Competency 5: Engage in policy practice
Introduction: As a professional social worker, I will advocate for the improvement of policies for the betterment of society both at an organizational and governmental level. I will engage with society to promote policies and plans that address the specific needs of the individuals I serve such as modifying existing policies to create for efficient systems. I will maintain a posture of continuously learning geared toward understanding how public and organizational policies impact society. I will advocate for public policies that promote the wellbeing of vulnerable populations such as case load maximums for DCS case workers.
5.1 – Advocate with and inform stakeholders to impact policy change
Field Evidence: I used my knowledge of communicating with stakeholders, my supervisor, Director, and COA, to rewrite our program policies to meet the accreditation standards for the Council on Accreditation (COA). Prior to the COA review, we did not have a clear case closure plan for clients. I was tasked to create and revised a Case Closure Plan and Checklist for clients according to the COA standard requirements. I created a document to submit to COA for review and taught Case Managers how to implement the checklist. The plan is meant to help clients and Case Managers create a plan for stability as the client leaves the program. This policy change utilized the value of competence to ensure the program was meeting standards and all staff were knowledgeable of best practices. I used the affective process of valuing and implementing to change the program. This new plan utilized Stage Theory of Organizational Change by implementing a new policy into the program. This form will be used as an initial fulfillment of best practice. As the program develops further, the form may be modified or replaced to fulfill the evolving needs of the program.
5.2 – Develop and implement a policy and/or advocacy plan
Course Evidence: For SOCW 609 – Social Policy, I worked with a team to develop a policy and advocacy plan to support (insert bill number). We researched (insert bill) and advocated for it to be enacted into law. the bill, its implications, and developed a thorough plan as if to present to legislature. This project utilized the cognitive processes of education, understanding, and evaluating to advocate for social justice.