Suggested Learning Activities & Tips to Accomplish Generalist Practice Behaviors

Transcription

1 Suggested Learning Activities & Tips to Accomplish Generalist Practice Behaviors Competency Practice Behavior Suggested Activities/Tips Develop knowledge related to advocacy skills as a social worker and be able to demonstrate competence. Become knowledgeable about services in the community and criteria for access. Assisting clients in applying for and receiving services. a. advocate for client access to the services of social work Attend community or agency planning meetings that focus on service gaps and restrictive eligibility criteria. Work on a team that is developing new programs or grant proposals designed to expand service delivery. 1. Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly. b. practice personal reflection and self-correction to assure continual professional development Accompany clients to other agencies and observe how other agencies treat clients and respond to their needs. Incorporate the feedback received in supervision into daily practice. Self-evaluation of student s performance in practicing a task with field instructor during supervision. Video tape a session and self evaluate skills used with field instructor. Utilize peer and group supervision offered at you agency; solicit feedback re: cases and others professional observations of you. c. attend to professional roles and boundaries Student will develop the knowledge about agency policies/procedures, state, and national regulations/statutes that impact on service deliver. Research Social Work job description(s) and become knowledgeable about professional roles and boundaries. Attend interdisciplinary conferences and case presentations as an observer or participant. Student will become aware of professional standards related to boundaries, dual relationships and behavior through the NASW Code of Ethics. Suggested Activities - Generalist 1/6/12 1

2 Student will adhere to the professional standards related to boundaries, dual relationships and behavior outlined in the social work program manual and NASW Code of Ethics. Observe court session if applicable to your agency. Use professional language that meets the norms of the agency. d. demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior, appearance, and communication Student will meet all agency requirements for attendance, submission of documentation/reports by required deadlines, and will meet the dress code of the agency. Student will engage in respectful oral and written communication with field liaison, field instructor and colleagues in adherence with the NASW Code of Ethics. Student will give full attention to field placement activities during field hours. Ask a colleague for feedback regarding my professional behavior and work style; To incorporate feedback in order to strengthen professional relationships. Participate with field instructor in developing and writing up the learning agreement. e. engage in career-long learning Engage in opportunities that support career long learning through attendance at professional workshops, seminars, and lectures in the community using field placement time. Read a scholarly article weekly to further goal of career long learning and discuss in supervision. Join and participate in local/national professional organizations (e.g., NASW, NABSW, and Federation of Student Social Workers). Competency Practice Behavior Suggested Activities/Tips Develop a weekly agenda for supervision and submit to FI by designated timeline. Create a log of entries of important material learned in supervisory sessions. f. use supervision and consultation Seek help from colleagues at the agency and demonstrate the ability to know when/how to seek supervision outside the formal meeting times. Student will study the agency s personnel policies and be prepared to discuss questions and observations with their field instructor. Suggested Activities - Generalist 1/6/12 2

3 Competency Practice Behaviors Suggested Activities/Tips Recognize the differences between a personal response to a client and a professional response during an interaction with a client and provide the rationale for your professional response. a. recognize and manage personal values in a way that allows professional values to guide practice Identify personal values that are in agreement and/or conflict with agency and client population. Become aware of personal values and become knowledgeable about the NASW Code of Ethics and how it guides practice. Articulate to field instructor ways in which I use my professional values to guide practice; Discuss times when my personal values or positions may be in conflict. 2. Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice. b. make ethical decisions by applying standards of the NASW Code of Ethics and, as applicable, of the International Federation of Social Workers/ International Association of Schools of Social Work Ethics in Social Work Statement of Principles c. tolerate ambiguity in resolving ethical conflicts Demonstrate actions that protect the clients interests. Student to identify ethical dilemmas and become aware of process to make ethical decisions. Ask student to discuss ethical or value issues in relation to specific cases. Discuss an ethical dilemma(s) to that is presented by field instructor or taken from a case study. Choose an interaction or situation with a client which requires you to ground an action with a client in the NASW Code of Ethics and provide a rationale for your behavior. Student to become knowledgeable about the Ethical policies and procedures of the agency and how this is operationalized. Student to become knowledgeable about Licensures standards in the State for Social Workers. Student to analyze and determine priority of competing legal and ethical obligations using an evidence-based ethical decision making model. Student to demonstrate understanding and application of the six core values of the NASW Code of Ethics. Student to demonstrate understanding and application of legal duties that apply to social workers. Student to demonstrate understanding and application of policies with regard to confidentiality including limits of. Observe, first, how other social workers tolerate ambiguities, imagine yourself in their shoes, and then describe how you tolerated the grey zone in assessing how you would respond and do respond to an ambiguously ridden ethical situation (can you even see the grey area within the Suggested Activities - Generalist 1/6/12 3

