COMPETENCY 6- Engagement

Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities

As a competent social worker, I will engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities while demonstrating my commitment to collaboration and partnership. I will demonstrate engagement by utilizing theoretical frameworks and evidence – based practices  to effectively partner with families, groups, organizations, and communities to facilitate interventions individualized to meet their needs. I will promote human relationships as they are an important aspect of engagement in social work. When engaging, I will use active listening skills such as paraphrasing, reflection, and empathy to ensure productivity. 

PRACTICE BEHAVIORS:

6a: Examine evidence-based practices to prepare for professional engagement across systems.

Academic Evidence: In the course Mental Health Practice in Social Work: Evolving Perspectives and Advance Contemporary Practice, I created (cognitive level: syntheses) a Medication Analysis which conducted research on Schizophrenia and evidence-based practices to prepare for professional engagement across systems. Completing this task helped me understand that it is important to identify interventions that are evidence based and positively impact clients.

Field Evidence: During my time at the City of Refuge, I facilitated a youth wellness group. Prior to each group session, I examined evidence- based practices to prepare for engagement. I researched topics such as the 8 dimensions of wellness, CBT,  DBT, Group Therapy, Attachment Theory, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, trauma-informed care, and etc. This is highlighted in my Sonia Monthly Field Journal for January. Preparing for each group session helped me understand the importance of organization and understanding material that will be relayed to clients.

Other Evidence: In the course Clinical Assessment and Diagnostic II, I formulated a comprehensive assessment using the DSM-5 and literature on Adjustment Disorder. Creating (cognitive level: synthesis) a Case Conceptualization allowed me to examine evidence-based practices to prepare for professional engagement across systems. Completing this task helped me understand the importance of utilizing practices based on research to support clients. 

6b: Engage with systems utilizing evidence-based practice strategies.

Academic Evidence: In the course Advanced Clinical Practice II, I professionally (psychomotor level: naturalization) facilitated a Therapeutic Anxiety Group via telehealth. I engaged with systems utilizing evidence- based practice strategies such as CBT and psycho-education. The purpose of the group was to assist clients with understanding and managing their anxiety by identifying thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. This was completed through emotional check in’s, exercises,  group rounds, and the implementation of Yolam’s curative factors. In the class Advanced Clinical Practice I, I engaged with systems utilizing evidence-based practice strategies when facilitating an individual CBT therapy session. In this session I demonstrate the ability to conduct an individual CBT session which includes greeting the client, discussing confidentiality, discussing client expectations, completing a mood check, setting the agenda, getting an update from the previous session, reviewing homework, educating on CBT, identifying the problem, working the problem, setting new homework, summarizing, and getting feedback. I demonstrated the NASW values of competence, the importance of human relationships, dignity and worth of the person, and competence during both of these assignments.

Field Evidence: At the City of Refuge, I engaged with systems utilizing evidence-based practice strategies by engaging with clients using CBT, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing as the theoretical foundations of my practice. This assisted with providing developmentally appropriate wellness education and preventing crisis. This is outlined in my Sonia Monthly Field Journal for March. This experience increased my comfort and confidence in facilitating group therapy as well as identifying developmental stages.

Other Evidence: While focusing on emotional wellness, I facilitated a mindfulness activity with the City Lights youth group. Using trauma- informed care, I provided each youth participant and volunteer with grapes to complete A Taste of Mindfulness Activity.  This activity helped me become confident in facilitating a guided mindfulness practice.