In order to meet the needs of a client or a system, a social worker must have the right knowledge and parameters to shape the practice. Just as a competent nurse would not administer the wrong drug to a patient, a social worker would not implement the wrong intervention to the wrong population.
By doing research and consulting with other service providers, a social worker will not rest until they have found the appropriate, evidence-based intervention that suits both the client and their system. It is vital that we commit ourselves to be life-long learners as we remain ethical and client-focused.
Practice Behaviors
6A. Examine evidence-based practices to prepare for professional engagement across systems
Field Evidence: My internship experience was split between two placements, one with the Children’s Advocacy Center and the other Suspire. During my time with suspire I had the opportunity to conduct a SWOT analysis from the perspective of the organizations first intern. I identified areas which an intern could fill, how their role can supplement the director’s, and how different skill sets can be used.
Course Evidence: For my Advanced Policy course, I created a fact sheet outlining bill H.R. 507: Put Trafficking Victims First. In this fact sheet I state what the bill does for victims of human trafficking and how the bill can be improved.
6B. Engage with systems utilizing evidence-based practice strategies
Field Evidence: I had the opportunity to teach children ages 5-10 about personal body safety, reporting abuse, and maintaining healthy boundaries with other children and adults. Lauren’s Kids was the curriculum used to teach the children’s lessons; part of my internship involved me updating the script so the children could understand the message being communicated. Here is an example of the Pre-K – 3rd Script and a picture of me in the classroom.
Course Evidence: Myself and three classmates designed a program to meet the needs of Spanish-speaking immigrants living in the Chattanooga area. Our program explored the challenges faced by this community such as: language barriers in service delivery, educational deficits, and stigma associated with receiving mental health care. We called the program Proposito, or Purpose.