern-day context of racism, white supremacy, and oppression from a systemic and interpersonal perspective. The following issues and themes will be discussed: colonization, enslavement, genocide, social construction of race, whiteness, anti-Black racism, the myth of meritocracy, racial colorblindness, the role of policy, ethics, intersectionality, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, ageism, reistence movements, and more. Participants will learn generalist frameworks and skills that contribute to a racial justice and liberatory practice.

WHAT STUDENTS CAN EXPECT TO LEARN:

Upon concluding this course, participants will be able to:
  • Identify their social identity and positionality and the implications on their practice
  • Explore concepts, theories, and definitions about what race and racism are
  • Better understand how racism operates systemically and the implications of this in the personal/professional settings they occupy

About the Instructor: 

Presented by:

Shimon Cohen, MSW, LCSW

Shimon Cohen is a social work educator, podcaster and change agent. He is passionate about racial justice and liberatory social work. He is the host and producer of the nationally recognized podcast Doin’ the Work: Frontline Stores of Social Change.

Charla Cannon Yearwood, MSSW, LCSW

Charla Cannon Yearwood is an Indianapolis based clinical social worker. Her professional work, which includes clinical services, consulting, and teaching, are all rooted in liberation. Her research interests include challenging white supremacy in the social work profession and liberation based clinical mental health care.

 

White Supremacy, White Privilege, Racism & Oppression in Social Work

Date: September 19 through October 7, 2022

Self-Paced with Zoom sessions on September 9, 29, and October 6, 2022

Time:  11 AM - Noon (12 CEUs)

Location: This course is being offered exclusively on Zoom. A direct link will be sent prior to the date and time of the class.

Course Fee: $240

Register: Here

About the Course:

In this course, we look at the systems of whiteness, white supremacy, and white privilege/advantage, with an emphasis on why and how they were created and are maintained. We examine how white supremacy and racism show up within social work and are perpetuated by social work, both historically and present-day. We challenge the concept of cultural competence and look at ways to work for social change not social control. We utilize book chapters, articles, videos, podcasts, websites, discussions and more as ways of learning, with a focus on theory and action.

This course is part of a larger series that will explore the historical and modern-day context of racism, white supremacy, and oppression from a systemic and interpersonal perspective. The following issues and themes will be discussed: colonization, enslavement, genocide, social construction of race, whiteness, anti-Black racism, the myth of meritocracy, racial colorblindness, the role of policy, ethics, intersectionality, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, ageism, reistence movements, and more. Participants will learn generalist frameworks and skills that contribute to a racial justice and liberatory practice.

WHAT STUDENTS CAN EXPECT TO LEARN:

Upon concluding this course, participants will be able to:

  • Explore concepts, theories and definitions of whiteness, white supremacy and white privilege/advantage
  • Identify the reasons why whiteness, white supremacy and white privilege/advatage were created, how they were embedded in laws, policies and dominant cultural views, and how they are maintained
  • Examine racism and white supremacy within social work, both historically and present-day, including whitewashed history, family separation, internment, surveillance, social control and discriminatory practices

About the Instructor: 

Presented by:

Shimon Cohen, MSW, LCSW

Shimon Cohen is a social work educator, podcaster and change agent. He is passionate about racial justice and liberatory social work. He is the host and producer of the nationally recognized podcast Doin’ the Work: Frontline Stores of Social Change.

Charla Cannon Yearwood, MSSW, LCSW

Charla Cannon Yearwood is an Indianapolis based clinical social worker. Her professional work, which includes clinical services, consulting, and teaching, are all rooted in liberation. Her research interests include challenging white supremacy in the social work profession and liberation based clinical mental health care.

Using Critical Race Theory & Intersectionality in Practice

Date: January 9 through January 27, 2023

Self-Paced with Zoom sessions on February 2, 9, 16, 2023

Time:  11 AM - Noon (12 CEUs)

Location: This course is being offered exclusively on Zoom. A direct link will be sent prior to the date and time of the class.

Course Fee: $240

Register: Here

About the Course:

In this course, we explore how to engage in racial justice and anti-oppressive practices. We look at how to do this work at the individual level, within organizations, and at the policy level. We review dangerous myths of why the racial wealth gap exists and ways to address it. We look at the impact of current social movements, such as Black Lives Matter. We examine how challenging antisemitism and Islamophobia are essential to this work. We utilize book chapters, articles, videos, podcasts, websites, discussions and more as ways of learning, with a focus on theory and action.


