Practitioner Foundations
Five case studies grounded in real practitioner perspectives, aligned to CSWE 2022 EPAS competencies. Whether you're pursuing clinical licensure, community practice, or organizational leadership — these scenarios explore the challenges every emerging practitioner must navigate.
5 Case Studies
Complete all for full credit
AI + Human Scoring
40 pts AI + 60 pts instructor
Innovation Challenge
Every case study ends with one
When Passion Becomes the Problem
Burnout, toxic positivity, and the right to be valued as a professional
Maya is bilingual, beloved by clients, and burning out. Her agency praises her heart but not her skill. This workshop examines the systemic forces that turn dedication into a liability — and what it means to negotiate your worth.
The Note That Protects No One
Documentation as legal record, clinical communication, and ethical obligation
Terrence listens well but documents poorly. His supervisor shows him that a vague note in a potential elder abuse case isn't just incomplete — it's dangerous. This workshop explores what documentation must do when multiple audiences are reading.
The Algorithm That Blurred the Lines
AI in clinical documentation — when tools amplify risk instead of reducing it
Brianna's AI documentation tool saves two hours a day — until it starts blending one client's data into another's notes. Her supervisor shrugs. Brianna knows the agency needs a formal AI governance protocol.
The Lane That Found Him
Career identity, bilingual practice, and the forensic social work frontier
Carlos grew up watching family members navigate systems that didn't speak their language. Now he's discovering that fewer than 3% of incarcerated individuals receive culturally competent mental health services. Could forensic social work be his lane?
The Heart and the Framework
Designing community health programs that survive the person who imagined them
Esperanza sees stroke patients with strong social support recover faster. Families of color are overwhelmed and invisible to the healthcare team. Her supervisor says: 'You've got the heart. Now show me the framework.' This capstone asks you to build it.