4 issue at hand or do you see it as a clear black and white situation) and discuss this with your Field Instructor. Keep a log of experiences in field and reactions to them. Choose a situation requiring an ethical discussion and trace with your Field Instructor the steps you took to achieve the decision as you link each step to a principle, value, or standard in the NASW Code of Ethics; identify potential strategies to resolve ethical dilemmas. d. apply strategies of ethical reasoning to arrive at principled decisions Student to attend the NASW-NC annual Ethics Conference. Student to discuss three ethical dilemmas during supervision; Apply strategies of ethical reasoning to arrive at principled decisions using the NASW Code of Ethics and evidenced-based decision making models. Competency Practice Behaviors Suggested Activities/Tips Review scholarly journals and select the journals that apply to the internship setting and increase knowledge. Read agency/organization newsletters and reports to improve knowledge and practice wisdom. 3. Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments. a. distinguish, appraise, and integrate multiple sources of knowledge, including research-based knowledge, and practice wisdom b. analyze models of assessment, prevention, intervention, and evaluation Demonstrate an ability to identify sources of knowledge (theoretical, service delivery systems, evidence-based, etc.) and distinguish the sources most relevant to the client population served by the agency. Student to do further research on intervention and consider doing research on effectiveness of intervention. Student to discuss what is being learned in the classroom related to research based knowledge as a basis for interventions. Student will use multiple sources of knowledge (i.e. classroom learning, Field Orientation information, NASW Code of Ethics, consultation) to make sound principled decisions and to guide action steps related to field placement. Student to identify models of assessment, prevention, intervention, and evaluation utilized at your agency. Student to identify the theoretical construct for models of assessment, prevention, intervention, and evaluation. Suggested Activities - Generalist 1/6/12 4

5 Student to evaluate the efficacy of assessment and prevention models relative to the population served and present assessment to Field Instructor. Student will observe a staff meeting or another type of task meeting and identify with their field instructor strengths of the meeting, areas of improvements and identify/suggest ideas for changes. Student will obtain a copy of a performance evaluation form and interview colleagues (including one supervisor) to see what they think of the form and the evaluation process. Model effective communication with student to work with families and communities. Student will then demonstrate effective oral communication with individuals, families and communities. Have your Field Instructor observe interactions with clients, groups, families, and communities and provide constructive feedback. c. demonstrate effective oral and written communication in working with individuals, families, groups and communities Have your Field Instructor review case notes, service plans, intake forms, etc. to assess the quality of written communication skills, assess oral communication skills utilized, formally or informally, while working with an individual, family, group, organization, or community meeting. Student to discuss complex case(s) in supervision. Student to discuss policy issue(s) related to a case in supervision. Student to present complex case(s) at team meeting & respond to questions. Create an opportunity to do oral presentations. Competency Practice Behaviors Suggested Activities/Tips Research if there are underserved populations in the community served and if culture, race, religious diversity may impact on willingness of access services offered. 4. Engage diversity and difference in practice. a. recognize the extent to which a culture s structures and values may oppose, marginalize, alienate, create or enhance privilege and power Further develop knowledge on population. Review several client files and assess cultural values and determine if marginalization has occurred (i.e., agency decisions that could have been influenced by poverty, sexual orientation, non-traditional family, etc.). Demonstrate culturally competent interviewing skills; implement interventions based on needs, values, and strengths of diverse clients systems. Identify a client that is culturally diverse; do research on how to engage and take the lead in working with the client. Suggested Activities - Generalist 1/6/12 5

