Communication skills (verbal and non-verbal) are foundational to respectful, effective social service practice with older adults. In this course, students examine the context and nature of the helping relationship according to the values, principles, and standards of conduct for social workers from the Canadian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. They learn a structured, client-centred framework for conducting interviews, and practice core skills such as active listening, empathy, and attending during role-plays (some of which are recorded and critiqued).

Registration in this course is restricted to students admitted to the Diploma in Gerontology and Certificate in Social Service Worker (Gerontology).