This course is part of a larger series that will explore the historical and modern-day context of racism, white supremacy, and oppression from a systemic and interpersonal perspective. The following issues and themes will be discussed: colonization, enslavement, genocide, social construction of race, whiteness, anti-Black racism, the myth of meritocracy, racial colorblindness, the role of policy, ethics, intersectionality, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, ageism, reistence movements, and more. Participants will learn generalist frameworks and skills that contribute to a racial justice and liberatory practice.

WHAT STUDENTS CAN EXPECT TO LEARN:

Upon concluding this course, participants will be able to:

  • Define racial justice and anti-oppressive practice (AOP)
  • Explore strategies for implementing racial justice and AOP into their practice
  • Begin to develop a plan of action for application of racial justice and AOP into their work

About the Instructor: 

Presented by:

Shimon Cohen, MSW, LCSW

Shimon Cohen is a social work educator, podcaster and change agent. He is passionate about racial justice and liberatory social work. He is the host and producer of the nationally recognized podcast Doin’ the Work: Frontline Stores of Social Change.

Charla Cannon Yearwood, MSSW, LCSW

Charla Cannon Yearwood is an Indianapolis based clinical social worker. Her professional work, which includes clinical services, consulting, and teaching, are all rooted in liberation. Her research interests include challenging white supremacy in the social work profession and liberation based clinical mental health care.

 

Racial Justice & Anti-Oppressive Practice

Date: January 30 through February 17, 2023

Self-Paced with Zoom sessions on January 12, 19, 26, 2023

Time:  11 AM - Noon (12 CEUs)

Location: This course is being offered exclusively on Zoom. A direct link will be sent prior to the date and time of the class.

Course Fee: $240

Register: Here

About the Course:

In this course, we look at critical race theory and how to use it in practice. We break down the concepts of color-blind racism and the myth of meritocracy and look at how they show up in social work and related disciplines. We explore intersectionality as a framework to understand how oppression operates and how we can use this framework in our practice. We utilize book chapters, articles, videos, podcasts, websites, discussions and more as ways of learning, with a focus on theory and action.
This course is part of a larger series that will explore the historical and modern-day context of racism, white supremacy, and oppression from a systemic and interpersonal perspective. The following issues and themes will be discussed: colonization, enslavement, genocide, social construction of race, whiteness, anti-Black racism, the myth of meritocracy, racial colorblindness, the role of policy, ethics, intersectionality, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, ageism, reistence movements, and more. Participants will learn generalist frameworks and skills that contribute to a racial justice and liberatory practice.

WHAT STUDENTS CAN EXPECT TO LEARN:

Upon concluding this course, participants will be able to:
  • Explore critical race theory (CRT) as a framework for their practice
  • Examine the myths of racial colorblindness and meritocracy and how they affect their practice
  • Examine intersectionality as a framework to understand how forms of oppression operate in society and interact significantly with racism
  • Understand that intersectionality comes from a Black Feminist perspective, has a specific analysis, and is not simply "diversity"

About the Instructor: 

Presented by:

Shimon Cohen, MSW, LCSW

Shimon Cohen is a social work educator, podcaster and change agent. He is passionate about racial justice and liberatory social work. He is the host and producer of the nationally recognized podcast Doin’ the Work: Frontline Stores of Social Change.

Charla Cannon Yearwood, MSSW, LCSW

Charla Cannon Yearwood is an Indianapolis based clinical social worker. Her professional work, which includes clinical services, consulting, and teaching, are all rooted in liberation. Her research interests include challenging white supremacy in the social work profession and liberation based clinical mental health care.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ethical Practices in Telehealth Services for Social Workers (Self-Paced)

Date: Ongoing beginning January 15, 2021 

Time:  24 Hours a Day/7 Days a Week (3 Ethics CEUs)

Location: This course is being offered exclusively online. A direct link will be sent once the participant has registered.

Course Fee: $50

Register: Here

About the Course:

Technology impacts our work on a variety of fronts, service delivery and organizationally, therefore learning how to make our work HIPAA compliant will enhance protections of a client's PHI. Avenues with case scenarios and situations will illustrate the material readings along with some media sidebars. Resources are given and the state laws, federal laws and our professional ethics are given as they guide our practice in all situations.

