Social Work

The world is facing an ever-increasing spectrum of challenges emanating from displaced persons who are fleeing from their countries and are striving for shelter in their neighborhood or heading for more remote destinations of hope.

The Kingdom of Jordan with its location in the heart of the Middle East has hosted multiple influxes of refugees. Jordan has become a target country as well as a transitional country for forced migration. Central challenges in this framework refer to issues of political, economic, cultural as well as medical and social issues.

Jordan and many European countries (e. g. Germany) are sharing the strong belief that the challenges in the fields of politics, economy, culture, health and social welfare cannot be mastered by one country individually, but that steps have to be undertaken jointly by the countries concerned.

The German Jordan University (GJU) has identified a high demand for creating a specialized postgraduate program of social work studies focusing on dealing with the challenges of refugees and migrants. This program will have to bring together national, regional and international aspects and perspectives to encompass the current pressing problems by approximately 5000 non-governmental organizations that serve refugees, the public sector and challenges faced by refugees and local communities.

To contribute to the sustainable professionalization of social work, both nationally and regionally, as well as simultaneously increasing the employability of social work professionals, this Master’s program, will also target building capacities of paraprofessionals and those from affiliated disciplines.

Migration and Refugees Track

This proposed program follows the basic concept of linking theoretical study with field-oriented commitment. In addition to its interdisciplinary approach that offers an understanding of social work targeting forced migration in contexts of conflicts, development projects, natural disasters and environmental change the study program intends to be internationally recognized and therefore will have strong practical and research links with national, regional and international academic institutions. The ‘Social Work / Migration and Refugees’ is a Master’s program that is designed to respond to the increasing need of specialized services in Jordan, and as stated, will advance and professionalize social work. It will certainly lead to an increase in the quality of services provided by both public and private sectors.

Clinical Social Work Track

The Clinical Social Work Track is designed to prepare students or participants for careers as clinical social workers, focusing on providing mental health services and support to individuals, families, and groups. This track encompasses a range of key areas to ensure comprehensive training:

1. Foundations of Clinical Social Work: Understanding the basic principles, theories, and practices of clinical social work, including the history and development of the field.

2. Assessment and Diagnosis: Learning how to assess clients' mental health needs and diagnose psychological disorders using various tools and frameworks, such as the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).

3. Therapeutic Interventions: Training in evidence-based therapeutic techniques and interventions, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), psychodynamic therapy, and family therapy.

4. Cultural Competence: Developing the skills to work effectively with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds, understanding the impact of culture on mental health and treatment.

5. Ethics and Professional Practice: Understanding the ethical considerations and professional standards in clinical social work, including confidentiality, informed consent, and professional boundaries.

6. Clinical Supervision and Case Management: Learning how to provide clinical supervision and manage cases effectively, ensuring that clients receive comprehensive and coordinated care.

7. Research and Evaluation: Training in research methods and program evaluation to assess the effectiveness of interventions and contribute to the evidence base of clinical social work practice.

8. Field Practicum: Gaining hands-on experience through supervised clinical practice in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, mental health clinics, and community organizations.

9. Trauma-Informed Care: Understanding the principles of trauma-informed care and learning how to apply them in clinical practice to support clients who have experienced trauma.

10. Policy and Advocacy: Learning about the role of social workers in advocating for policy changes and social justice issues that affect clients and communities.

The goal of the Clinical Social Work Track is to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to provide high-quality mental health services and support in various clinical settings, ultimately improving the well-being of individuals and communities.

Study Plan: