Social Work Reflection Paper

In order to work effectively and appropriately with vulnerable and marginalised groups in society such as individuals with mental illnesses, it is fundamental for a social worker to have a comprehensive knowledge base and proficient skills.

Applying Theory to Generalist Social Work Practice states that theories are a set of ideas that explain a phenomenon and typically formulated when there is no empirical evidence and observed through senses to draw a conclusion (Langer & Lietz, 2015). Langer & Lietz quote Gilgun (2005), "Over the past two decades, the field of social work has become increasingly concerned that professional decision making is not just grounded in theory but also supported by empirical evidence" (Langer & Lietz, 2015, p. 13). Furthermore, theory and evidence based practice research inform our professional knowledge base. Theory is the guide to treatment approach and is the essential knowledge for practice. Theoretical knowledge guides the clinician in a deeper

This is applied research where a knowledge development objective is the end result (Blanche & Durrheim, 1999: 41).

As I observed the N.A. group, I compared Hepworth 's, Direct Social Work Practice, five stages of group development. The Preaffiliation stage involves observation and feeling out the environment of the group; members may be hesitant to speak or test out certain behaviors to see reactions from other members of the group or the facilitator (Hepworth, Rooney, Rooney, & Strom-Gottfried, 2017, 2013). Returning group members greeted each other with hugs, handshakes, pat on the back, while newcomers sat quietly observing others. The facilitator provided an introduction and instructions for participation. Each member was instructed to introduce the first name, state "I am an addict" and take turns reading from the

For this paper, I have decided to research two social work theories and how those theories apply to residents in long term care facilities. The primary focus will be those residents who are alert, oriented, and showing minimal symptoms of dementia.

According to NASW standards, advanced clinical practice competency in depression care for social workers requires that clinicians demonstrate knowledge and skill in assessing and managing symptoms, communicating with patients and families, and providing evidence-based interventions (NASW Standards for Clinical Social Work in Social Work Practice, 2005; NASW Standards for Social Work Practice in Health Care Settings, 2005).

My interviewee was Billie Zody, MD. Her specific job title is an Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB-GYN). This type of doctor specializes in women’s reproductive health. They are responsible for caring for women during their pregnancy and just after the baby is born. Zody has been a practicing OB-GYN since 2003. She originally worked in Arizona but decided to return to her home state of Indiana. She currently works at the Bloomington Hospital by IU Health, in the specialized OB-GYN branch.

This organization does not provide any information about evaluation studies or empirical research that shows their program design is effective

Born May 18, 1915, Elman Rodgers Service is an American anthropologist theorist who created the typology now used to categorize Bands, Tribes, Chiefdoms, and States as societies. Elman Services’ classifications displays the social evolution of societies and are now the four levels of political organization. Service created seven characteristics in part with his four classifications of societies. Three of his characteristics are social structure, political system, and subsistence strategy.

The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog by Dr. Bruce D. Perry is an insightful memoir about a physiatrist’s experiences while working with children who are ridden with psychological disorders due to long term and sever trauma. Each child disused in the reading is unique in their experiences and the consequences of long term neglect and abuse that the children were subjected to at an early age. Throughout the course of the book, the author unravels these traumatic experiences and relates to how they have influence on the child’s current mental state. Dr. Perry uses unconventional and insightful techniques to work with these children, and help them to adapt to social enviornments, florish in an educational

I have worked at the same job for 4 years and only until about a year ago I built up the courage to ask for a raise that I was rightfully allowed to obtain years ago. This relates to dependencies and the unequal power struggle within men and women, and that women are encouraged to be passive instead of rebelling (Dean, 2012, p.9).

When I speak about professional competence within the social work practice and what it means to me is being able to perform duties and use skills learnt from the social work program and apply these skills towards clients to help them with the building blocks needed to improve their lives. Also, being knowledgeable about resources that are used to help clients within their environment. And being dedicated to serving these clients. In which dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationship, integrity, social justice, service, and competence are important within this profession, being that I will encounter all ethnic groups as well as population, ages, and genders. And I must be able to be honest to be able to gain trust from these clients as well as act as an advocate in some cases and be knowledgeable of services to refer clients to if needed. Within this profession the strengths I will bring to aid me within my growth includes having the willingness to learn, being able to use the skills I have learnt from my professors and apply them within my field setting, observing clients within their environment, knowing that professionalism is important, and knowing my demeanor. In relation to my personal ethics I feel as though I have an understanding toward other morals, values, and behaviors that I would not enforces my own on clients. Regarding aspects that interest me now would be helping clients to improve their lives, educating clients about resources within the community, and solving social issues. Furthermore, in relation to contributions that I would like to make would be focusing on the older adult population more because we tend to forget about this population and the services these individuals need and speaking out about neglect and abuse within this population, as well as ethnic differences. In relations to other interests that would relate to the social profession would be that of poverty within our society and how to develop self-care. The influence I gained from my godparents, family members, and second church family caused me to choose this profession because these individuals saw my willingness to help others, especially, when they needed some encouragement.

My placement is at Gateway Youth in Elmont. Gateway is a prevention program specializing in working with youth between the ages of 5-17 who are in conflict with their family, in need of academic or emotional support, or who are involved in the juvenile court system. Services provided include case management, crisis intervention, and advocacy with the schools, court, and community. As a social work intern, I am placed at Gotham Ave Elementary School working with third graders. At this school, Gateway Youth provides an after-school program for students that need supervision with their homework and inclusion in activities before their parents can pick them up.

A helping profession is one that nurtures the growth of or addresses the problems of a person's physical, psychological, intellectual, emotional or spiritual well-being.

This paper explores a recent agency visit about the continuing needs for disabled children in order to illustrate an interactive approach in social work research. Social work practice supplies transferable knowledge, values, norms, and skills for the interactive approach. The skill of negotiation is used to . Recently my group and I got the chance to speak with a Social worker and get an insight on everyday tasks. We also got a great tour of the building and learned about the special types of equipment that the kids use to stay active and become develop skills to become more independent. Social workers have a number of responsibilities: Commitment to client, Self-Determination,