FAM340

Administrative Skills for Human Service Organizations:

Course: FAM340 Administrative Skills for Human
Service Organizations
Course Location: Krieger 105
Email: david.garvin@cuw.edu
Meeting Time/Day: Monday 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm

Instructor: David J. H. Garvin MSW, LMSW

Phone: 734.732.2457
Office Hours: By appointment or after class
Credit Hours: 3

The instructor reserves the right to amend or change the assignments, point system, or other
course requirements as long as students are notified in class and/or in writing
of any substantial changes.
Course Description: An overview of human service organizations and social welfare policy, with a
specific focus on fundamental practice skills in leadership, ethics, supervision, management, funding and
collaboration
Course Purpose:
To understand social welfare principles and practice related to leadership, management and
administration of human service organizations. Increase
student knowledge of best practices for human service
administration and management, including leadership and
supervisory competencies and approaches to service
delivery methods.

Course Expectations:
Teaching Philosophy
Through a combination of lectures, readings, media,
applied project assignments, class participation and
discussion, students will learn and understand
administrative skills and management of human service
organizations. This class is an open classroom and is
created to be a comfortable, safe, yet challenging
environment for everyone. Sessions will be comprised of
experiential learning opportunities and discussions combined with small and large group activities and
class discussions. Feel free to speak your mind, be reflective, creative and learn to sharpen your critical
thinking skills. Attendance and participation is a significant part of your grade!

Participation: Students should be prepared on a weekly

basis to discuss and/or present information related to
the Questions for Discussion section at the end of each
assigned textbook chapter reading.
PLEASE NOTE: This syllabus is subject to change based on the needs of the students or faculty.
FAM340- TITLE: Administrative Skills for Human Service Organizations
will meet for a total of three hours each week for one semester;
will require an average of two hours out of class preparation for each hour in class;
Required Resources:
Requires Text: students must purchase

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Effectively Managing and Leading Human Service Organizations by Ralph Brody and Murali Nair (2014)
th
Sage Publications Inc. 4 Edition ISBN 978-4129-7645-9
Other Readings provided by instructor: To be announced
Teaching Strategies:
Lecture, guest speakers, class discussion

All assignments MUST be typed and stapled;

*hand written assignments will not be accepted*.

FAM340: Assignments & Grading

Course Evaluation and Grading: Grades will be posted on Angel

Eighty percent of success is showing up
~Woody Allen

Grading Scale:
Excellent
A
95-100%
A- 90-94%

Good
B+
87-89%
B
84-86%
B80-83%

Average
C+ 77-79%
C
74-76%
C- 70-73%

Poor
D+
67-69%
D
63-66%
D60-62%

Failing
59% and
lower

The grades of the course will be based on the following grade elements totaling 000 points:
COURSE ACTIVITIES
Assignments
Mid Term Quiz (open book)
Final Exam (open book)

POTENTIAL POINTS
70
15
15

Total Potential Points

100 pts

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Assignment Due Date and Deadline Policy

