Program Objective # 1:

Apply culturally competent evidence based practice skills adaptable to meet the needs of individuals and groups with diverse backgrounds by utilizing understandable language and multi-culturally sensitive communication skills. (Program Goal #2).

 

In the SOCW 333-Special Populations class, I collaborated on a research project with a fellow student. We chose a population that we were unfamiliar with, homosexual men who have HIV, and immersed ourselves in the culture. After completing extensive evidence based research, preparing a report, and interviewing someone from the population, the project required each student to create a list of ten things to consider and ten things to avoid when working with the chosen population. These lists have continually helped me to integrate culturally sensitive language into my interactions with this population.

 

Objective #1

 

Program Objective # 2:

Synthesize and integrate varied sources to inform decisions and create solutions and appropriate problem-solving strategies congruent with the social work knowledge base. (Program Goals #3, #4).

 

Objective #2 A: HBSE I, provided the opportunity to put theory into practice with exercises that required me to look at a case study and apply theory or perspectives to the intervention plan. These exercises helped me to think innovatively for ways to promote social and economic justice for the client in the case study.

Objective #2 B: I led an on-line Black Board discussion group in SOCW 435 on an article entitled: A Case for Expanded School-Community Partnerships in Support of Positive Youth Development. My job was to encourage my peers to critically think about the article and to direct the discussion. This is the feedback I received from my instructor on my choice of questions.

 

Objective #2A

Objective #2B 

 

Program Objective # 3

Demonstrate professional behavior congruent with the social work Code of Ethics and apply strategies to effectively identify, address, and resolve ethical conflicts in professional practice. (Program Goals #2, #3, #4, #5).

 

At the end of Field II, I had to begin the professional termination process at my field placement. I did my required 400 hours of field placement at Hamilton County Department of Education in the school social work role. Termination in the school system is a little different than a clinical setting because one school social worker is responsible for up to six schools. I had to create a plan that took this variable into account. To avoid any ethical conflicts and to act in a professional manner I created and followed through with a termination plan that fit my unique situation.

 

Objective #3 

 

Program Objective # 4

Apply strategies for continuous self-evaluation including supervision and consultation, and feedback from peers and other sources for self development. (Program Goals #1, #4, #5).

 

I attend weekly supervisory sessions with my field instructor to ascertain whether or not I am performing in a professional manner in field. I also take advantage of the many opportunities we are given on class assignments to read the peer assessments and instructors comments in order to improve my communication skills in the future. One assignment in particular made me reassess my learned values and how believing certain stereotypes about other people would only hurt me in my professional life.

 

Objective #4 

 

Program Objective # 5

Practice with an understanding of human rights and social justice by engaging in systematic social change to alleviate economic deprivation and oppression by applying change strategies to begin the process of achieving a just society in a global community. (Program Goals #2, #3).

 

In Practice III we documented economic human rights violations in Chattanooga and organized a Truth Commission to enlighten the public about these violations. I served as co-chair of the coordinating committee as well as the editor of the final report. Each person was also responsible for serving on two committees. One of the committees that I served on was the Human Rights Monitor Panel and we were charged with selecting the violations to be included in the Truth Commission. After each meeting I sent our committee notes to our instructor, I have included notes from our last meeting before the scheduled Truth Commission.

 

Objective #5 

 

Program Objective # 6

Integrate an appreciation for the history of the social work profession and the relationship between social welfare policies and the social work profession to inform the context of current generalist practice. (Program Goals #1, # 3).

 

In SOCW 413, I wrote a paper entitled Professional Development and Identity. This assignment integrates the history of the social work profession with real world applications in my field placement at Hamilton County Schools. It also addresses how I plan to integrate what I have learned in class into generalist practice in field.

 

Objective #6 

 

Program Objective # 7

Evaluate the effectiveness of evidence-based interventions and other generalists practice activities and client situations in the context of political and social policy by applying both quantitative and qualitative evaluation, research, and effective writing skills to a variety of practice settings. (Program Goals #2, #3, #4).

 

Objective #7A: Several of our classes have had a research element. In SOCW 417, I am investigating the perceived role of school social workers in Hamilton County Tennessee. One component of this research project was to prepare a research brief that looked at the issue of truancy which is the main focus of school social workers in Hamilton County.

Objective #7B: The Senior Research Showcase required a presentation that included an E-Poster about the yearlong project. The Senior Research Project allowed me to evaluate current literature on school social work and compare it to my quantitative research in Hamilton County Schools to determine how the percieved role of school social workers hinders their ability to assist families in crisis.

 

Objective #7A

Objective #7B

 

Program Objective # 8

Function as a professional, collaborative, and supportive team member in implementing agency mission and functions. (Program Goals #1, #2, #3, #4, #5).

 

In my field internship at Hamilton County Schools, I am part of a team involved in a pilot truancy prevention program called C.A.R.P. (Continued Attendance Reward Program). My contribution consists of preparing the program brochure, reminder postcards, and creating/facilitating a workshop for one of the four parenting classes. My workshop is entitled: The Three P’s: Prompt, Punctual, and Prepared for School.

 

Objective # 8 

 

Program Objective # 9

Apply an understanding of the effects of interpersonal, social, and institutional oppression and discrimination in assessing and planning change is service delivery systems an organizations. (Program Goals #1, #2, #3, #5).

 

In SOCW 435, school social work and the laws that pertain to it were studied in depth. As part of this class one assignment required that we choose a policy currently in effect, research it and reinvent it to be less oppressive and more proactive. I chose alternative school placement.

 

Objective # 9 

 

Program Objective # 10

Contribute to the service-centered focus of the university in promoting intellectual, ethical, social, and cultural professional growth to enrich one’s own life and the lives of others and in preparation for functioning professionally in a variety of entry-level practice settings. (Program Goals #2, #3, #4, #5).

 

In 2007, in an area of Chattanooga that was deemed blighted, authorities destroyed the "Tent City" in which several homeless people lived. Supposedly this was done for thier safety. To protest what I saw as unjust removal, I wrote a letter to the editor of the Chattanooga Times Free Press imploring citizens of Chattanooga to unite once and for all behide the Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness and to support service providers in creating a central location where people can access all crisis services in one place.

 

Objective # 10 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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