Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior.
Advanced practitioners understand the importance of being ethical and professional. These behaviors are competencies that are at the base of their practice. Social workers possess the ability to demonstrate these competencies regardless of the level, Micro, Mezzo, Macro. To be practicing as a quality social worker, it is necessary to have ethics that help create a boundary between personal influence and professional values. Characteristics of professional behavior include maintaining confidentiality with clients, valuing client relationships, and showing them their worth as a human. Social workers strive to expand their knowledge for the benefit of providing quality service to their clients. Part of being a professional is to constantly be updating their skills. This includes continuing to seek knowledge that provides effective services and also seeking consultation from a colleague or supervisor.
Practice Behavior
1.1 – Develop a practice framework for analysis of complex environments, that is ethical, value-grounded, and evidenced-based
Field Evidence: I attended all the workplace orientation I was required to attend due to interning inside the Department of Correctional and Community Supervision. I received and reviewed the State of New York Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Employee’s Manual to ensure I develop a safe and ethical framework to follow in my practicum. I documented briefly a topic that was covered during the trainings in Week 1 of my August Monthly Journal. I followed this framework to show my professionalism and not receive infractions by the state or my field instructor. You can find a copy of the orientation schedule here.
1.2 – Implement supervisory and self-care strategies that integrate professional strengths, limitations, and challenges
Field Evidence: I attended an employee appreciation event as a form of a self-care strategy while in my practicum. An email was sent out for staff recognition and food was catered to the Office Of Mental Health staff at the Auburn Satellite unit. This provided an opportunity for the staff to slow down, have time to eat together, and enjoy sharing exciting stories in the hectic environment of a maximum state prison.
1.3 – Exhibit commitment to professional growth through continuing education, supervision, and ongoing consultation
Course Evidence: I strive for high-quality work and continuous professional growth, which is why I pursued a Master’s in Social Work. Through continuing education, supervision, and ongoing consultation, I actively seek opportunities to enhance my skills and knowledge. My dedication to excellence in practice has been recognized through the achievement of the Academic Excellence Award for the 2022-2023 school year.
1.4 – Demonstrate professional oral and written communication skills
Course Evidence: In SOCW-670, Crisis and Emergency Management, I completed a module that focused on traumatic brain injury (TBI), where I created a comprehensive TBI handout designed to support families and individuals dealing with such injuries. Through this assignment, I demonstrated my skills in written communication by providing clear and straightforward information to anyone that sees this handout. This handout proved to be valuable beyond the academic context, as I was able to share it with a friend whose child had experienced a TBI since they had said the hospital provided them with limited information.