Field Practice Behaviors
1.1 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 the context.
1.2 Use reflection and self-regulation to manage personal values and maintain professionalism in practice situations.
1.3 Demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior; appearance; and oral, written, and electronic communication.
1.4 Use technology ethically and appropriately to facilitate practice outcomes.
1.5 Use supervision and consultation to guide professional judgment and behavior.
Competency 1 Narrative:
As a competent social worker, I have conducted myself in an ethical manner that directly correlates with the NASW code of ethics. I have maintained open communication with my supervisor and peers to ensure I am demonstrating professional behavior and judgement that reflects the values of the social work profession. Additionally, I consistently identify professional strengths, limitations, and challenges within my own social work practice through the utilization of self-reflection so that I may effectively serve clients from a diverse range of backgrounds.
Evidence 1 (Field):
At The Department of Children’s Services, we are required to use our own online database as well as various other public databases to provide an accurate history of the clients we serve in our case reports. I continually demonstrate this skill at my practicum setting by using the technology provided to us ethically and appropriately. A journal entry detailing the technology utilized when typing case reports can be found here (week 3, November 18).
Evidence 2 (class):
For our Junior Practicum course, we were required to put together a presentation at the conclusion of our Junior Practicum experience that highlighted three competencies demonstrated at our practicum setting to present to the class. I included in my presentation three practice behaviors demonstrated within competency 1. This presentation can be viewed here
Evidence 3 (Additional):
Within the context of my practicum, I continually consult with my field instructor regarding professional judgement and behavior when interacting with clients on our caseload. I referenced a particular instance when I utilized this in a practicum journal entry (week 1, September 4) that can be viewed here .
Skills Used: These practice behaviors required me to use active listening skills, practice consistent self-reflection, maintain ongoing consultation with my field instructor, and remain aware of ethical decisions that directly align with the NASW Code of Ethics.
Knowledge Used: I relied on the information presented in my social work courses, the knowledge I gained through communication with and observance of my field instructor, and insight I was able to develop from the diverse experiences and clientele I encountered at my practicum agency.
Values Present: While completing these tasks, I demonstrated integrity as I behaved in a trustworthy manner and remained continually aware of my agency’s missions, principles, and policies. I utilized competence through continually striving to increase my knowledge and skills and applying them through practice at my agency.
Cognitive Processes Used: For these tasks, I had to recall (knowledge domain) information from clients and accurately interpret (application domain) this information through each case report I completed. Additionally, I implemented self-reflection strategies in order to manage my own personal biases and values.
Affective Processes Used: For these tasks, I had to listen (receiving domain), discern, and remain attentive to my professors, my field instructor, and our clients. I demonstrated compliance (responding domain) through incorporating the feedback I received regarding professional and ethical behavior.
Theoretical Foundation: Self-Regulation Theory states that we expend effort to be the person we want to be by controlling what we think, say and do in particular situations and in the longer-term. I have been able to utilize this throughout my practicum experience by continually practicing self-reflection and demonstrating professional behavior through my interactions with my field instructor and with our clients.