Social Work
DSW
Howard University
2007
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Faculty
Faculty
Tracy R. Whitaker
Associate Dean for Academic & Student Advancement
Department/Office
- Community, Administration & Policy Practice, Social Work
School/College
- School of Social Work
Additional Positions
-
Associate Dean for Academic and Student AdvancementOffice of the Dean, Social Work
Biography
Dr. Tracy Whitaker is an associate professor and the associate dean for academic and student advancement at the Howard University School of Social Work. In this role, she provides leadership for and coordination of the curriculum offered by the School of Social Work, including strategic planning, resource allocation, implementation, evaluation, reaccreditation and continuous improvement. Prior to joining the faculty of Howard University, Dr. Whitaker directed the Center for Workforce Studies & Social Work Practice at the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) for over a decade. In that role, she led the first national benchmark study of licensed social workers in 2004 and the first compensation and benefits study of the social work profession in 2009. Dr. Whitaker received her BA, MSW and DSW from Howard University.
Education & Expertise
Education
Social Work
MSW
Howard University
1988
Political Science
BA
Howard University
1983
Academics
Academics
Social Work Practice & Processes
This course focuses on the foundation of social work practice and processes from a generalist practice framework introducing both micro and macro practice. Emphasis is placed on the introduction of social work knowledge, ethics, and values, promotion of social and economic justice, eco-systems, cultural competence, the problem-solving process and development of the client/consumer-worker relationship. Explores the relevance of practice-informed research and research-informed practice in working with diverse consumer populations, organizations and communities.
Social Welfare Policy & Services II
This course builds on content in Social Welfare Policy & Services I by promoting understanding of and competence in application of policy frameworks for analysis, formulation, advocacy, use of policy research through assessing context, intent, process and the impact of organizational, executive, legislative, and judicial decisions to advance social and economic justice. Examines use of diverse strategies to create planned change in organizations and larger social systems for direct, community, administration and policy practice.
Practice Evaluation
This course builds on knowledge and skills of the core research courses, “Research Methods for Social Workers” and “Data Analysis for Social Workers.” Course content provides advanced-level knowledge and skills that prepare students to develop, use, critically assess, and effectively communicate empirically-based knowledge in developing and evaluating practice and human service programs. It develops skills in using key evaluative methods that measure the need, effectiveness, fairness, and efficiency of various interventions in achieving stated objectives and desired outcomes for various stakeholders with particular focus on at-risk populations design and conducting evidenced-based interventions appropriate for their method of practice and specialized field of practice.