Competency 4: Engage in Practice-Informed Research and
Research-Informed Practice
Advanced generalist practitioners in rural settings employ quantitative and qualitative research methods at their respective roles in promoting evidence based practice and in program evaluation. Advanced generalist practitioners in rural settings understand the purpose and process of utilizing a logic model, scientific inquiry, and culturally informed and ethical approaches to building knowledge. Advanced generalist practitioners understand that evidence-based practice comes from multi-disciplinary sources and multiple ways of knowing. They integrate the processes for translating research findings into effective practice. Advanced generalist practitioners:
- Use practice experience and theoretical underpinning of anti-racist and anti-oppressive evidence-based practice models to inform scientific inquiry and research.
- Identify ethical, culturally informed, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive strategies that address inherent biases for use in quantitative and qualitative research methods to advance the purposes of social work.
- Integrate and adapt research evidence to inform and improve ADEI practice, policy and service delivery programs in rural settings.
Competency #4 In Practice
As a social worker, I strive to be evidence-based. Therefore, I will use current relevant research to inform my practice, look for gaps in research in my particular area of course, and utilize resources to better inform the programs I am a part of. I am committed not only to referencing but also to conducting research in my field to ensure best practices and advance the knowledge of the profession.
4.1 Critically review current research on evidence based and contemporary best practices to improve practice, policy, and programs; and
Evidence: This applied Organizational Policy is a diversity and inclusion statement for the nonprofit we worked with, Familia Feliz. Familia Feliz did not have a pre-existing diversity and inclusion statement. By creating one for them based on the law we analyzed in the same paper, we hoped to create a safer working environment for all staff and volunteers. To generate this diversity inclusion statement, we first critically reviewed current research on best practices and policies in Bolivia. Our team analyzed law number 45, the law against racism and all forms of discrimination. This law gives us more information about issues that could arise in families and a foundation from which to address them. By applying the implications of this law to Familia Feliz through a diversity and inclusion statement, I demonstrate my ability to apply research on evidence-based practices to develop and implement a policy in a nonprofit organization.
4.2 conduct and disseminate research that responds to social work practice needs and uses ethical, culturally informed, anti-racist, and anti-oppressive strategies to advance the purposes of social work
Evidence: As a part of my special project I conducted research on the trauma-informed beliefs of the student missionaries in the 2024 outgoing preparation class. By assessing their attitudes before a presentation on the basic principles of Trust-based Relational Intervention TM, Be calm, Connect, and then correct, and then evaluating their attitudes afterward the presentation, I responded to the social work practice need of ethical practice in filling in gaps of student mission training as they are often called into intense teaching or child care positions with little experience. By conducting this research, I promoted anti-oppressive strategies to advance the social work purposes of trauma-informed ethical care.