6 Competency Practice Behaviors Suggested Activities/Tips Discuss in supervision any personal biases, stereotypes and become self aware of what the student may do to eliminate the bias. b. gain sufficient self-awareness to eliminate the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse groups Candidly share with your Field Instructor pre-existing biases or misperceptions you may have held about your clients and how those are being corrected in the reality of your professional experiencing of the clients. Develop knowledge about the diversity of the agency based on the clients served, what is done to recruit diverse staff and ongoing training related to cultural competence. Ask my field instructor or a colleague to share his/her perception of my level of acceptance of others and how well I recognize and appreciate differences; To incorporate this feedback when working with clients and colleagues. c. recognize and communicate their understanding of the importance of difference in shaping life experiences First, identify what you observe as the unique qualities and attributes of your clients, appreciate how your clients incorporate their uniqueness, and then share with your Field Instructor how the uniqueness of your clients impacts their experiences and life trajectory. Purposefully work with clients from diverse backgrounds. Visit a community agency/program that serves a diverse client base. d. view themselves as learners and engage those with whom they work as informants Share with your Field Instructor how you are open to knowing the unique attributes of your clients which extend beyond your understanding of generic attributes; specify how you allow yourself to understand the unique differences in your client through listening to your clients (are you open to learning from your clients?). Competency Practice Behaviors Suggested Activities/Tips Attend a workshop or seminar on cultural diversity that may include religion, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation. Suggested Activities - Generalist 1/6/12 6

7 a. understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination Describe to your Field Instructor the ways in which your clients have been marginalized and the cultural and societal dynamics which promote the marginalization (i.e., ethnicity, religious beliefs, socioeconomic status, rural vs. urban environment, gender, sexual orientation, ageism, etc.). Read agency policy on discrimination; research current issues that are affecting the client population served by the agency. 5. Advance human rights and social and economic justice. Demonstrate an understanding on how funding is directly linked to social and economic justice. Describe how you promote human rights and social and economic justice with your clients. Identify underserved needs of the client population and develop strategies to meet these needs at all system levels. b. advocate for human rights and social and economic justice Student will become knowledgeable about what you agency does to respond to the needs of the underserved and how it coordinates services with those of other agencies. Student will become familiar with any issues of social justice that their agency is involved in and be able to explain the issue and associated activities. Competency Practice Behaviors Suggested Activities/Tips Student to develop the knowledge and demonstrate the ability to promote human rights and social and economic justice with your clients. Engage in advocacy efforts (learn how to contact lawmakers/political representatives at local, state, and federal levels). c. engage in practices that advance social and economic justice Become knowledgeable on the advocacy efforts of your organization on a local, state, and or national level through lobbyists. Become knowledgeable on the social justice issues that your agency is involved with and what opportunities may exist if they are not involved. Advocate for clients needs to advance their social or economical standing. Deliver community presentations to advance the agency s mission. Student will become aware of whether your agency has a lobbyist and if they do interview the lobbyist to find out more about their responsibilities. Suggested Activities - Generalist 1/6/12 7

8 Competency Practice Behaviors Suggested Activities/Tips Use a client situation or issue to research scholarly information (i.e., domestic violence, juvenile delinquency, truancy) and begin to connect underlying issues. a. use practice experiences to inform scientific inquiry Identify an agency problem or issue that needs to be addressed and develop a plan to address it that includes gathering data and evaluating outcomes. Apply and assess the efficacy of an evidence-based practice approach that is implemented with a client system. Design a research project related to intervention in your practice setting and work to have outcomes published. 6. Engage in researchinformed practice and practiceinformed research. After reading scholarly information (can be information obtained from your social work classes), integrate with service plans. Review agency quality/outcome measures being used to evaluate practice and assess how this information is impacting client service delivery. Apply and assess the efficacy of an evidence-based practice approach that is implemented with a client system. Keep statistical reports as required of regular agency staff. b. use research evidence to inform practice Discuss with my field instructor ways in which research is used by the agency to support activities of the organization. Identify a research question that relates to my placement agency. Conduct a literature review related to my agency s population or practice area. Present findings of research to my field instructor and/or agency with an explanation of how this research informs practice. Assist in the design or organization of an information system to collect program information data. Develop a presentation based on research. Competency Practice Behaviors Suggested Activities/Tips 7. Apply a. utilize conceptual frameworks Apply relevant HBSE (Human Behavior and the Social Environment) theories and perspectives knowledge of to guide the process of when assessing and working with client systems. Suggested Activities - Generalist 1/6/12 8

