Department of Social Work

The Department of Social Work at Rivers State University plays a vital role in promoting social justice, human rights, and community development. Here are the department’s elaborate roles and responsibilities:

Academic Responsibilities:

• Teaching: The department offers undergraduate and graduate programs in social work, providing students with theoretical foundations and practical skills in social work practice. ¹
• Curriculum Development: The department is responsible for developing and reviewing curricula to ensure they remain relevant and effective in preparing students for social work practice.

Research Responsibilities:

• Conducting Research: Faculty members in the department engage in research to contribute to the advancement of knowledge in social work and related fields.
• Publishing Research Findings: Research findings are disseminated through publications, conferences, and workshops to share knowledge with the academic community and stakeholders.

Community Service Responsibilities:

• Community Engagement: The department engages in community outreach programs, collaborations, and partnerships to promote social justice, human rights, and community development.
• Fieldwork and Practicum: Students are provided with opportunities for fieldwork and practicum to gain practical experience in social work practice.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Departmental Administration: The department is responsible for managing its administrative functions, including staff supervision, budgeting, and resource management.
• Student Support Services: The department provides support services to students, including academic advising, mentorship, and counselling.

Collaboration and Partnerships:

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The department collaborates with other departments and faculties within the university to promote interdisciplinary research and practice.
• External Partnerships: The department partners with external organizations, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community-based organizations, to promote social justice, human rights, and community development.

Overall, the Department of Social Work at Rivers State University plays a critical role in promoting social justice, human rights, and community development through its academic, research, community service, administrative, and collaborative responsibilities.

Structure of the Social Work Department at Rivers State University:

Department at RSU is structured to ensure effective teaching, research, and community service. The department is headed by a Head of Department (HoD) who is responsible for overseeing the department’s activities.

Head of Department (HoD):

• The HoD is the chief executive of the department and is responsible for making strategic decisions.
• The HoD is also responsible for coordinating the department’s teaching, research, and community service activities.

Academic Staff:

• The academic staff are responsible for teaching courses, conducting research, and supervising students.
• The academic staff are divided into different ranks, including Professor, Reader, Senior Lecturer, Lecturer, and Assistant Lecturer.

Administrative Staff:

• The administrative staff provide support services such as administration, finance, and human resources.
• The administrative staff are responsible for managing the department’s finances, maintaining records, and providing administrative support to the academic staff.

 Departmental Committees:

• The department has several committees that oversee different aspects of its activities. These committees include the Departmental Board, the Curriculum Committee, the Research Committee, and the Community Service Committee.

Departmental Units:

• The department has several units that provide specialized services. These units include the Social Work Clinic, the Community Development Unit, and the Research Unit.

Organizational Chart:

Here is a simplified organizational chart of the Social Work Department at RSU:

• Head of Department (HoD)
• Academic Staff
• Professor
• Reader
• Senior Lecturer
• Lecturer
• Assistant Lecturer

Administrative Staff:

• Departmental Administrator
• Accountant
• Administrative Assistant

Departmental Committees:

• Departmental Board
• Curriculum Committee
• Research Committee
• Community Service Committee

Departmental Units:

• Social Work Clinic
• Community Development Unit
• Research Unit