Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
As a competent social worker, I understand quantitative and qualitative research methods and their respective roles in advancing social work and evaluating practice. I am committed to continuing research with scientific inquiry, ethical approaches, being culturally informed, and increasing my knowledge. Additionally, I will incorporate practice-informed research and research-informed practices into my work with clients to keep myself informed about current research findings and areas I lack knowledge. I will continue to seek knowledge to gain understanding and tools to assist clients. I am committed to continuously learning from every situation by using evidence-based research to expand my knowledge.
Evidence of Practice
While attending Southern Adventist University and studying for my MSW, I engaged in a variety of activities that helped me to develop and master this competency.
4.1 – Engage in review of contemporary best practices
Course Evidence: During my Mental Health Practice class, I wrote a paper on Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). The class was assigned to research and write about a therapeutic modality that intimidated us and that we did not have prior knowledge about. I chose ART because I have heard about this therapy approach and its positive effects on some people. While researching the therapeutic methods and techniques, I was intrigued by how the technique incorporated multiple other therapy techniques into ART therapy. We were assigned to write a paper reviewing the therapy’s history and practices and then our reflection on the information we researched. This assignment helped me gain an understanding of this technique. You can view the assignment here.
Additional Evidence: Practicum introduced me to new practices and approaches while working with parents or guardians. Before my practicum, I did not have experience working with families, parents/guardians, or children. I gained a vast amount of information during my practicum hours. Before being assigned with parents/guardians for in-home services, I learned the material and how the material is intended to be presented. Each required booklet is evidence-based and has been used to assist families. When meeting with clients during the first session, they are asked to complete different assessments. These assessments then create a parenting profile. Based on the parenting profile, I would prepare lesson plans for the client using the “Index of Parenting Competencies.” You can view a copy of the Index of Parenting Competencies here.
4.2 – Conduct research that responds to social work practice needs
Field Evidence: During my Advanced Year Practicum, I worked with clients while they visited with their children. The Department of Family and Children Services requested the client’s visits be supervised, which involved me assisting the client with engagement, parenting techniques, and behaviors throughout the visit. One of the clients I worked with her son would have a meltdown that involved him throwing his head on the floor, kicking, and screaming. The client did not know how to handle the situation each time it occurred, I would try to walk her through how to handle it, but she did not understand. After speaking with my supervisor, I did some research. While researching, I gathered information about the causes, example behaviors, and evidence-based techniques. Additionally, I researched information pertaining to tantrums since the mother believed tantrums and meltdowns were the same. I was able to gain a better understanding of meltdowns vs. tantrums. I developed a diagram to use while educating the mother before a visit. The diagram provided a visual while we discussed how she could help her son while he was having a meltdown. You can view the diagram here.
Social work knowledge used: I used the knowledge that I gained from reviewing resources and collecting data. I also implemented the knowledge I learned while working with clients.
Social Work values present: The value present was competency. I was working on building up my skills and knowledge to be able to be competent while working with clients.
Social work skills presented: I used self-reflection and critical thinking to review best practices and social work needs.
Cognitive processes: The cognitive process I used with this competency is application. I learned new material to provide to the client and then assisted the client with implementing the material.
Affective processes: For these tasks, the affective process I used was responding.
Theoretical foundation: Empowerment Theory. I utilized Empowerment Theory while assisting the client with her son by using an intervention method to help guide the client toward her reactions and lack of responses to her son’s tantrums and meltdowns.
“Research is creating new knowledge.”
– Neil Armstrong