I understand that engagement with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities is essential to effective social work practice. The interactive process involving these individuals or groups allows for their voices to be heard in providing options for them to select the best path forward based upon evidence-based solutions. I understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and utilize these theories in subsequent engagement with parties. Further, I understand strategies for relating to and engaging diverse clients and constituencies to advance practice effectiveness. As a clinical social worker I understand the impact my affective reactions may have on clients, and value principles of relationship-building and inter-professional collaboration to facilitate engagement with individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and other professionals, as needed. As I engage with clients, I will utilize each of the principles outlined above for best practice, utilizing skills such as active listening and collaboration with other systems in order to best meet the needs of clients.
6.1 Examined Evidence-based Practices to Prepare for Professional Engagement Across Systems
I have examined evidence-based practices that correlate to practice across systems to ensure that professional practice is relevant and effective.
Coursework Experience: In SOCW 632 Psychopathology, Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis, I developed a knowledge of human behavior in the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks to engage with clients and constituencies. Specifically, I reviewed mental health conditions according to the DSM-5-TR and their contraindications in order to best meet the needs of varying mental health conditions. These frameworks directed me to utilize empathy, reflection, and interpersonal skills to effectively engage diverse clients and constituencies.
DSM 5-TR:
https://archive.org/details/dsm-5-tr/page/n1083/mode/2up
In SOCW 618 Advanced Administrative Practice: Administrative & Leadership skills, I developed a marketing strategy to support the mock non-profit organization that we created with strategies based upon published research. Strategies that we utilized to promote the non-profit included the utilization of promotional materials to create awareness and support brand loyalty. We also proposed creating a slogan to support awareness of the organization and promote a positive outlook on our non-profit. We also believed strategies such as word-of-mouth referrals and in-person events could work hand-in-hand to support the image of the non-profit in the community. Finally, methods such as social media and email were employed as a means of making individuals aware of the non-profit within the realm of several social media platforms and the use of email allows initial contacts, supporters, and potential foster parents we serve can be kept up-to-date on the latest “happenings” for the organization. Our marketing strategy was broad, because new organizations need a broad net to cast when seeking recognition of and utilization of services being offered in a community unfamiliar with its presence.
Non-profit Program (See Marketing strategy in proposal)
FPCN Organization Proposal Final Paper
6.2 Engaged with Systems Utilizing Evidence-based Practice Strategies
I engaged with systems while utilizing evidence-based practice strategies on a regular basis. These strategies informed my practice and helped provide direction to professional practice.
FIeldwork Experience: Using systems theory, I engaged with two children whose parents felt they needed medication management and therapy in order to achieve the behavioral and emotive effects that parents felt were absent in their children. This process involved the initial assessment that I conducted, a pre-triage with our “point” therapist, a triage with the nurse practitioner on call, and then therapy resources given to patients’ parents to review. Additionally, I faxed over a Facesheet, my consult notes, insurance information, and a cover sheet to a local children’s medical center that specializes in medication management for children. Following the fax, I confirmed via phone that fax was received and being processed by their office. The office indicated that patient would receive a phone call within a week to schedule an appointment.
https://www.onlinemswprograms.com/social-work/theories/systems-theory-social-work/
Coursework Experience: In SOCW 618 I developed a Case for Support Letter, which is an evidence-based practice for securing aid and encourages system engagment. The letter was for our mock non-profit and included emotive elements and a financial justification for the monetary request being posed. The letter was substantiated with supporting research and documentation buttressing the request and need with actual related figures. The letter thus utilized information from a number of systems and was a collaborative effort within our non-profit. Finally, the letter would be disseminated to a number of organizations to see if they would partner with our non-profit in securing funds to help the community through our organization.
Non-Profit Organization – Case for Support Letter in Appendix D:
FPCN-Organization-Proposal-Final-Paper (1)
Knowledge: The knowledge that I incorporated in this competency includes a knowledge of how to ASSIMILATE information gained from the patient, how to DISCUSS the recommended disposition with a practitioner, and then DISSEMINATE THE PRACTIONER’S ANALYSIS to others so that all parties know how to move forwarded. Without ASSEMBLING each system in a personal interview regarding the recommended disposition and the patient’s agreeance or disaggreance with the plan, none of the parties know how to move forward. Social workers always play an integral role in APPRAISING patients of their options and then DEFENDING their self-determination in what they are willing to do.
Values: In order to complete this competency, I had to reflect upon the values of DIGNITY AND WORTH OF PERSONS, COMPETENCY, THE IMPORTANCE OF HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS. The practice of using best-practices in the context of interacting with systems ensures that human relationships are valued and relied on in the systems interaction (as the patient includes one of the systems). Additionally, competency ensures that a correct preliminary assessment provided to the clinician system will help them to provide the correct disposition. Without an accurate and competent assessment, the resulting disposition is likely to be faulty, as well. Finally, the value of dignity and worth of the person is respected as it is understood that each patient deserves the best treatment plan possible being discussed among parties due to the patient’s inherent worth.
Skills: This competency requires me to UTILIZE PROFESSIONAL WRITING AND SPEAKING SKILLS in all of my interactions with other systems. Additionally, I am tasked with REFLECTING A GENUINE and UNBIASED BELIEF IN THE SELF-DETERMINATION of the patient. There is also a need for ORGANIZING ONE’S THOUGHTS, CREATING A CHECKLIST TO ENSURE ALL SYSTEMS WERE CONTACTED, the ability to UTILIZE FAX or EMAIL in order to asst patients with the services they require.
Cognitive Processes: In the completion of this competency, I reflected a KNOWLEDGE of HOW SYSTEMS OPERATE, RECALLING INFORMATION gained and PRESENTING IT ACCURATELY to various systems, and APPLYING the disposition agreed upon by all parties, unless a disposition is mandatory given the circumstances regardless of the voluntary assent of the patient. The SYNTHESIS of information will aid in CREATING a PLAN that will best suit the needs of the client.
Affective Processes: This competency required that I ADVOCATE for the patient when presenting a preliminary assessment, CLEARLY DEPICT what I learned from the patient, and LISTEN to the questions that the provider and other systems have regarding the case and the path forward. It may include REASSESSING the patient, if enough information at the outset was not received.
Theoretical Foundation: The theoretical foundation that was most useful in this competency was, of course, SYSTEMS THEORY. Within the context of helping patients, systems interactions are the most critical function in order to determine that services will be received by patients. Patients come for assistance with meeting their needs, and unless we offer them a helping hand in connecting them with the systems that will most benefit their situations, we are simply a useless sounding board. Systems theory suggests action and efforts are being made on the patient’s behalf to ensure that they are referred to the right services in order to recognize their dignity and worthiness of being aided.