Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Social Workers understand that intervention is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work in engaging with individuals, families, and organizations. Intervention strategies are the foundation for change. Social workers are well informed on evidence-based practices to best serve the clients. Social workers understand the various theories of human behavior and the environment. They critically evaluate this knowledge to best care for the clients. Social workers understand the importance of teamwork and collaboration.
8.1 – Implement clinical evidence-based interventions with individuals, families, and/or groups
Course Evidence:
In my Clinical Diagnosis class, we learned about risks and symptoms of suicide. Substance abuse, sexual abuse, no supports, stressors, trauma and loss are just a few that place a person at risk of suicide. We learned to identify signs of depression and suicidal ideation such as giving belongings away. We learned to identify symptoms of various diagnosis and review DSM V criteria to determine an accurate diagnosis.
Click here to view my diagnostic paper on Bipolar disorder.
Click here to view my diagnostic paper for anxiety disorder.
Click here to view my diagnostic paper for dissociative disorder.
Click here to view my diagnostic paper for conduct disorder.
Click here to view my diagnostic paper for reactive attachment disorder.
Field Evidence:
My practicum instructor assigned me with the task of researching causes, risks, and symptoms of suicide. She also had me research about de-escalation and how the public treats individuals in a mental health crisis. I identified culturally appropriate, evidenced-based interventions with the organizations we collaborate with. I stayed informed by reviewing research and social issues pertaining to the population we serve.
Click here to see my notes on the research I reviewed.
8.2 – Integrate macro level evidence-based strategies with organizations and/or communities
Course Evidence: In my Program Development course, my group and I conducted a needs assessment. In my policy class, my group designed a stand alone policy to bridge the income gap for grants for those needing substance abuse treatment. In my Advanced Policy class, my group and I conducted a Literature Review to determine the need for policy reform.
Click here to view this Literature Review.
Click here to view this policy brief.
Click here to view the needs assessment.
Field Evidence:
I worked with law enforcement and various social work and health care agencies to implement interventions to achieve the goal of getting the client the care they need. I collaborated with PCP’S and hospitals to provide the best care for my clients. I took several Relias trainings that evidence-based and research informed. While at my practicum, I observed colleagues experiencing burnout. I encouraged them to seek their own therapy services and reminded them that experience a lot of secondary trauma that needs to be addressed for our own well being. At the monthly staff meeting, we were asked to give suggestions on how to improve the workplace environment. I suggested that the company provide therapy services to employees. I helped clients find treatment facilities that accepted Tenncare, Medicare or uninsured. I informed clients about the BHSN grant for mental health treatment.
Click here to view my Relias trainings.
Click here to see a news article on the collaboration between my agency and local law enforcement. Click here to see a news article on the positive outcome of my agency collaborating with law enforcement.
Knowledge: I relied on information learned in my Advanced Clinical Practice course and synthesized that with research to support our policy. I used knowledge of diverse populations in which we serve at the walk in center such as the homeless, those with a substance use disorder, individuals with various disabilities and a variety of lifestyles, cultures and religious beliefs. I used my knowledge of how things like trauma, substance use and depression affect the brain to provide my clients with education that gave them answers.
Values: While interacting with individuals and evaluating clients during assessments, I exercised empathy, dignity and worth of humans, critical thinking, organization, problem solving,
Skills: Research, analyzing and synthesizing information to ensure a proper diagnosis for clients.
Cognitive: Determine necessary aspects of this need and organize the information in order to successfully design a policy. Recognizing the need social workers mental health care. I utilized my knowledge of local resources to showcase my skills in this competency. Critical thinking to determine what can be done to address burnout and social workers mental health. Proposing therapy services at the staff meeting.
Affective: Discern and organize information while determining a diagnosis for my client. Awareness of colleagues decline in mental health. The rewarding feeling of seeing the results of my efforts and how that positively impacts a client. My knowledge of research allowed me to be certain that I was providing quality care for clients.
Theoretical foundations: Cognitive Theory states that emotional responses come from thought processes. I used this theory to help clients identify their triggers and reframe thoughts to overcome negative behaviors. Cognitive Behavioral Theory helps reframe negative behaviors by guiding individuals to understand their behavior and the thought processes that lead up to that behavior. During interactions with clients, I identified the need for awareness of triggers and thoughts. I encouraged clients to try meditation or journaling to help them through a crisis.