Social Work Policy In Practice: A Case Study

I’ve always thought of social work on a smaller, more intimate scale of helping individuals and communities in a direct way, but advocacy on a macro-level is quite appealing. Individual therapy can help one client at a time, but won’t result in social change. Like Janson (2011) said, “policy advocates can positively impact the lives not just of specific individuals or families, but of large numbers of individuals and families.” While the concept in new to me, it makes sense that social workers would be directly involved in the making of social policy. Taking part in policy-making is daunting, and social workers need to be better informed in politics and how to approach program leadership. There are a variety of ways to influence policy, including

I began my social work studies over twenty-five years ago at Utah State University in Logan, Utah. I never questioned my decision to pursue a career in social work; I loved my classes and worked hard to learn as much as possible. But the information I gained in undergraduate school simply opened the doors of my education. Most of my learning has come through constant questioning, personal research, and especially through work and life experience. Through these experiences I have encountered the challenges faced by individuals, families, and society and have been able to further access and develop the innate personality traits and abilities that originally led me to study social work as well as learn and practice the many skills necessary to be a successful mental health counselor.

I will then list areas I have identified as my own personal weak points for further development.

Part I (Autobiographical Essay):  What were the significant factors that influenced your choice of social work? What skills and experiences do you have that will contribute to your success as a graduate student and social work professional? How is the GCSW a good place for you to build on those skills? 2 pages, double spaced, 12 point font

Prior to being in graduate school I was not fully aware of all the opportunities and experiences in social work. I have since gained more knowledge of macro level opportunities in the field of social work, such as advocating for human rights, and social justice. I have also been presented with the chance to tackle tough policies that directly impacts clients that I have interacted with through my experience in social work. I plan to continue to identify weakness in various systems to promote social justice, and learn more ways to change social institutions to be more humane and

This essay will identify a case I have been involved in and have continuously had to assess whilst on placement. It will refer to a child who will be identified as A. A is a young carer and has only recently returned home after being removed from his mothers care due to her having a substance abuse problem and mental health concerns. I will link the legal framework that was relevant to this case study and describe actions taken. Additionally these actions will demonstrate the application of social work methods and theories that were contributive elements in his intervention, offering explanations as to why these particular methods were used. Before closing, the essay will review any issues of discrimination with a reflection of the

Social worker Lilly Sheldon is truly a leader among urban social workers. Currently 94 years old and still working in a volunteer capacity, Ms. Sheldon became a social worker in 1940. Social work was not her first choice for a career. In fact, Ms. Sheldon really wanted to become a lawyer, but few law schools during that time period were accepting female applicants. So, instead of becoming a lawyer, she became a social worker, and eventually went on to obtain her MSW. While it may seem as if someone who chose social work as an alternative career may not be an ideal leader in the field, Mrs. Sheldon belies that reality. She brought a keen intellect to her field, which enabled her to play a vital role in helping form the structure of what is known as the modern profession of social work.

I have a passion for helping children and an interest in pursuing school social work, I decided to interview my mother’s co-worker, Belle Walker. Belle is an exceptional children’s (EC) social worker for Union County Public Schools and works directly with students and families who need assistance finding resources in order for them to succeed in the classroom. Belle is a very passionate person and loves her work. During her undergraduate, she held an internship at a transitional homeless shelter working with families. As she attended graduate school in Illinois, Belle worked night shifts in a domestic violence shelter as a counselor. After graduate school, she decided to move back to Charlotte and found a job working with A Child’s Place

As I have a passion for helping children and an interest for pursuing school social work, I decided to interview my mother’s co-worker, Belle Walker. Belle is an exceptional children’s (EC) social worker for Union County public schools and works directly with students and families who need assistance finding resources to help them succeed in the classroom. Belle is a very passionate person and loves her work. During her undergraduate, she held an internship at a transitional homeless shelter working with families. As she attended graduate school in Illinois, Belle worked in a domestic violence shelter as a counselor during the nights. After graduate school she decided to move back to Charlotte and found a job working with A Child’s Place as a caseworker for homeless families through the school system. She has now been working with Union County public schools for three years and plans to work with the school system for as long as she can because she feels that she has found fitting.

On September 18, 2015 I interviewed Mrs. Anisha Nix at Ted’s Montana Grill in Downtown Decatur, Georgia at 5:48pm. Mrs. Nix is a Family Consultant Supervisor at the DeKalb County Child Advocacy Center. I interviewed Mrs. Nix, not only for the position that she holds but also because she did not start off with a degree in social work or sociology. Before Anisha took an interest in social services, she gained her masters in Biology from Spelman College. Once done with her undergrad Ms. Nix decided that she would pursue and ultimately gain her Masters in Social Work at Georgia State University, then continue on to become a licensed Social Worker. As the Supervisor of the Advocacy Center, it is her job to supervise the Family Consultants at the

I decided to interview her because I am interested in Health Care social work. She has had experience working for numerous health care facilities including the prestigious Duke Health’s HIV agency. She also worked at an unnamed health care facility as a receptionist, where she began to make programs to fit the clients needs, something that was not being done in that facility at that time. She is currently working at Southlight Health Care and helps plenty of clients get all around health care.

Jenny had three field placements while in our program. During her senior year, she interned at the Department of Children and Families in Manchester CT. Much of her work consisted of providing case management to individuals and families; all the while demonstrating a good

The early 1940’s found the median age in Canada to be approximately 26, whereas today it rests at just under 40 (Hick, 2014). This rising trend in age further continues when looking at that of the elderly (those aged 65+). The Government of Canada (2016) projects that beginning in 2011 and stretching over the next three decades, the number of elderly persons in Canada will rise from 4.2 million to that of 9.8 million, with the latter estimated to represent almost a quarter of the total population at that time. The impact this increase has on social policy regarding the elderly has yet to be fully actualized, but will undoubtedly affect Canadians across the board as additional pressures are placed on the system, as well as calls for more aggressive changes are likely to correct current policy pitfalls. This paper reflects on the chapter findings in the text, Social Welfare in Canada, as well as analyses the issues and proposes foreseeable implications that this has on social policy practice for social workers.

CM spoke with client briefly when entering the facility, Client stated she received a letter from SNAP for an eligibility interview. Client reports her interview date was on 10/05/17 between 11:30am and 3:30pm However, Client stated she did not receive no miss call or voicemail from HRA. CM informed Client to bring down the letter so we can review it, Client agreed. Client return to social services department with the letter. CM inquires if the contact information was correct client stated everything is right. Client reports when applying for the fair hearing she submitted all the documents required. CM informs Clients to resubmit all suggested items checked off on the letter. Client asked how can she get a copy of her and husband birth certificate.

Jen’s start in social work with boys with aggressive sexual behavior was shocking. It felt like there was fulfillment doing this kind of work for her. Personally, I did not know there was a need for this type of service and it is kind of disturbing. Jen also shed light on how much of a team oriented career social work is when describing some of her work over the years. Especially with the medical health community position organizing people to reach so many others that need services from social workers.