Class begins at 7:00pm. Assignments must be submitted in class by 7:06 p.m. on the class day they are
due. After 7:06 p.m. they are considered late. The late penalty is -5 points for each calendar day
late. From 7:06 p.m. until 7:00 pm. of the following day five points will be lost. Each successive day
another five points will accumulate as a penalty until the assignment is submitted.
Late assignments may be emailed to me at: david.garvin@cuw.edu
Attendance and Deportment Policy
This class requires full and active participation of all
members to be successful. It is expected that all class
members will share their thinking and experiences in the
class to keep the work focused on real issues and learning.
Participation requires full attention. Students observed
texting or surfing using laptops and cell phones will lose
participation points at the rate of 1 point per infraction. In
order to avoid the potential for your electronic devices to
ring, buzz, etc., unless otherwise directed by the instructor, it is suggested that you turn these devices off
during this class. All students are expected to actively participate.
Given the nature of the course students must be on time and present at every class to maximize their
learning. Both will be considered in calculating student grades. Due to the experiential nature of this
course attendance is crucial. It is also expected that you will read the weekly assignments and come
prepared to thoughtfully engage in class discussion.
Active participation will enhance the class by making it possible for us to explore, as a community of
learners, various topics while promoting the exchange of ideas and understandings of the course reading
materials.
Only students registered for this class may attend the class. Arriving 15 minutes or later after class starts
or leaving before class ends will be counted as an absence.
Grade reductions will occur when a student has missed more than one class.
Point reductions for this aspect of the grade are as follows:
Two absences: 5 point reduction
Three absences: 10 point reduction
Four absences: 15 point reduction
Five absences: 20 point reduction, etc.
The student is excused only when she or he has given notice prior to her or his absence for a legitimate
reason, or when medical documentation is presented.
All assignments are expected to be turned in regardless of your attendance.
CUW Policies:
*CUW Disability Policy: In accordance with the Americans and Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of
the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973, individuals with disabilities are protected from discrimination
and assured services and accommodations that provide equal access to the activities and programs of
the university. Students with a documented disability who require accommodation in order to obtain equal
access to this course should inform the instructor, and must also contact Disability Support Services at
(262) 243-4299 or https://www.cuw.edu/Departments/lrc/dss.html
*CUW Academic Integrity Policy: CUW expects all students to display honest, ethical behavior at all
times and under all circumstances.

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Academic dishonesty is defined as follows:

Cheating: includes, but is not limited to:
a) The use of unauthorized assistance in taking any type of test or completing any type of classroom
assignment;
b) Assisting another student in cheating on a test or class assignment, including impersonation of
another student.
Plagiarism: includes, but is not limited to:
a) Failure to give full and clear acknowledgement of the source of any idea that is not your own;
b) Handing in the same assignment for two different courses without the consent of the instructors.
Fabrication: the forgery, alteration, or misuse of any University academic document, record, or
instrument of identification.
Academic Misconduct: intentionally or recklessly interfering with teaching, research, and/or other
academic functions.
For more information on academic integrity, please see the Academic Policies section of the Student
Handbook, which can be accessed at the following link:
https://www.cuw.edu/Departments/residencelife/assets/studentconductcode.pdf
Relationship to the Curriculum: As certified family life educators graduates will be expected to be able
to assess the need for, implement and assess the outcome of parent education programs. This course
will familiarize students with typical content and the ability to choose and deliver appropriate prepackaged parent education programs suited to a particular population served.
Connection to CUW Mission:
Demonstrate habits of the mind, body, and spirit that are rooted in an understanding of the liberal arts
(Liberal Arts) as service provision requires interdisciplinary knowledge, skills and attitudes;
Demonstrate the ability to analyze and apply their disciplines theoretical, methodological, ethical, and
practical foundations (Disciplinary Thinking) in providing services to families with substance abuse,
mental health or Inter Personal Violence issues; and
Demonstrate a readiness to embrace their opportunities and obligations as citizens in a complex world
(Global Citizenship).

Special Needs Accommodations: Academic accommodations are available to students with a

documented disability. To get started, set up a meeting with Kellie Durham, ARC Director (734-995-4802
or kellie.durham@cuaa.edu). The Academic Resource Center (ARC) is located on the first floor of
Zimmerman Library.
CUAA/CUW Mission:
Concordia University Ann Arbor/Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to
helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world.
Family Life Program Mission:
The Concordia University Ann Arbor Family Life Program exists to professionally prepare students
through academic and practical training as Certified Family Life Educators for service to the church,
hospital and community to build healthy Christ-like relationships throughout the life span so that the
students and those they serve will be equipped to thrive in marriage and the family and to overcome
adversity. Graduates will practice integrity and excellence as they develop and implement family
programming and personal interventions which support homes and offer opportunities to be tools to pass
on faith in Jesus Christ to the next generation.

