Competency 3: Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice
Introduction:
As a competent social worker, I will continue to present myself as a learner and promote the clients as experts in their own lives. I will engage in culturally competent practices and encourage inclusiveness and diversity. This will be accomplished by keeping myself up to date on cultural norms as well as checking for biases within myself and systemically. I will demonstrate leadership skills when advocating for social justice in all areas of practice.
3A – Demonstrate leadership in advocating for human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.
Course Evidence: For SOCW 618: Advanced Administrative Practice: Administration and Leadership, my group demonstrated leadership in advocating for human rights and social justice for foster parents as they take care of our most vulnerable population.
Field Evidence: My special project, I am going to provide information on secondary and vicarious trauma and signs of burnout for Parkridge Valley MH staff. This project is about taking care of those who take of individuals suffering from mental health needs. More information can be found under Special Project 2.
3B – Design and implement social action strategies demonstrating social, racial, economic, and environmental justice.
Course Evidence: As part of our program development course, my group developed a mentor program for foster care youth experiencing significant behaviors in the Greater Chattanooga area. I shared my experience working for the state and the clients I have encountered; this was beneficial when we collaborated on the various services in the area and what the need was.
*Link to paper will be added at end of semester*
Knowledge: I used the information I learned from my Integration of Faith and Learning course, where we discussed various topics, including diversity and inclusion. Analyzing the different scenarios helped me observe the bigger picture and what it would like to incorporate different services to assist those with a different background than myself.
Skills: Several different skills were utilized in this competency, including active listening, advocacy, and cultural awareness.
Values: The values displayed include service and social justice.
Cognitive: Analysis and Synthesis were the two cognitions shown. For program development class, our group will have to analyze data and other programs in the area to see what services are needed. Synthesis was also used as what was learned helped formulate what the proposed program would like and what services would be offered.
Affective: Receiving and responding were demonstrated during this competency.
Theoretical Foundation: Social Exchange Theory I feel best highlights this competency. In order to be a leader or a mentor, there is an exchange between those that lead and those that follow. To have a positive and successful relationship with a leader or a mentor, then there must be able to be a free flow of ideas and decision-making.