Policy Leadership Essay

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Grand Canyon University *

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SWK-520

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Arts Humanities

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Dec 6, 2023

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docx

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Policy Leadership Essay Zoë Mansour Warmoth College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Grand Canyon University SWK 520: Social Welfare Policies and Services Dr. Baxter-Dunn November 15, 2023

Policy Leadership Essay As social workers, our mission is to support and empower our clients. Therefor policy and policy reform are critical in our profession [CITATION Jan20 \l 1033 ]. Due to the interplay between complex societal issues and social work as a praxis, a dynamic and adaptable policy framework is necessary [CITATION Jan20 \l 1033 ]. This paper will seek to examine the role of policy leadership in social work, as well as the risk of not engaging in policy leadership, while also assessing service accessibility and delivery and policy advocacy and change at the micro, mezzo and macro levels. Policy Leadership in the Field of Social Work Jannsen (2020) tells us that, prior to 1984, a social worker’s role in policy was largely limited to studying, analyzing and defining public policy. Today, however, a policy leadership role in social work necessitates engaging proactively in policy advocacy and change. There is a wealth of evidence that shows social work as a praxis to have been historically instrumental in the advancement of effective policy [CITATION Ank22 \l 1033 ]. As implementers of these policies, social workers are in a unique position to take on leadership roles in the area of policy analysis and development [CITATION Ank22 \l 1033 ]. Social worker’s contributions to and involvement in political campaigns should not be overlooked, either [CITATION Jan20 \l 1033 ]. It is in these roles that social workers can assist in electing local, state and federal officials to aid in the advancement of critical public policies [CITATION Jan20 \l 1033 ]. Risks of Social Workers Failing to Exert Policy Leadership If social workers fail to take on leadership roles in policy at all levels, special interest groups with competing agendas may influence policy and affect change that is not in the best interest of those we seek to serve [CITATION Sur20 \l 1033 ]. Policies shaped by outside

interests, instead of stakeholders, may not align with social work ethics and values. As social workers we are positioned to understand the practical implementation of policies made at each level. Acting as change agents in the policymaking process ensures that poverty, homelessness, education, mental and physical health, and other social issues of critical importance are addressed from the perspective of service accessibility and delivery [CITATION Sur20 \l 1033 ]. Multi-Level Policies Impact Service Accessibility and Delivery Bureaucratic “red tape”, or rules and regulations, can be difficult to navigate. However, understanding policy at the micro, macro and mezzo levels can be beneficial in making sure our clients are in compliance with all applicable laws [CITATION Jan20 \l 1033 ]. Policy has a trickle-down effect. Laws created at the federal level are implemented by employees at the federal, state and local municipalities. On a macro level, If Congress passes legislative changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), those changes are then put into practice by state employees that ensure their eligibility requirements are aligned with federal policy, so they receive the proper federal funding. On a micro level, employees in local welfare and social services offices ensure their clients are within eligibility requirements and have all necessary documentation needed to certify their benefits. At the mezzo level, supervisors within the SNAP office might go to their congressional representatives or social workers working within government offices to make them aware of issues at the micro level that will affect policy going forward. It is the employees at the micro and mezzo level that advocate for their clients, while those at the micro level help them navigate the social welfare system. As social workers, we have a duty to engage in practice that benefits society as a whole. Policy Advocacy as a Unifying Theme

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