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Course Objectives:
Learning Goals for FAM340 include the following subject areas:
Descriptions of types of human services agencies and client populations
Accreditation of agencies
Impact of public policy on agency administration
Funding streams and resources
Role of the Board of Directors
Ethical decision making and Codes of Ethics for professional employees
Confidentiality and mandated reporting responsibilities
Effective management styles
Effective supervision
Practice Issues
o Program planning and evaluation
o Report writing
o Computers collaboration
o Policy advocacy
Confidentiality:
Any oral and written material or discussion pertaining to clients is to be strictly confidential. The identity of
clients is to be concealed in whatever format they are taken or written about. Further, discussion about
agency clients should never happen without there being some professional purpose, and never in
hallways, etc. Violation of confidentiality will be grounds for failure in the course.
ASSIGNMENTS
Assignment #1:
Self Review
Assignment #2:
Resume
Development
Assignment #3:
Organization
Informational
Interview
Assignment #4:
Social Work
Licensing

Assignment #5:
Social Work
Violations Review
Assignment #6:
NASW Code of
Ethics
Assignment #7:
My Work Plan for
Program
Implementation

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Self-Review using the assignment framework.

Points toward grade: 10
Each student will prepare and/or update their professional
resume.
Points toward grade: 10
Each student will contact an organization that they are
interested in learning about and will conduct a brief interview
with a manager or leader over the phone or in person.
Points toward grade: 10
This is a group project. A total of three groups will investigate
the requirements for their assigned level of licensure in the
state of Michigan. This investigation will result in each group
giving a presentation on that particular level of licensing.
Points toward grade: 10
Submit a paper focusing on three social work license
violations listed online using the assignment framework.
Points toward grade: 10
This is a group project. Student s will be assigned to a group
to research and give a presentation in class focusing on the
NASW Code of Ethics using the assignment framework.
Points toward grade: 10
The purpose of this assignment is to create a work plan
developing and implementing a group in an organization. You
will receive a document template in which you will develop
your implementation plan. This assignment will consist of a
written work plan and a 5-10 minute PowerPoint presentation
to be presented to the class. You will need to submit the
written work plan and bring the PowerPoint presentation on a
jump drive for your presentation.
Points toward grade: 10

Due 2-8-2016
Due 2-15-2016

Due 3-7-2016

Due 3-21-2016

Due 4-4-2016

Due: 4-11-2016

Due: 4-25-2016

READ ALL ASSIGNED CHAPTERS PER THE FOLLOWING CLASS SCHEDULE

FALL 2016 CLASS SCHEDULE
Date
Monday, January 25, 2016
7:00 pm 10:00 pm
Class #1
Monday, February 1, 2016
7:00 pm 10:00 pm
Class #2
Monday, February 8, 2016
7:00 pm 10:00 pm
Class #3
Monday, February 15, 2016
7:00 pm 10:00 pm
Class #4
Monday, February 22, 2016
7:00 pm 10:00 pm
Class #5
Monday, February 29, 2016
7:00 pm 10:00 pm
Class #6
Monday, March 7, 2016
7:00 pm 10:00 pm
Class #7
Monday, March 14, 2016
7:00 pm 10:00 pm
No Class #00
Monday, March 21, 2016
7:00 pm 10:00 pm
Class #8
Monday, March 28, 2016
7:00 pm 10:00 pm
Class #9
Monday, April 4, 2016
7:00 pm 10:00 pm
Class #10
Monday, April 11, 2016
7:00 pm 10:00 pm
Class #11
Monday, April 18, 2016
7:00 pm 10:00 pm
Class #12
Monday, April 25, 2016
7:00 pm 10:00 pm
Class #13
Monday, May 2, 2016
7:00 pm 10:00 pm
Class #14
Monday, May 9, 2016
7:00 pm 10:00 pm
Class #15

