University 's Master Of Social Work Program

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.

The issue that has been addressed throughout this study is veteran’s rights. The issue of veteran’s rights is still being pursued and is near and dear to me. Not only am I a veteran, but I come from a long line of men and women who have proudly worn the uniform in defense of our nation. Between the mindset of the American public, to the cases presented before Congress, this is an ongoing dilemma. Caring for our brothers and sisters in arms is the socially responsible thing to do. However, many roadblocks must be torn down before this can come to fruition.

One of the key factors that contribute to homelessness among veterans is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD affects a large number of military veterans from every war, though the rates differ depending on which war they served in, PTSD affected 30% of Vietnam veterans, 11% of Afghanistan veterans, 20% of Iraq veterans, and 10% of veterans who served in the Gulf War (How Common is PTSD). Half of veterans with PTSD do not receive the treatment they require and 20% - 50% of those who do receive treatment do not finish it (Robson). The lack of treatment is important considering that 45% of homeless veterans have some kind of mental illness (Paquette). The homecoming of a veteran has been related to that veteran’s degree of PTSD. Veterans with a negative reception upon their arrival tend to have harsher PTSD (Tull). It is no wonder then that, those who had the hardest time re-entering society, Vietnam veterans, among whom 30% have had PTSD, make up 47% of homeless veterans (coalition for the Homeless). These veterans had the hardest time out of any, when they returned public opinion was against them, and many were unjustly called “Baby Killers”. This critical rejection made it harder for Vietnam veterans to deal with their PTSD, because it held them back from discussing their experiences in war (Tull). Having

When I first started to research about how the American society helps discharged soldiers, I first wanted to know what type of help society offer to them. The article “10 Organizations that Help Veterans Transition to Civilian Life” published by Vista College helped me view a plethora of organizations that offer help to veterans. The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) organization helps “connect veterans to one another and educate them on,” issues and benefits they could get when transitioning

I am pursuing an MSW at this time with the goal of becoming a licensed clinical social worker in order to provide advanced substance abuse and mental health counseling in western North Carolina. I have many work experiences that contributed to my choice of social work as a profession. I am currently a certified substance abuse counselor intern as well as a certified minister. I provide counseling for members of the congregation I serve.

Last May, I traveled with Alternative Breaks to New York for community service. During this service, I worked with Meals on Wheels who dedicate their time to provide food for the elderly of Manhattan. As I delivered the food to the seniors, I got a sense of fulfillment because I made them smile by providing them with food. Thus, I chose MDC’s Single Stop because I wanted to make a difference in my home campus by providing and assuring nourishment to those that do not have it just like I did in New York. As my first two years of college comes to an end, I wanted to leave a mark of my own here at home at Miami Dade College North Campus. During the month of September, I decided to partner up with a few of my peers to serve at MDC’s Single Stop.

The purpose of this meeting to just find out if the clients have a plan, if they are adjusting well and to allow the clients to just get some things off their mind. That’s all that we can do because we are not a counseling center for the DARTEN population. I have about thirty minutes with them and I will probably never see them again, because we do not

As a teen, I had the opportunity to volunteer on a summer mission trip that focused on serving the homeless population in San Francisco. Stricken by poverty and drug addictions the Tenderloin District was unlike anything I had ever seen. Instead of passing judgment or feeling intimidated, I chose to serve these people with compassion and respect. What I experienced during this time was transformational and helped to direct me on a pathway towards service.

