Interpersonal Skills

Course Description

This course is designed to introduce students to the communications processes that characterize the human services field and to professional practice issues tied to the Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Services Workers. This course will focus on effective verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills, which are essential in order to function effectively as a social services worker. Focus will be on the factors that influence the ways in which professionals are seen by clients and fellow workers. Boundary issues, anger and conflict resolution, giving constructive feedback, practicing tolerance and suspending judgment, taking personal responsibility for behaviour, and learning how to express difficult emotions appropriately will all be covered. In addition, there will be discussions of how students can begin the process of self-reflection in order to provide more effective support to clients and gain insights into their own behaviour and attitudes. The impact of cultural and gender issues on interpersonal skills will be discussed throughout the course.