Competency 6: Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Introduction: As a professional social worker, I will professionally engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities utilizing evidence-based practices and strategies that uphold the NASW code of Ethics. I will engage through effective case work, policy practice, and community advocacy. I will continue to study human behavior and social environments to provide culturally relevant interventions at the micro, macro, and mezzo levels of society.
6.1 – Examine evidence-based practices to prepare for professional engagement across system
Course Evidence: For SOCW 612, my team developed a Program Proposal (pages 2-14) for a mentorship program for children in the foster care system who have negative behaviors. Our team evaluated programs for children across the Tennessee area and researched articles related to the target population and service area. We compiled this information to develop a program framework to address the needs within our area. We used our academic research skills and synthesized information to create a plan for our pseudo-organization.
Other Evidence: SOCW 633 Case Construction Paper
Field Evidence: In preparation for developing the YHDP program’s intake and evaluation processes, I listened to the training webinar Building Resilience: A Self-Determination Approach to PYD. I evaluated how the the information presented by the Family and Youth Service Bureau could influence how we deliver services to our clients. I chose to integrate the social work value of self-determination into opportunities for my clients into how I guide clients in the home searching process. I used my knowledge of cultural awareness to adjust the techniques described in the webinar to meet the needs of my clients. This course inspired me to integrate a self-determination based goal setting form into our intake packet. All case managers now are required to work with the client to establish goals for their time in the program. This information exemplifies Motivational Theory by seeking to allow clients to communicate what motivates them and empowering them to make decisions to meet their needs.
Other Evidence: Naloxone Certificate
6.2 – Engage with systems utilizing evidence-based practice strategies
Course Evidence: For SOCW 618, my team created a New Organization Proposal that included a Marketing Campaign Plan (pages 20 – 29) for our organization. This organization provides resources and support for foster parents in the Chattanooga area. Our marketing plan included marketing materials, events, and fundraising strategies to garner community support for the organization and its mission. This plan used evidence-based practices to develop a marketing strategy that would help the organization engage with stakeholders and develop support across various systems.
Field Evidence: Partnership for Families, Children, and Adults is accredited by the Council on Accreditation (COA) and must meet strict evidence-based standards for non-profit practice in order to maintain accreditation. Every few years, COA reviews all levels of the organization. Each program must submit evidence for meeting each standard. I was tasked with compiling all of our evidences for the YHDP portion of the COA review. I engaged with the COA accreditation body to write how we met each standard. For standard 7.05 Housing Support Services I described how our staff works with clients to help them find housing and each client is required to attend the Good Tenant Training course offered by Northside Neighborhood House. I used this documentation to engage with my manager to implement new tracking practices for life skills programming and support services. Formerly, we did not require clients to participate in life skills programming. After the COA review, we used the COA evidence-based practices to integrate more programming into the program and require courses for program compliance.
Other Evidence: SOCW 618 New Organization Proposal Fundraising Campaign Plan (pages 12-20)