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Content
Review Course Syllabus

Chapters 1 and 2
Types of leadership
Assignment Due:
Chapters 1 and 2
Assignment Due: Self Review
Chapters 3 and 4
Assignment Due: Resume Development
Chapters 3 and 4
Assignment Due:
Chapters 5 and 6
Assignment Due:
Chapters 7 and 8
Assignment Due: Organization Informational Interview
Spring Break ***NO CLASS***

Chapters 9 and 10
Assignment Due: Social Work Licensing
Midterm Exam
Assignment Due:
Chapters 11 and 12
Assignment Due: Social Work Violations Review
Chapters 13 and 14
Assignment Due: NASW Code of Ethics
Presentations begin: NASW Code of Ethics
Chapters 15 and 16
Assignment Due:
Presentations continue: NASW Code of Ethics
Chapters 18 and 19
Assignment Due: My Work Plan for Program Implementation
Presentations begin: My Work Plan for Program Implementation
Assignment Due:
Presentations continue: My Work Plan for Program Implementation
Final Exam

Selected Bibliography available in Zimmerman Library

Hawkins, P. & Shohet, R. 2005 Supervision in the helping professions NY, McGraw Hill
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programs. 1998
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Management and Budget. Dept. of Health & Human Services, Office of the Secretary,
Assistant Secretary for Management and Budget, Washington D.C.
Hoboken, N.J. 2010 Handbook of HIV and social work : principles, practices, and populations /
edited by Cynthia Cannon Poindexter, John Wiley & Sons
A new era of responsibility : renewing America's promise / Office of Management and Budget.
2009 United States. Office of Management and Budget. U.S. G.P.O. : For sale by the Supt. of Docs.,
U.S. G.P.O., Washington D.C.
Catholic health care ethics : a manual for practitioners 2009 edited by Edward J. Furton with Peter
J. Cataldo and Albert S. Moraczewski ; foreword by Edmund D. Pellegrino.
National Catholic Bioethics Center, Philadelphia, PA
Mental health in a multi-ethnic society : a multidisciplinary handbook / edited by Suman Fernando
and Frank Keating. 2009 Routledge, London ; New York
Disabilities : insights from across fields and around the world / edited by Catherine A. Marshall ...
[et al.] ; foreword by Thomas Bornemann, 2009, Praeger, Westport, Conn
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human services field , 2009, edited by William G. Emener, Michael A. Richard, John J. Bosworth.
Charles C Thomas, Springfield, Ill
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Brooks/Cole, Belmont, CA
Organizational excellence [electronic resource] : putting the pieces together / Marsh and
Barnes, Inc. 2006 U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, CDC, Atlanta, GA
Cohen, R. , Cohen, J., 2000, Chiseled in sand : perspectives on change in human services
organizations, Brooks/Cole Thomson Learning, Belmont, CA
Edwards, R.L. & Yankey, J.A. Effectively managing nonprofit organizations, NASW Press,
Washington, D.C.
Serving those in need : a handbook for managing faith-based human services organizations
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Edward L. Queen, editor. 2000, Jossey-Bass, San Francisco

Chowdhury, S., 2005, The Ice Cream Maker Doubleday New York
Larson, S.A. & Hewitt, A.S. 2005 Staff recruitment, retention, & training strategies for
community human services organizations, Paul H. Brookes Pub. Co., Baltimore, MD
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practice Columbia University Press, New York
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services : supervisory challenges Oxford University Press, NY
Patti, R.J. 2000 The handbook of social welfare management Sage Pub, Thousand Oaks, CA
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needed for work with multiproblem clients Thomas, Springfield, IL
Young, D.R., Hallister, R.M., Hodgkinson, V.A. 1993 Governing, leading, and managing nonprofit
organizations : new insights from research and practice foreward by Frances Hesselbein, JosseyBass Publishers, San Francisco
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Newbury Park, CA

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