Engage in Policy Practice
As a competent social worker, I am committed to engaging in policy practice continuously. I will seek knowledge to understand that human rights, social justice, and social welfare are being implemented at every level, including local, state, and federal. I will seek ways to engage in policy to effect change throughout the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. I will continue to engage in developing and implementing policy and advocacy plans within practice settings. At the same time, understanding how policy affects clients. Additionally, I will stay informed on current policies to help advocate for clients and inform clients of their rights.
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.
5.1 – Advocate with and inform stakeholders to impact policy change
Field Evidence: With the development of the adolescent substance abuse class, I provided a summary to stakeholders within the community. I sent letters and e-mails to different organizations to inform them about the course offered. The class allows adolescents to seek treatment for substance abuse as an alternative to being sentenced to a Youth Detention Center or an inpatient facility if allowed by their case manager. The classes can also help adolescents gain information and a more in-depth understanding of the situation or environment that lead them to be in foster care. You can view the summary I sent to the Department of Children and Families Services case managers here.
5.2 – Develop and implement a policy and/or advocacy plan
Course Evidence: During Advanced Policy, I collaborated with a group to amend a law in Tennessee. One of the sections involved creating a policy brief, a vital tool for presenting research and recommendations to government policymakers and others interested in promoting or influencing policies. The policy brief included the potential amendment, educational material about the current law’s effects, and statistics. You can view the policy brief here.
Additional Evidence: During my Advanced Administrative Practice class, my cohort collaboratively developed organizational policies as a part of our mock New Organization Proposal for Unity Healing. The assignment involved our group developing the proposal in every aspect, including the organization’s policies. The policies created are as follows: Conflict of Interest Policy, Grievance Policy, Sexual Offender Policy, and Whistleblower Protection Policy. All of the policies were developed by our cohort doing research and reviews of other policies that have been effective for organizations with similar goals as Unity Healing. Each policy is developed to protect the organization from legal risks and guide staff and volunteers. Additionally, the policies provide for the safety of every person within the organization and the community surrounding the organization. Unity Healing’s policies can be viewed here.
Social work knowledge used: I used the knowledge I gained regarding the structure of an organization and how to communicate appropriately with stakeholders.
Social Work values present: Service and social justice were the present values.
Social work skills presented: Written and oral communication skills, along with coordination, were utilized.
Cognitive processes: For these tasks, the cognitive level I used was evaluation.
Affective processes: For these tasks, the affective process I used was commitment. As a competent social worker, I am committed to empowering clients’ value.
Theoretical foundation: Prosocial Behavior Theory. This theory focuses on people benefitting others. I was able to provide information and resources to benefit others.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.”
-Helen Keller