9 human behavior and the social environment (HBSE). assessment, intervention, and evaluation Demonstrate the ability to complete an assessment; intervention and evaluation that is relevant to the client system (i.e. if working with children, are the techniques used age appropriate). Demonstrate the ability to conduct a comprehensive assessment, identifying issues related to transitions over the course of the life cycle. Competency Practice Behaviors Suggested Activities/Tips Read about the psychodynamics of human behavior, specific casework skills, organizational theory, presenting problems of clients served by the field placement setting, or other related subjects and discuss with FI. b. critique and apply knowledge to understand person and environment Apply relevant HBSE (Human Behavior and the Social Environment) theories and perspectives when assessing and working with client systems. Evaluate and discuss the usefulness of various HBSE theories in respect to the client population. Develop an eco-map for a client system. Discuss client assessments with Field Instructor and obtain feedback on your ability to fully understand the issues involved; critique assessment, intervention, and evaluation tools for effectiveness and discuss with Field Instructor, making recommendations for improvement Competency Practice Behaviors Suggested Activities/Tips Interview agency administrators/policy makers. 8. Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services. a. analyze, formulate and advocate for policies that advance social well-being Become knowledgeable about policy issues and development by attending an agency board meeting where policy issues are discussed or attend community meetings (city council, county board, tribal meetings, etc.) where policy issues are discussed. Identify and discuss with Field Instructor the policies and laws that are adversely affecting the client population served. Identify and discuss with my field instructor issues impacting practice at the organizational, community and/or societal level. Collect material or data through information or structured means, and analyze and organize the material in support of some point of view or to aid in a policy decision. Analyze program operations data and prepare reports on the Suggested Activities - Generalist 1/6/12 9

10 analysis that reveals the consequences of a specific law or regulation. Analyze the consequences and feasibility of a proposed law or regulation. Identify key stakeholders around a policy issue. Discuss strategies with your Field Instructor about addressing policy concerns (remember, this doesn t have to be at a state or federal level but can address agency policy too). Prepare a written regulation on a new or revised administration policy or procedure. b. collaborate with colleagues and clients for effective policy action Develop a proposed bill (in cooperation with appropriate others) for presentation to a local, state, or national lawmaking body and perhaps even be present to lobby for its passage. Prepare and present information in support of a policy or program reform. Identify issues impacting practice at the organizational, community and/or societal level; Take an action to respond to these issues. If your agency has a staff attorney, introduce yourself. Find out what legal support is available for social workers. Competency Practice Behaviors Suggested Activities/Tips 9. Respond to contexts that shape practice. a. continuously discover, appraise, and attend to changing locales, populations, scientific technological developments, and emerging societal trends to provide relevant services Student will research, become knowledgeable and be able to articulate the agency s mission, scope of practice, and limitations. Student will trace the history of the agency in their Learning Agreement that includes, but is not limited to; how the agency started and who was involved, how the purpose of the agency may have changed over time, what geographic area is served and the long range plans of the agency. Assess and discuss with your Field Instructor the various issues affecting the agency, clients, and services. Discuss how practice and service delivery are changing as a result of these issues (i.e. Suggested Activities - Generalist 1/6/12 10

11 texting appointment reminders as a result of societal trends/changes in communication). Demonstrate an ability to be flexible in your interactions with client systems based on their needs. Meet with agency leaders (director and/or board chair) to find out what they use to ensure the agency mission is being fulfilled and relevant services are being provided. Become familiar with the funding sources for your agency and become knowledgeable related to the process of securing funding and the impact of community resources on services. This might include attending board meetings, budget development, and grant writing, United Way presentations. Student to attend a planning meeting and become knowledgeable on how program budgets are developed and monitored. Become familiar with grant writing process and be involved in development of a proposal. Become involved in major fundraising for you agency and develop the knowledge on how this is operationalized. Student will prepare an organizational chart of the agency that depicts the lines of authority and be able to articulate and understanding of the reasons it is structures in this manner, as well as, levels of hierarchy and breadth of control. Competency Practice Behaviors Suggested Activities/Tips b. provide leadership in promoting sustainable changes in service delivery and practice to improve the quality of social services Have the student go through the service delivery system as if he/she were a client. Provide feedback in promoting sustainable changes in service delivery and practice to improve the quality of social services; participate/assist with/suggest activities for quality improvement meetings/projects. Competency Practice Behaviors Suggested Activities/Tips 10. Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities Engagement a. substantively and effectively prepare for action with individuals, families, groups Read case files and any other pertinent information to prepare for engagement (first meetings) with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Discuss plans for establishing the client relationship with Field Instructor Develop and research a group intervention for a (process or pschoeducational) group and implement. Organize and facilitate a community action group related to a specific issue. Student to research and explore how your agency is invivled in economic and social development of Suggested Activities - Generalist 1/6/12 11

