The Role of the Social Worker in Addressing Homelessness

This class explores social workers’ roles in addressing homelessness through assessment, services, advocacy, policy, causes, holistic treatment, and global models with benefits and challenges.

🕒 3 CE HOURS

COURSE LEVEL: INTERMEDIATE

Date of course creation/update: 03/22/2025

CE Broker Tracking NO: #20-1352861

Education Pathways, LLC provider , is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 02/05/2026–02/05/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical continuing education credits.

This online reading-based asynchronous distance learning course :

provides a comprehensive exploration of the role of social workers in addressing homelessness, delving into the nuances of understanding, assessing, and providing direct services for youth, adults, and families facing or at risk for homelessness. Advocacy and community outreach services are described, along with recommendations for policy changes. The complex underlying causes of homelessness are explored, and holistic approaches to treatment are detailed. Homelessness impacts not only individuals and families but society as a whole. Several successful programs and models from around the world are presented, including their benefits and challenges.

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Learning Objectives:

Describe at least four causes of homelessness.
Explain underlying reasons for youth and young adult homelessness.
Advocate for policy changes and compare housing models.
Identify the roles of different types of social workers in addressing homelessness.
Analyze systemic barriers and apply low-barrier services.
Argue for Housing First principles and summarize job readiness strategies.
Evaluate case studies of successful interventions.
Compose advocacy memos and propose research directions for improved service delivery.

View Course Timed Agenda

Introduction to the Role of Social Workers in Addressing Homelessness (18 minutes)

Causes of homelessness: economic instability, shortage of affordable housing, mental health challenges, substance abuse, domestic violence, systemic inequalities
Overview of social workers’ roles: direct support, mental health/substance abuse intervention, advocacy, outreach, prevention
Significance and implications: humanitarian concerns, economic impact, public health, inequality, criminalization, policy implications

Understanding Patterns and Demographics of Homelessness (9 minutes)

Demographics and prevalence in the U.S.
Age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, race, veterans, disabled individuals
Global patterns and trends

Principles of Social Work and Direct Services (30 minutes)

Core principles: service, social justice, dignity, relationships, competence, integrity
Application in homelessness prevention and intervention
Approaches: case management, empowerment, advocacy, community organizing
Direct service models: shelters, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, rapid re-housing, street outreach

Specific Roles of Social Workers (27 minutes)

School social workers: identification, direct support, advocacy, crisis intervention
Clinical social workers: therapy, addiction services, case management, advocacy
Family/child welfare social workers: housing, child protection, education, healthcare, employment support
Criminal justice/reentry social workers: housing, treatment, employment, case management
Veterans’ social workers: assessment, housing, trauma support, reintegration
Outreach/crisis intervention social workers: street outreach, emergency support, advocacy

Challenges Faced by Social Workers (40 minutes)

Funding/resource limitations, mental health/substance abuse, systemic barriers, stigma, burnout, lack of housing, poor coordination
Addressing resistance: building trust, trauma-informed approaches, low-barrier services, peer advocates

Effective Models and Interventions (36 minutes)

Housing First Model: immediate housing, individualized support, harm reduction, stigma reduction, long-term outcomes
Examples: Pathways to Housing, At Home/Chez Soi, 100,000 Homes Campaign, Project Roomkey
Integrating healthcare and mental health services
Employment training and job placement programs
Public-private partnerships
Policy advocacy and legislative changes

Case Studies and Best Practices (13 minutes)

Case Study 1: Denver Social Impact Bond (SIB) Program
Case Study 2: Shelter + Care Program

Policy Recommendations and Future Directions (7 minutes)

Strengthen Housing First approaches
Expand comprehensive support services
Improve coordination between agencies
Increase affordable housing supply
Promote data-driven policy and accountability
Enhance public awareness and involvement
Future research directions

Total Minutes: 180

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