WHAT STUDENTS CAN EXPECT TO LEARN:

This course, as part of the new normal, is vital for any clinical or macro social worker who is providing telehealth services. Upon completing this course, participants will be able to:

1. Apply the scope of practice with technology as the medium.

2. Identify the ethical standards impacting the use of technology in social work practice.

3. Identify the legal aspects needed to ensure ethical social work practice using technology.

4. Implement problem-solving with strong ethical practice

About the Instructor:

Cynthia F. Reibenstein, LCSW-S, CFSW, ACSW, DCSW, is the instructor for this course. Cynthia Reibenstein is certified in Financial Social Work and is very highly regarded throughout Texas as an expert in social work ethics. She has over 27 years of experience in a variety of settings like schools, medical and mental health facilities, as well as experience in supervision and social work consultation. She has developed effective presentations to assist colleagues, professionals, and the public in overcoming barriers that lead them to a more meaningful life. Currently, she teaches part-time at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work and has a supervision/consultation practice. Cynthia also works with the elderly and with people with disabilities and serves on several boards that focus on education. Reibenstein and Associates is dedicated to ethical, quality service that helps individuals be motivated and inspired to develop their full potential.

 

Record Keeping and Documentation: Ethical Challenges in Our Professionalism (Self-Paced)

Date: Ongoing beginning June 9, 2021 

Time:  24 Hours a Day/7 Days a Week (3 Ethics CEUs)

Location: This course is being offered exclusively online via Canvas. A direct link will be sent once the participant has registered.

Course Fee: $50

Register: Here

About the Course:

Record keeping and documentation are the backbone on which our professionalism stands. Without these skills we stand to lose credibility and value within our organizations, our profession and our society. Learn the skill sets that can enhance your communication, your professional worth, and your viability. The laws that govern these vital areas will be reviewed in light of issues and situations we find ourselves in our practice micro to macro. The ethical challenges present opportunities for professional growth.

A link to the newly revised NASW Code of Ethics will be sent.

WHAT STUDENTS CAN EXPECT TO LEARN:

Upon concluding this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify ethics that involve record keeping, documentation, and storage.

  2. Identify new laws that embody the rules of record-keeping, documentation and storage.

  3. Understand the financial consequences of poor records management that place you at risk.

  4. Learn the best possible approach to clinical records.

  5. Learn the 5 steps of record keeping.

About the Instructor:

Cynthia F. Reibenstein, LCSW-S, CFSW, ACSW, DCSW, is the instructor for this course. Cynthia Reibenstein is certified in Financial Social Work and is very highly regarded throughout Texas as an expert in social work ethics. She has over 27 years of experience in a variety of settings like schools, medical and mental health facilities, as well as experience in supervision and social work consultation. She has developed effective presentations to assist colleagues, professionals, and the public in overcoming barriers that lead them to a more meaningful life. Currently, she teaches part-time at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work and has a supervision/consultation practice. Cynthia also works with the elderly and with people with disabilities and serves on several boards that focus on education. Reibenstein and Associates is dedicated to ethical, quality service that helps individuals be motivated and inspired to develop their full potential.

 

The Ethics and Role of Social Work in Addressing Socio-Economic Disparity and in Achieving Financial Literacy to Help Overcome It (Self-Paced)

Date: Ongoing beginning July 15, 2021 

Time:  24 Hours a Day/7 Days a Week (3 Ethics CEUs)

Location: This course is being offered exclusively online via Canvas. A direct link will be sent once the participant has registered.

Course Fee: $50

Register: Here

About the Course:

Socio-economic disparity is a reality that is under-addressed in our work. The divide impacts the client’s ability to “make ends meet” and to lead a life with the knowledge of their relationship with money and finances. Families’ livelihoods impact mental health, emotional health and is the source of many communication problems. The tension underscores a culture of poverty. Beginning with children, financial literacy can enhance their growth, and avenues to have a positive relationship with money, will close the economic gap. Social work has a role, and our ethics provide the template for addressing this both on the individual and societal levels.

WHAT STUDENTS CAN EXPECT TO LEARN:

Upon concluding this course, participants will be able to:

  1. Improve their ability to address socio-economic disparity in their client’s life.
  2. Enhance their ability to address the socio-economic disparity in the systems that will engage with the client.
  3. Identify basic terms in financial literacy and the 2 theoretical models for financial social work.
  4. Identify the ethics that guide our work with those affected by social economic disparity.
  5. Apply financial health to their life.

