Microcredential Module 1
APPLIED LEGAL & ETHICAL REASONING |
| November 9-15, 2026 | 4 hours | Online | Asynchronous |
| Instructor: Shawna Paris,听ONS, KC, PhDc, MSW, RSW-CS, BCCH听听 |
Pre-requisite: Forensic Social Work 1 |
OVERVIEW |
Microcredential Module 1 moves learners from understanding foundational legal concepts to applying legal and ethical reasoning in a realistic social work practice situation. Forensic Social Work 1 introduces learners to the legal environment in which social workers, allied practitioners, and human service professionals practise. This microcredential module requires learners to identify legal issues, distinguish legal responsibilities from ethical considerations, recognize the limits of professional authority, and make a reasoned practice decision. The emphasis is not on memorizing legislation or legal terminology. Rather, it is on determining what a practitioner should do when confronted with a complex situation involving law, ethics, client rights, safety, professional responsibilities, and competing obligations.听 Learners will complete a practice-based activity and a structured legal and ethical practice analysis. |
DEMONSTRATION OF COMPETENCY |
Successful learners will demonstrate the ability to identify legal and ethical issues, apply relevant principles to practice, protect client rights, recognize professional limits, identify circumstances requiring consultation, and articulate a defensible professional course of action. |
ASSESSMENT |
| Activities will be evaluated using a competency-based rubric that addresses legal issue identification, ethical reasoning, professional judgment, scope and boundaries, client rights, the application of the micro-credential鈥檚 core competencies, and the quality of professional reasoning and communication. |
| This Module is not a standalone course. It is part of the Microcredential: Forensic Social Work & Human Service Practice pathway. |
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REGISTRATION |
You may register for each Microcredential course individually.听 听 OR save 10% when you register for the 3 Microcredential Modules + the Capstone in a single transaction.听 |
IMPORTANT NOTE: The full microcredential pathway includes these 3 modules, the capstone and Forensic Social Work 1, Forensic Social Work 2, and Forensic Social Work 3. You must successfully complete all 7 courses to receive the microcredential digital badge and certificate. If you have not completed and , please register for them separately. (This cohort is limited to those who have already completed -- or are currently enrolled in -- Forensic Social Work 1.) If you require an invoice, please email coned@dal.ca |