Throughout my social work journey, I have learned that our profession is steeped in flexibility, empowerment, and ethical decision making. My practicum placement has afforded me the opportunity to explore how professionalism is a fluid spectrum; whether I am dressed in jeans to meet a student, or wearing a dress to present before stakeholders, I am showing how seriously I take on the responsibilities as a social work intern. It is my desire to uphold the professional standard put in place by the National Association of Social Workers. By doing so, I will ensure that my clients are treated in an ethical, unbiased manner.
Practice Behaviors
- Become aware of ethical decisions in accordance with the NASW Code of Ethics, relevant laws and regulations, models for ethical decision-making, ethical conduct of research, and additional codes of ethics as appropriate to context.
- Use reflection and self-regulation to manage personal values and maintain professionalism in practice situations.
- Demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior, appearance, and oral, written, and electronic communication.
- Use technology ethically and appropriately to facilitate practice outcomes.
- Use supervision and consultation to guide professional judgement and behavior.
Evidence
Academic Experience
During the Fall semester of my senior year I took a course which allowed me to critically review an article and share my thoughts on the content. The purpose of this exercise was to express my opinions in a clear, educated manner. In my letter to the editor of the Orlando Sentinel, I wrote about Florida’s budget for health services and how cutbacks could affect mental health services for low-income individuals.
Field Experience
Working with the food pantry has afforded me many new and exciting opportunities, some of which I am prepared for and many I am not. At the conclusion of each new experience, I process through it with my field instructor and the field director. These moments of individual supervision have afforded me the opportunity to learn and grow as a social work student.
Meeting with Professor Guster on 1/31
Due to the non-traditional nature of my practicum setting, professionalism in dresscode is exhibited in the ‘average’ clothing I wear. When meeting with students, it is my goal to put them at ease and reinforce the idea that they are welcome and supported. With this in mind, I wear jeans, a t-shirt, and a smile!