I am currently completing my final internship for the School of Social Work at Stephen F. Austin State University at Burke Center, a mental health agency located in Nacogdoches, Texas. (myburke.org, 2017) states that “Burke’s mission is to provide the highest-quality and most compassionate and comprehensive mental health and developmental disability services to every client in East Texas that needs them.” The agency is well known in the area for providing superior mental health services covering a twelve county radius in East Texas. (myburke.org, 2017) confirms that they provide services to Angelina, Houston, Jasper, Nacogdoches, Newton, Polk, Sabine, San Augustine,

Based on the study of the course materials I personally consider that the most important historical event in the history of human services profession was “Influence of African American Social Working”. While reading this history, it truly did open my eye and to see things in some different levels. Although there were few things that I thought I had knowledge of, but I was wrong. This is a history; however, these incidents are taking place in today society and its getting worst. The reason why I think this is the most import is basically because it is teaching us the history and how far the black community have come. Although, the black community still facing tribulations. Many young men are living their lives with fear. Fear of getting killed, fear of getting stopped by a cop and fear to express their feelings, and fear of by judged, fear of being treated like animals and fear of living life. As we all know that the first amendment to the US Constitution law is freedom of speech, religion and Expression”. But is the black community these laws do not exist. In addition, many Black parents are dealing with paranoia disorder without knowing it. Black parent are afraid to send their children out in public due to those massive shooting and killing of black lives. Yet, we say this is a free country not to mentioned United States. We witness many incidents where we

With the withdrawal of U.S. military troops from Iraq and the reduction in force due to federal budget constraints, thousands of military members are returning to civilian life. For some military service member the adjustment to civilian life is challenging. During the reintegration period, veterans face a variety of issues from relating to friends and family, moving to find work, entering the work force and creating a new structure within their daily lives. Not all problems can be solved, but as a step forward every veteran should be assigned a social worker and provided with better job preference within federal, state and county sections. Reintegration process has come a long way from previous years, but there are still visible issue that

Upon learning from a Connecticut National Guard recruiter that I was ineligible to enlist in any branch of the United States Armed Forces due to a chronic illness that will require medication indefinitely, I was devastated. However, despite this devastation, it was my desire to serve and to be a part of the military culture that became the driving force behind the decision to become a certified Military Service Members, Veterans and Their Families – Advanced Social Worker (MVF-ASW). Even though this career does not involve being on the front lines, I can still provide direct services to the children of active duty service members as they navigate the extended deployments, frequent moves and strained familial relationships. Even though this particular credential is not mandatory to work as a youth services coordinator on a military base, it is recommended because it will provide me with the specialized knowledge and understanding of military culture that can help me to be a more effective social worker in this particular field.

The United States of America has a crisis existing within its population of returning veterans. More and more, we see veterans of the war in Iraq, the war in Afghanistan, and the war on Terror, return with not only debilitating physical wounds, but longer lasting psychological wounds of war. Furthermore, there’s a stigma with mental health in the country which dictates; if you seek help for mental health issues, you’re weak. This isn’t only a problem amongst returning veterans, but all citizens. The returning warrior shouldn’t have to go speak with someone about their feelings. This is a common utterance heard when veterans return. The epidemic of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) amongst returning veterans, combined with the stigma of weakness and worthlessness for seeking help, is creating an almost impossible transition between military and civilian life. Not only are veterans experiencing issues with PTSD and other psychological afflictions having to battle with these afflictions, but they are finding themselves having difficulty finding help along with trying to cope with an otherwise insensitive and naïve population of people; some of whom are completely incapable of understanding, let alone empathy towards any situation besides their own. The review you are about to read serves as research into methods of coping, as well as helpful tactics for the reintegrating veteran.

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).

Volunteerism and willingness to serve others are magnificent character traits to discover while growing up. If one is involved with such activities, they will be able to contribute to society as a whole and “leave a mark” on the world for the better. However, such activities would not be available without the assistance of an outreach coordinator. Such people prepare service projects for the community, non-profit organization, or church in hopes of spreading good will among those affected by these actions. They also must be available to offer support to individuals who walk in and require the outreach coordinator’s services. Jeanna-Mar Simmons, a family friend, generously allowed me to shadow her on April 24, 2014. This wonderful lady is the outreach coordinator for Christ United Methodist Church. During my shadow, I was able to discover the intricacies of the organization behind all the service projects I participate in on a regular basis as well as learn about her relationship with God and how it intertwines with her work and the environment at the church.