Competency 8: Intervention

Social workers realize that interventions are ongoing and dynamic processes that involve individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers use evidence-based practices in their interventions with clients, and collaborate with clients to achieve their individual goals. Social workers are also knowledgeable in theories of human behavior and the social environment, and use critical thinking skills to effectively intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers use skills in identifying, analyzing, and implementing evidence-based strategies in achieving the goals of clients. Social workers also value partnerships with other agencies and inter-professional teamwork in providing best practices for their clients, and regularly participate in interdisciplinary, inter-professional, and inter-organizational collaboration. In my practice as an advanced social worker, I will collaborate with clients to find the interventions that best suit their individual needs and strategize ways of meeting their goals. I will continue to educate myself on evidence-based practices and keep informed of any new changes in the profession that may benefit my clients. I will build partnerships with other agencies and collaborate with my peers to provide the best care for my clients, and I will recognize my limits in my scope of practice and be willing to refer to other peers or organizations for clients’ needs that are outside of my specialized skill set. 

8.1 Implement clinical evidence-based interventions with individuals, families, and/or groups

Course Evidence: In my Advanced Clinical Practice class, I facilitated a faux group therapy session for clients struggling with trauma and transcribed the events that took place during the session. I utilized evidence-based techniques that I learned in my coursework when engaging with my clients through group therapy sessions. I started the session by introducing myself and my role as a facilitator and used rounds to get to know the clients in my group. Then I discussed the purpose of the group and asked the clients to collaborate to develop rules for our group therapy sessions. I helped clients focus on the problem at hand, delved deeper into underlying issues, and addressed problem situations as they came up. I also provided exercises in the therapy session that helped my clients open up about their trauma. Finally, I closed the session by summarizing what was discussed and providing information about follow up meetings. Group Therapy Transcription

Field Evidence: I developed and facilitated a three-day mindfulness camp at Mending Arrow Ranch for some of the students ages 10-14. Evidence-based mindfulness techniques such as deep/paced breathing exercises, body scan meditation, focusing on the five senses, and breath awareness were utilized to help students learn how to be centered in the present and decrease anxiety and anger in stressful situations. Some other activities included painting horses with “feelings” words, a sensory and gratitude scavenger hunt, creating sensory jars and worry stones for anxiety, and participating in a meditation session with a certified yoga instructor. I demonstrated the cognitive domain synthesis by categorizing the students into different groups and producing a unique camp based on the needs of specific children. Listed below are some handouts I designed and gave kids at the camp, the spreadsheet I used to plan the camp, and pictures of activities accomplished at the camp (Student’s face is blurred due to confidentiality and lack of appropriate consent).
Mindfulness Camp Planning
Gratitude Scavenger Hunt
Breathing Exercises

Additional Evidence: In my Advanced Administrative Practice and Leadership class, I worked with a team to develop a nonprofit halfway house for men recovering from substance abuse issues called RightWay Recovery. My team and I used extensive research to create an in depth proposal for RightWay Recovery including a brief about the organization, a human resources plan, fundraising and marketing campaign plans, policy analysis and development, and a budget narrative. The services provided are based on the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) 3.1 level of care, or Clinically Managed Low-Intensity Residential Services. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and group therapy sessions are provided to clients regularly during the week. Our team designed a marketing campaign to advertise services and network within the community, which included a press release and creating brochures. One of our team members is utilizing many of the strategies and budget outlined in our proposal to actualize the creation of RightWay Recovery in Clinton, TN.
RightWay Recovery Proposal Plan
RightWay Recovery Final Proposal
RightWay Recovery Press Release
RightWay Recovery Brochure

In my internship at the Floor Covering Industry Foundation (FCIF) while obtaining my undergraduate BSW degree, I developed a treatment plan for a client who was entering services. Because FCIF was a non-traditional practicum placement, my treatment plan was slightly different than a traditional mental health or child services treatment plan. I assisted the client in developing goals to help her receive financial support and necessary repairs which included getting clarification on what is needed to finish the grant application, sending the necessary documentation, updating staff at FCIF of her current financial and medical situation, contacting Habitat for Humanity Hands Up Repair Program for home repairs, and attending a weatherization seminar at DOCUP. FCIF Treatment Plan

8.2 Integrate macro level evidence-based strategies with organizations and/or communities

Course Evidence: In my Mental Health Emphasis class, I developed a behavioral health community resource guide for Cleveland, TN to assist clients in finding resources for their diverse mental health needs. While obtaining information of resources available, I used multiple evidence-based techniques to engage with liaisons from the targeted service agencies. The Core Principles for Public Engagement outlines seven (7) concepts regarding engagement, conflict resolution, and collaboration to utilize when interacting with diverse people, community institutions, agencies, etc.  I applied these principles when interacting with my contacts from the different mental health agencies by carefully planning my meetings/calls with the agencies, collaborating and finding a shared purpose, being open to ideas, and presenting myself as a transparent and genuine individual. The community resource guide will not only benefit clients at Mending Arrow Ranch, but has also helped me gain insightful knowledge on the vast opportunities available in the region. Cleveland Community Resources

Field Evidence: I assisted my task supervisor in planning and facilitating a Fall Festival fundraiser at Mending Arrow Ranch. The goal of this festival was to obtain funding for continued operations at the Ranch as well as network with community members. While planning for the festival, my supervisor and I contacted multiple local and corporate organizations to request sponsors for the silent auction and/or participate in the festival as vendors. We utilized evidence-based strategies outlined in the Fundraising Essentials certification from DisasterReady.org including identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding donors. We identified donors who may be interested in the services provided at Mending Arrow Ranch and then expanded to family and friends of clients and potential local community businesses that may be interested in being sponsors. We cultivated the business relationships created with the organizations and community members by introducing ourselves and personalizing the interactions.  We then met with each individual community member and/or agency liaison face-to-face at a designated time and location in order to solicit donations and possible event sponsorship while sharing the impact their support may have for the Ranch. Following the fundraising event, we continued to steward the donors by sending thank-you letters and updated newsletters. By networking with these organizations, we were able to advertise services, develop beneficial partnerships in the community, and advocate for clients’ needs.
Fundraising Essentials Certificate
Mending Arrow Ranch Fall Festival Vendors
Mending Arrow Ranch Thank You Card

Additional Evidence: As part of the planning and creation of RightWay Recovery, my team and I worked on a fundraising plan that included SMART goals to accomplish by the end of fiscal year 2020. Each goal included specific evidence-based strategies to be used, and each strategy included a detailed description of process measures, outcome measures, relevance, and time frames. Some of the evidence-based strategies proposed included: researching, developing, and submitting grants proposals, advertising fundraising events in the community, obtaining sponsorship for fundraising events, and creating an online media presence to target specific audiences.  RightWay Recovery Fundraising Plan