About the Instructor:

Cynthia F. Reibenstein, LCSW-S, CFSW, ACSW, DCSW, is the instructor for this course. Cynthia Reibenstein is certified in Financial Social Work and is very highly regarded throughout Texas as an expert in social work ethics. She has over 27 years of experience in a variety of settings like schools, medical and mental health facilities, as well as experience in supervision and social work consultation. She has developed effective presentations to assist colleagues, professionals, and the public in overcoming barriers that lead them to a more meaningful life. Currently, she teaches part-time at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work and has a supervision/consultation practice. Cynthia also works with the elderly and with people with disabilities and serves on several boards that focus on education. Reibenstein and Associates is dedicated to ethical, quality service that helps individuals be motivated and inspired to develop their full potential.

 

Play Therapy 101: Introduction to Play Therapy (Self-Paced)

Date: Ongoing beginning August 25, 2021 

Time:  24 Hours a Day/7 Days a Week (3 Ethics CEUs)

Location: This course is being offered exclusively online via Canvas. A direct link will be sent once the participant has registered.

Course Fee: $50

Register: Here

About the Course:

This is a self-paced, recorded lecture.

This continuing education course teaches participants the basic theories of play, Play Therapy, and the neurobiological impacts of play. Participants will learn the core Therapeutic powers of play and learn through case examples how Play Therapists utilize the powers to achieve therapeutic treatment goals. Participants

will learn about the Association for Play Therapy’s credentialing process and requirements for becoming a Registered Play Therapist. Completion of a Post-Test and Evaluation are required for participants to earn 3 non-contact APT Approved Play Therapy continuing education hours as well as the 3 CEUs for the course.

WHAT STUDENTS CAN EXPECT TO LEARN:

Upon concluding this course, participants will be able to:

  • Differentiate between regular play and therapeutic play.
  • Describe the therapeutic powers of play and the basic elements of Play Therapy.
  • Identify the neurobiological impacts of play and Play Therapy.
  • Identify major theoretical foundations and empirical research base for Play Therapy.
  • List the requirements for the attainment of the RPT Credential and define what it means to call oneself a Play Therapist.

About the Instructor:

Steven L Parks, LCSW-S, MBA, Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S) is the instructor for this course. Steven L. Parks is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Supervisor that specializes in the clinical practice with children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced trauma and attachment disruptions. Steven holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Texas Tech University and both a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Houston. Steven is also a Registered Play Therapist, Supervisor, and an Association for Play Therapy Approved Provider of Play Therapy Continuing Education. Steven is currently a lecturing faculty professor at the Graduate College of Social Work at the University of Houston and operates a part-time private practice, The Healing Place in Sugar Land, Texas.

 

Behavior Change Tools/Techniques in Our Practice of Financial Social Work - Private Practitioners, School Social Workers, Agency Case Managers (Self-Paced)

Date: Ongoing 

Time:  24 Hours a Day/7 Days a Week (3 Ethics CEUs)

Location: This course is being offered exclusively on Zoom. A direct link will be sent prior to the date and time of the class.

Course Fee: $50

Register: Here

About the Course:

Through this three-hour self-paced instructor-recorded course, one will become more acquainted with the tools and techniques, an overview of models, for working with clients and systems in the area of financial social work. Addressing the disparity will enhance one’s ability to provide for not only basic living and decision making but also address means in building a successful financial relationship and retirement. In the work, the tools and techniques highlighted from Motivational Interviewing an Transtheoretical Model of Change and more will also be held in one of the social work’s basic ethics, that of self-determination as well as professional growth ethics.

WHAT STUDENTS CAN EXPECT TO LEARN:

Upon concluding this course, participants will be able to:

  • To identify at least three tools/techniques in building a client’s relationship with their money
  • To identify tools/techniques in working with a client’s financial habits
  • To identify how their relationship with money impacts their financial social work
  • To identify how our ethics impacts the client/worker relationship
  • To identify how motivational interviewing, the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change, and the Transformational learning model impacts financial wellness work

About the Instructor: 

Cynthia F. Reibenstein, LCSW-S, CFSW, ACSW, DCSW, is the instructor for this course. Cynthia Reibenstein is certified in Financial Social Work and is very highly regarded throughout Texas as an expert in social work ethics. She has over 27 years of experience in a variety of settings like schools, medical and mental health facilities, as well as experience in supervision and social work consultation. She has developed effective presentations to assist colleagues, professionals, and the public in overcoming barriers that lead them to a more meaningful life. Currently, she teaches part-time at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work and has a supervision/consultation practice. Cynthia also works with the elderly and with people with disabilities and serves on several boards that focus on education. Reibenstein and Associates is dedicated to ethical, quality service that helps individuals be motivated and inspired to develop their full potential.

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