Theory to Practice Journal 2 Field opportunity allows students to build their skill sets and expand on core competencies when working with diverse groups of individuals, families and communities. Engaging in various opportunities to apply classroom knowledge with field placement experiences provides the occasion for personal and professional growth. New perspectives are gained and a more competent outlook is achieved with every client interaction. For this reason, it is important that future social workers exercise the right to think critically and make informed practice decisions that advocate for social justice on behalf of the people and populations they serve. Completing two consecutive semesters in field placement, provides the …show more content…
Individuals think, feel and behave differently and taking into account their genetic dispositions, life experiences and past traumas is crucial when identifying reasonings for unwanted behavior. Acknowledging the influence one’s social environment has on behavior is also important when considering the process for change. Applying knowledge to critique and understand person and environment (2.1.7.b) is especially important in the educational environment. Empowering classroom teachers to view the whole child, encourages teachers to understand student behavior extends beyond the classroom and school. Just the same, appreciating a student's past experiences and home environment provides insight to difficult behaviors and inadequate student performance. During field placement, I participate and manage small groups that focus on student behavior. This opportunity has allowed me to demonstrate an understanding of human development and the social environment, while incorporating knowledge learned from various courses into field experiences. Furthermore, when the school is privileged with insight to a child’s home life situation or past milestones, an understanding of the root causes for specific behaviors is acquired. Considering preceding factors allows school personnel to provide a supportive foundation that addresses all of the …show more content…
Since, individuals, families,and communities are frequently changing, social workers must have a good understanding of the populations in which they serve. In order to continuously discover emerging trends and know how to provide relevant services (2.1.9.a), continuing education and engaging in professional development opportunities are imperative. This year I have committed myself to attend a minimum of trainings, conferences or seminars that address this competency. Providing a better understanding of present issues and working with other professionals, allows me to have a better understanding of the best ways in which to address certain issues. Specifically, one training I have enjoyed most is the Human Sex Trafficking Task Force group, working to respond to the modern day issue in the Midlands of South Carolina. Extending from the initial training was the opportunity to take part in multidisciplinary team meetings which focus on providing education, prevention, protection, and prosecution to our community. Being involved with additional initiatives and becoming proactively involved, reinforces this competency of contextual practice. In conclusion, the ability to understand the importance and value of all core competencies and specifically the ones addressed, holds Social Workers accountable for the services provided to
This understanding that a child 's behavior is a part of their social development is crucial
When pursuing a degree in social work, one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences within the degree aspect is the capstone project. The capstone is a multi-integrative assignment that is structure to provide social work students with the opportunity to apply their academic, professional and personal experience in the field through the application of a project. With allowing students to master the knowledge, skills, values, and ethics needed for effective social work practice, the capstone project also provide a development to really contribute in the knowledge of the profession. All social work capstone projects encourage students to unite their work to community issues and problems through learning, observations and internship. This paper examines the values, policy, conceptual framework, group
Ms. Phillips provided a great deal of insight into child welfare practices of Pitt County (W. Phillips, personal communication, October 4th, 2013). I believed the interview was highly beneficial to Heather and I as prospective social workers. Understanding the amount of work that goes into positions such as Ms. Phillips’ will help us prepare for our future roles in the field. Ms. Phillips illustrated that though the helping field may require a great deal from the individual, the practice can be extremely rewarding.
I first became interested in social work when I took a human rights course as part of my political science major requirements. Throughout the course, I was fascinated and disturbed by the historic oppression of many large groups in society, and I realized my interests lie outside of the political arena; thus, I double-majored in social policy & practice because of my desire to learn more about how to enhance human well-being, fight social injustice, and pursue social change. I soon realized I wanted to pursue graduate social work education in order to gain a more holistic understanding of social problems and human ailments and, in turn, better understand the best ways to fix them. My background in political science and social policy gives me a unique perspective on the field of social work, as I have gained immense knowledge on social issues, the law, and public policy that will be useful in my graduate school and professional endeavors to fight for social justice and human rights.
Social service professionals work to address the problem of human trafficking in a number of ways. Social workers are unique in their approach to this issue because they can address it from a number of angles. For example, social workers concentrate on both the individual victim as well as their social and economic situation which distinguishes it from other professions such as counseling (Palmer, 2010). Social workers meet the needs of human trafficking victims according to the principles outlined in the National Association of Social Worker’s Code of Ethics. (Palmer 2010). Nancy Palmer (2010) notes, that despite some similarities, human trafficking victims have “more complex and wide-ranging service needs” than those who suffer from related criminal acts. (p.48). Education is an important aspect of a social workers job not only to be aware of the problem and of the appropriate standards of action but also to recognize potential victims. Stotts & Ramey’s (2009) research shows, “it is entirely possible for a counselor to come in contact with a victim of trafficking without knowing it. Situations in which counselors are most likely to come into contact with a potential victim include homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, or crisis hotlines” (p.44). Social workers who suspect a possible victim can confirm through the National Trafficking Resource Center as well locating local services available to sufferers. If the victim is in immediate danger then social service workers notify local law enforcement (Stotts & Ramey, 2009). Once victims are identified, then social workers turn to meeting their physical and psychological needs by providing mental and health care to individuals and groups. Studies indicate that victims e...
