Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
As a competent social worker, I understand that intervention is an ongoing social work process while working at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. I will continually strive to stay up to date with evidence-informed interventions to achieve the client’s goals. I will use my knowledge of human behavior and social environments to evaluate and apply the knowledge effectively to intervene with clients. I will stay connected with other professionals and organizations to collaborate as a team to assist the clients.
Evidence of Practice
While attending Southern Adventist University and studying for my MSW, I engaged in various activities that helped me develop and master this competency.
8.1 – Implement clinical evidence-based interventions with individuals, families, and/or groups
Course Evidence: Mental Health Practice in Social Work: Evolving Perspectives and Advance Contemporary Practice Emphasis II involved learning a vast amount of information about multiple theories for working with clients and families as a therapist. Each day during the emphasis course, we were presented with a different theory to learn, understand and implement. I found the course to be very insightful on various topics and how to implement them. The course provided the material by watching Ted Talks, demonstration videos, and reading material. At the end of the course, we were assigned to write a process paper that incorporated each of the theories we learned and applied the information to a mock client. You can view the process paper here.
Field Evidence: During my practicum, I completed a majority of the 500 required hours providing services to clients. When working with in-home clients, I would present information/material for parenting, anger management, and healthy relationships. Each of the course materials and information come from the booklets provided. I participated in each of the courses, learning and completing training to be able to work with clients. The parenting course is called Nurturing Parenting Program. The completion certificate can be viewed here.
8.2 – Integrate macro-level evidence-based strategies with organizations and/or communities
Course Evidence: In Advanced Administrative Practice, I was assigned to work with a cohort to create a Needs Assessment and Program Proposal Plan. My group created the proposal for pregnant adolescents and created a program proposal plan with the information gained from the needs assessment. The program plan included education, support, and resources for the teen. I participated in every section during the assignment, from creating surveys, proofreading, research, sources, and additional preparation for the proposed plan. You can view the completed Program Proposal Plan here (Will be uploaded before December 7th).
Field Evidence: During my practicum, I created The Adolescent Substance Abuse course, which is a new class being provided at the organization. The course is one day a week for seven weeks. The course is free and provided to adolescents within the community and surrounding communities. Each class involves reading from AA/NA-approved literature and incorporating educational material from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) pertaining to adolescents. Additionally, each class provides material that is based on the MATRIX program. Since the start of the course in November, there have been participants from two counties, and they will hopefully expand to more areas over time. Additionally, some of the teens have been required to attend by their probation officers. You can view one of the PowerPoints here.
Social work knowledge used: I had to use the knowledge I acquired throughout my coursework, focusing on intervention methods.
Social Work values present: Social justice, integrity, and the importance of human relationships were presented through my engagement with group members and clients.
Social work skills presented: I presented the skills of active listening, building rapport, identifying goals, and reflective communication.
Cognitive processes: For this competency the cognitive process I used evaluation. The needs assessment and the adolescent program development incorporated every level of cognitive development to create the proposal and adolescent course.
Affective processes: For these tasks, I used the affective processes of characterization.
Theoretical foundation: Strengths Perspective Theory. The Strengths Perspective emphasizes the human capacity for resilience, resistance, courage, thriving, and ingenuity, and the rights of individuals and communities to form and achieve their own goals and aspirations. At the same time, acknowledging the difficulties that clients experience.
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”
-Dr. Seuss