Policy is an important aspect in a social worker’s career. As a social worker, one must keep up with current events and social issues that may be affecting clients. Being involved in policy can aid in advocating for client’s rights and have an impact on how services will be delivered, such as social welfare and economic policies. A social worker has a role in policy such as in the micro, mezzo, and macro level.
For competency 5 social workers must engage in policy practice to impact positive change for underserved and disenfranchised populations. During field practicum, I email the superintendent of Bradley County secondary schools and advocated for the importance of social emotional learning as foundational skills that should be taught in Bradley county schools (5.1). I used the knowledge of social emotional learning strategies and its efficacy when implemented in the school system. The value of social justice is met by advocating on behalf of the adolescents to pursue social change. I used the skills of communication, collaboration, presentation, and maintaining a professional relationship in advocacy. During the coursework our group implemented a stakeholder analysis in the Housing Insecurity and Mental Illness in Hamilton County research paper (5.1).
During the field practicum, I created an infographic that outlines the significance of implementing social emotional learning strategies at Goal Academy to the Dean of Students and school counselor (5.2). The affective process included persuading the Goal Academy decision makers on the importance of SEL strategies in providing psycho educational groups that are evidenced based. Using the cognitive model, I created an infographic that outlines the importance of emotional intelligence and its benefits.
During my coursework, I developed a grievance policy that was used for the agency Mind, Body, and Soul Healing (5.2) The grievance policy promotes a prompt and responsible resolution of issues raised by staff. This procedure may be used freely without fear of retaliation, and the Executive Directors are available to assist throughout the procedure. The theoretical foundation used in this evidence is person in environment theory, that states that a person is heavily influenced by their environment; and their problems and issues can be largely understood by environmental influences. In establishing this policy the work environment sets a tone of empowerment for staff.