There are numerous influences within a child’s environment that can impact their behaviour such as; economics, education, gender and religion (Morrow, 2011). All these factors combined can shape a child’s belief system and determine an individual’s acceptance and tolerance of certain behaviours. For example, if a student has a strict routine at home where they must take their shoes off before entering the house and no other students abide by this rule in the classroom, the student may take offence to this and lash out at those students. A teacher observing this behaviour may perceive the child’s emotion as misbehaving because they may not understand the student’s cultural values. It is important that caretakers and teachers are aware of the social constructs that impact students so they can be aware of the possible reasons behind student’s behaviours. Behaviours displayed by a child can be explained by looking into their ecological systems to understand why the behaviour is
There are many criminological theories that attempt to explain criminal behavior or crime patterns. For instance, Agnew’s General Strain Theory can be applied to explain why the criminal John Dillinger committed various crimes. Agnew’s General Strain Theory assumes that all individuals experience strain, which, in turn, causes negative emotions that can result in legitimate or illegitimate coping, depending on an individual’s constraints or dispositions. Thus, the continuous criminal behavior throughout John Dillinger’s life can be explained using Agnew’s General Strain Theory in relation to strain, negative emotions, and dispositions.
The field placement experience at Silver Saddle group home allowed me the opportunity to put into practice what I have learned while in the Social Work program her at Northern Arizona University. Throughout field placement I have had the opportunity to practice on a micro, mezzo, and macro level and strengthen my professional social work skill while maintaining a ethical standpoint. Field has also allowed me hands on experience to advocate for clients, insure social justice, provide services, and build strong relationships with clients and the community.
This paper will explore what the primary mission of social work as a professional means to me. Through self-reflection of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics, I will delve into why I chose social work as a career, the type of social worker I want to become, and ponder what challenges and obstacles may impede my chosen path.
I strongly considered a career in social work after completing my undergrad school; my yearning for helping and advocating for all children of the world led me to Barry University. With increased knowledge in the profession of social work, I realized, I have been absent minded in the numerous roles that a social worker plays. As advocators, counselors, mediators, and researchers, social workers uphold principles and core values written within the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. Social workers mission is entrenched in the Code of Ethics. “Code of Ethics set fourth these values, principles, and standards to guide social workers’ conduct” (The National Association, “n. d.”). Service, Social Justice, Dignity
Social work practitioners can use the information from this study to document activities that MSW graduates engaged in relevant to cultural competency. The study will provide current and future social workers with specific details and strategies that they can employ to assist them on their journey toward culturally competent practice. In addition, this research study will offer examples of what social workers can do to build their knowledge, skills, and values.
I would to begin this paper with an authentic definition of the Social Work field. Social work practices involves facilitating change—in other words, working with others, not doing something to them or for them(Dubois). Most people and social workers would always use the world ‘help’ in some way or form when defining social workers. Which is true but the confusion come in when asked where they work, who they assist and how they differ from other helping professions. Social workers can be sustain abuse therapists, child welfare specialists, and school social workers. We are not limited to just the department of social services. They can work in nursing homes, hospitals, and even in legislation.
Over the course of the semester, I have learned a variety of many things regarding social work. These things vary from learning how to help oneself to understanding how to help others. Not only were the textbooks very useful, but also the materials that furthered this textbook learning. The in class presentation, activities, and guest speakers gave us insight and a different perspective on the material we were learning. I feel like this course has given me a good foundation and prepared me as a future social worker (1).
The work of a social worker is complex and all encompassing. Social workers work in many capacities seeking justice, liberation, and equality. There work is global, as they work to put policies in place to govern practices. To keep up with societal shifts and generational changes there learning is continuous. As new questions rise so does the need for the continuation of research, not only to answer these questions but to implement into
The social work profession is defined as “a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people (ISFW, ‘Global Definition of Social Work’, 2016).” The definition may be true about the profession but it is more in depth than just that. To me, the profession’s primary focus is to help others through life as much as we can while letting them make their own choices and guiding them. In society, social workers are utilized in many different nonprofit and government roles. They serve the community in many different ways from monitoring parent visits to helping people through mental illnesses. Human beings are so complex and things that happen