Competency 2: Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice
As a social worker I understand that it is my role to demonstrate that every person regardless of their position in society has fundamental human rights such as freedom, safety, privacy, an adequate standard of living, health care, and education.I will apply this understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to advocate for human rights at the individual as well as system levels. It is also my due diligence to engage in practices that advance social, economic, and environmental justice. I will facilitate team and coalition building as well as other strategies for promoting system change designed to reduce social and economic inequities.
2:1 Demonstrate leadership in developing and implementing evidence-based practice with relevant strategies that advance human rights at the individual, family, group, organizational, community, research, and policy levels.
Field Evidence: In my practicum, I implemented a Community Resource Fair at one of my schools.The purpose of this was to benefit the school as there are socioeconomic inequities that may hinder student performance both socially as well academically.This provided assistance for children and families in the community while advancing human rights. I researched local agencies which could benefit our school population and then reached out to them via phone and email to see if they would be willing to participate. A vendor sign up sheet was then sent out.The purpose was to connect our families to local businesses and organizations that can provide relevant services and supports. It is imperative that everyone have an adequate standard of living, healthcare, as well as education. Vendors ranged from housing, dentistry, summer camp programs, health and wellness, Momentum, etc. This event demonstrates the leadership and advocacy it takes in order to provide adequate resources and connect community agencies with families in need of assistance. Please click here to view vendors and families who were present as well as the list of them (please note that some details have been removed to preserve the privacy of the agencies).
2.2: Implement culturally informed strategies with diverse populations.
Course Evidence: Throughout my Integration of Faith and Advanced Practice Seminar class, I was able to integrate religion, faith and learning and how it is applicable to social work practice. It is imperative that we implement strategies to assist people who come from various religious beliefs and personal backgrounds and avoid personal bias. In order to be effective in addressing diversity and implementing inclusion strategies, it is important to challenge any unconscious biases as well as create an environment that is suited to everyone. At the end of the course, I incorporated all of the topics and wrote a paper reflecting thoughts on religion, faith and learning and how this applies to my personal as well as professional life. This challenged me to work with diverse clients and various sexual orientations.To view this paper that addresses being culturally competent please review page 2, which identifies challenging unconscious biases and furthering research on specific topics: Reflection Paper.
Skills Used: Throughout the completion of these learning behaviors, I was able to utilize skills such as communication, critical thinking, engagement, as well as collaboration.
Knowledge Used: During the completion of this competency, knowledge from courses such as Integration of Faith and Advanced Practice Seminar I were utilized. Knowledge surrounding psychotherapy skills, working with groups, as well as identifying how my faith as well as others impact practice were present through this competency.
Values Present: Throughout this competency, values such as integrity, service, and dignity and worth of the person are present.
Cognitive Processes Used: Perception, and attention to detail, as well as action planning were all cognitive processes utilized throughout this competency. Attention to detail often requires a conscious effort and this is especially imperative throughout my practice. Creative thinking is especially crucial in working with others.
Affective Processes Used: While completing this competency, affective processes were present such as creativity and contributing to group work.
Theoretical Foundation: Prosocial Behavior Theory was demonstrated throughout this competency as I worked with a group to complete tasks, as well as providing emotional support to students in my field setting. Prosocial behavior is important for developing and maintaining cohesive societies. This theory for me comes from a state of empathy and merely wishing to do good things in order to benefit those around me.