Competency 6: Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
Introduction: As a competent social worker, I will abide by the NASW Code of Ethics. As an advanced social worker, evidence-based research is and will be a lifelong educational journey. I will practice evidence-based research by continually learning about different policies, new programs and resources within my local community, performing case studies and utilizing these examples in everyday practice. I will engage individuals, families, and groups throughout my career at Department of Children’s Services and providing and implementing services to best fit their needs.
6A – Examine evidence-based practices to prepare for professional engagement across system.
Course Evidence: For SOCW 618: Advanced Administrative Practice: Administration and Leadership, please see FPCN Organization Proposal Final Paper section Marketing Campaign Plan (3.1) for additional details.
In our mental health emphasis class reviews, we created a Video Presentation and Powerpoint of a biblical character and describe what was known about the character and their potential symptoms from biblical and historical accounts to create a clinical diagnosis. Then we categorize this as clinical evidence based on a DSM-5 TR diagnosis, and lastly suggest different treatments. For this project, each group member was assigned to review different therapeutic approaches, on which we also wrote individual papers. In this presentation, I presented on psychodynamic theory and the treatment plan. This presentation shows good research and presentation skills, collaboration skills, and working with an interdisciplinary team to create, brainstorm, and discuss various treatment options that could benefit the client in a treatment planning meeting. This presentation and group project, which resulted in a video demonstration, is an excellent example of how these skills and examining evidence-based practices demonstrate my competency in preparing for professional engagement across systems, specifically clinical treatment planning preparation.
Field Evidence: During my practicum, I would research different topics to teach for psycho education. When I would lead individual sessions, I would engage the client by allowing them to talk about whatever is on their mind. I would generally bring a topic to discuss and to gain feedback from the client. During group process, the client would lead the conversation and I would utilize theraputic skills to have the client gain perspective and insight to their situation.
Psych Education Teaching Worksheets and Material
6B – Engage with systems utilizing evidence-based practice strategies.
Course Evidence: For SOCW 618: Advanced Administrative Practice: Administration and Leadership, please see FPCN Organization Proposal Final Paper section Fundraising Campaign Plan (4.4) for additional details.
In our Mental Health Emphasis I class, we created a Comprehensive family treatment plan 2024 for an individual and a family. This family is outlined in a genogram that depicts their relationship styles through a legend included on this family chart. I also created an eco-map to show the family supports.
Field Evidence: During my practicum, I would share the topics I researched and come up with new topics that had not been taught before. I would discuss them with my field instructor prior to implentation.
Psych Education Teaching Worksheets and Material
Skills: Communication and time management were the two most utilized skills during this competency. Being able to communicate effectively was vital for professional development and forming connections during my course work. Time management also proved helpful as I juggled many responsibilities during this time. I had to perform my work and academic duties while striving to engage with different individuals and organizations.
Knowledge: I utilized knowing policies to engage with others across various systems, demonstrating myself as an advocate and professional.
Values: The value demonstrated was the importance of human relationships as I worked in groups during my course projects.
Cognitive: Comprehension and analysis are shown in this competency. Comprehension is seen in the Mental health emphasis video. In both my course and field evidences, I had to be able to understand what was going on and why. An analysis is also a part of these scenarios as I had to determine what was being said and how it related to one another.
Affective: Characterization is the one that best fits this competency, and this is shown in the MH emphasis video. Different values for different individuals impact how that person thinks and behaves; thus, learning these patterns and values helps direct the course of the therapy session and treatment plan.
Theoretical foundation:
The theoretical framework employed was the Theory of Mind. This theory involves the ability to understand and reflect on various mental states, including one’s own and those of others, and to recognize that people’s beliefs and thoughts can differ from one’s own (Cherry, 2023). The Theory of Mind is relevant because it required me to consider others’ beliefs and thought processes, acknowledging that they might prioritize different values than I do. This perspective allowed me to better appreciate their viewpoints.
Cherry, K. (2023). How the Theory of Mind Helps Us Understand Others. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/theory-of-mind-4176826