12 the community and be able to identify primary tactics being used and suggest ideas of involvement if they are not. Conduct effective interviews that demonstrate relationship-building skills and an ability to establish rapport with a client system; allow the Field Instructor to observe these interactions. Observe Field instructor or other staff, conduct mock interviews and receive feedback either by videotaping or discussion on skills used. b. use empathy and other interpersonal skills c. develop mutually agreed-upon focus of work and desired outcomes Assessment To be able to competently perform the skills of: Effective talking Active-listening Use of empathy through verbal and non-verbal communication Introducing myself Orienting clients to agency services Discussing policy and ethical factors with clients Develop an intervention plan that the client believes will produce the results they are seeking and that is aligned with the agency s mission and scope of practice; present the plan and discuss it with Field Instructor. Demonstrate an ability to gather relevant data in an organized manner; be aware of and utilize standardized measurement and diagnostic tools; generate recommendations to client systems based on information gathered. Student to use knowledge learned in the classroom and the tools used at the Agency to demonstrate competence in conducting an Assessment for an identified client. a. collect, organize, and interpret client data Be observed by my field instructor or colleagues when conducting formal and informal assessments on clients; Incorporate feedback and verify competency has been achieved. To be able to competently perform the skills of: Asking open and closed-ended questions Seeking Clarification Reflecting content and feelings Partializing problem Going beyond what is said Prepare a family genogram. b. assess client strengths and limitations Demonstrate an ability to fully assess and verbalize strengths and limitations with the client system. Suggested Activities - Generalist 1/6/12 12

13 c. develop mutually agreed-upon intervention goals and objectives Competency Practice Behaviors Suggested Activities/Tips d. select appropriate intervention strategies Intervention a. initiate actions to achieve organizational goals Develop an intervention plan with the client system that appropriately addresses the client needs, strengths, and limitations; the plan should contain clear, measureable objectives; present that plan to an interdisciplinary team or your Field Instructor. Discuss intervention plan with Field Instructor and receive feedback; assess whether the intervention strategies are reasonable, likely to reach the client s goal, and within the agency s scope of practice. Demonstrate an understanding of the agency s mission and scope of practices by developing interventions that are aligned with them. b. implement prevention interventions that enhance client capacities Demonstrate the ability to select and implement interventions that are aligned with the Empowerment model of social work practice. Engage in role plays with the field instructor or others to try out new skills and techniques learned in the setting, classroom and workshops. Write a diagnostic summary on a specific case. Conduct assessments, interventions, and evaluations that focus on the helping process and the clients goals. Conduct interviews with clients and provide direct counseling services. c. help clients resolve problems To be able to competently perform the skills of: Identifying and clarifying issues Establishing goals Developing an action plan Planning for evaluation Summarizing service plan Rehearsing action steps with clients Reviewing actions steps with clients Evaluating client progress Focusing, educating, and advising, clients Negotiating, mediating and advocating for clients Reframing Confronting inconsistencies Making referrals Student to maintain a caseload of clients and will work in collaboration with the client to meet mutually established goals. Suggested Activities - Generalist 1/6/12 13

14 d. negotiate, mediate and advocate for clients Communicate with clients and colleagues in a professional manner that assists the client in resolving problems and fulfilling goals. e. facilitate transitions and endings Demonstrate an ability to assess successful goal attainment and plan termination accordingly; be able to successfully terminate the helping process. Evaluate Demonstrate an ability to continuously evaluate intervention, not only at termination, but throughout the process; share future recommendations with Field Instructor for favorable outcome strategies; be able to honestly critique your practice/intervention and receive feedback from Field Instructor. a. critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate interventions Participate in a one-way mirror observation, either as an observer or as the "subject." Deliver a case presentation to my field instructor and/or unit team and incorporate feedback Participate in agency s quality improvement/assurance or clinical care review meetings. To assist in the agency s annual report, auditing, program evaluation and/or client satisfaction surveys. Example phrases for writing objectives with specific actions: to answer to decide to write to supervise to arrange to define to obtain to verify to circulate to demonstrate to participate in to summarize to direct to revise to collect to discuss to schedule to conduct to give examples to select Examples/suggestions for evaluation & measurement: Direct observation Reviewing written work Adding a specific number/amount to be completed Discussion Presentations Remember, the practice behavior has to be demonstrated to allow the field instructor to evaluate/measure performance, so keep in mind how you will be able to demonstrate abilities and knowledge. Suggested Activities - Generalist 1/6/12 14