Social Worker Committed to Professional Development - Essay Example

Domain Professionalism Identify and behave as a professional social worker, committed to professional development All professionals, especially those working with people should be aware of their job descriptions and the scope of their work. They should be able to determine which duties are sanctioned by law and be ready to carry them out accordingly. This implies that one needs to take the necessary steps to comply with the law if they see that their service users need it or at least inform a senior staff or mentor about the need to refer to the legal system (Thompson, 2009). In my short stay at the refuge centre, I have gained the trust and respect of the service-users there. I have learned to empathize and see the perspective of the service-user I counsel without crossing the boundaries of professionalism. I work with victims of domestic violence. I am aware that they need to be understood but not patronized in a way that makes them feel pitied. I have also learned to control my feelings and not allow them to get in they way of my pursuit of professionalism. For example, there was a service user who was very agitated when she came to the refuge. Her emotionality caused the other workers to panic or become defensive which further provoked her. Although I was nervous, I approached her calmly with a firm but gentle voice and asked her what was bothering her. I did not mirror her actions and reactions or else it will just be encouraged, so I did the opposite and talked to her in a low, calming voice to soothe her, assuring her everything will be alright but she needed to relax. My approach worked because she did calm down. A little while later, she was ready to talk about her issues. In my dealings with service users, I have learned to ask questions that would elicit more information about them and their cases. As much as possible, I ask open-ended questions to enable them to answer with more information instead of just a ‘yes’, a ‘no’ or any other one-word answers. I am learning so much from my placement experiences although I know I have a long way to go. I take every opportunity to hone my skills, enhance my knowledge and build my professionalism. I receive appropriate training, support and supervision to help me in the successful implementation of my duties (Thompson, 2009). I read books, online articles or simply engage in deep conversations with available mentors in placement. Domain 2 Values and Ethics Apply social work ethical principles and values to guide professional practice Neil Thompson described our work so eloquently in saying “Social work is a profession and a social science committed to the pursuit of social justice, to quality of life, and to the development of the full potential of each individual, group and community in a society.” (Thompson, 2009, p. 10) I am fully aware that social workers need to uphold its ethical code of conduct that guides them on how to behave. It entails respect for one’s self and others especially those they work with or help out. Being a woman of colour who may have a different upbringing and beliefs from my service-users, it is inevitable that conflicts may arise. Still, positive values and ethical principles should prevail in our interactions. Underneath my different appearance and way of dressing, I am a person just like them and that is what I want them to relate to and not what they see on the surface. I notice that in that area, I am successful because they see through me and how sincere I am with them. For example, a service user who is a devout Catholic may initially be detached from me, a Muslim, but when she finds out that like her, I am a mother, then she finds something to relate to and begins opening up to me. We focus on our similarities than our differences. Besides learning the basics of ethics in our profession, I am also learning some complexities in ethical principles such as giving parents full authority over their children and not assuming they are bad parents just because they are always angry. However, if there is maltreatment involved, we as social workers need to step in to protect the child and his/her interests. Children should be given the opportunity to grow and develop in a healthy environment where they are safe from harm and are exposed to the right morals. Domain 3 Diversity Recognise diversity and apply anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive principles in practice Social work entails people work. Social workers need to be ready to work with just about anyone who needs their help, regardless of cultural background, religious faith, gender, age, etc. In my case, being a part of a cultural minority, I know how it feels to be discriminated upon so I would not want anyone else that I interact with to feel that from me. I will not impose my own culture and faith on others who are different from me and respect them as well for who they are. Each person has a different story to tell. In placement, most of the service users are victims of domestic abuse. That is their commonality. However, each woman or child can view the abuse and their relationship to the abuser differently and I find that interesting. Accepting the victims for who they are and providing unconditional positive regard is something I can say I have achieved thus far. Sometimes, it is challenging to accept an individual who is very hostile or obnoxious or even pathetically tearful all the time. However, in increasing my understanding of what they have gone through, I get to tame my defensive reactions and just deal with them appropriately and with respect. Part of this professional domain is helping the victims recover from their painful past by feeling valued as a person. That may have been something that they were deprived of in their abusive relationship. Hence, I am ready to provide that to them. Domain 4 Rights, Justice and Economic Wellbeing Advance human rights and promote social justice and economic well-being Most of the service users I have worked with were aware that they had rights, but were not familiar with them. I work with women who are victims of domestic abuse and their children. The United Nations defines violence against women as "any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life." (WHO, 2015, para.1). I remember feeling relieved for a woman who suddenly had an awakening after I explained to her rights that protect her and her children. Although she was initially ambivalent about letting the justice system take over her family’s problems, I explained to her the outcomes it will have on her children if she does not do anything. I also felt fulfilled at referring service users to agencies that can assist them to better their lives. One woman counselled I referred to a support team for her need to develop parenting skills. I have also liaised with organizations, professionals, children’s centres, schools, etc. to help families start over. This also includes agencies that provide benefits for the service users I work with. With all these, I feel assured that they are given better chances in their lives especially for the children who are vulnerable to trauma. I always work hard to help them to be directed to opportunities that would help them recover from such trauma and be able to live normal lives again. In all my dealings with service users, I always keep in mind if there has been injustices done and how the victims can be protected and the multi-agency assistance that can help them. I am glad to be in a society which cares so much for its constituents that I can be an instrument to lead them to the right path. Domain 5 Knowledge Apply knowledge of social sciences, law and social work practice theory This domain makes me appreciate my education so much. It has equipped me with the tools I need to help others and I am truly fascinated how these theories are applied to real life situations and how they work in practice. Being knowledgeable in theories from the social sciences, law and social work gives me a set of available information I can pull out when I explain to service users their situations and what can be done to help them. I personally believe that understanding what one is going through may be half the battle already won. Some of the service users I have worked with are practically clueless on how they arrived at the situations they are in. That is when I share my knowledge derived from the theories of attachment (Bowlby), social learning (Bandura), cognitive development (Piaget & Vygotsky). The attachment theory explains to my service users some feelings they may have with their significant other whom they may have a falling out with as such feelings may have a foundation from their own childhood. Also during counselling, when the service user has found a secure base to explore their emotions, such feelings may come to surface (Bowlby, 1988). Bandura’s (1977) Cognitive Social learning theory asserts that the messages individuals get from society shape their personal and relational ideologies. Whatever one is exposed to is bound to influence his or her behaviours. So I warn mothers to be careful in what they expose to their own children. The cognitive and social development theories of Piaget (1959) and Vygotsky (1978) help me explain what effects the domestic abuse has on children who witness it or worse, experience it themselves. I refer to the methods related to social work, from assessment of the service user’s case, applying the exchange model of getting information from him or her in exchange for the goals we work on for his or her recovery. I derive my knowledge in practice from the theories of Person-centred approach, which requires unconditional positive regard from counsellors for their clients (Rogers, 1951). Aspire model (Sutton, 2008), guides me in the course of my counselling sessions with its acronym that stands for Assessment, Planning, Intervention, Review and Evaluation. I also learned that during counselling, stories and narratives may be used as a therapeutic tool (Forrester, 1993). What is fulfilling is when I see the look of realization in the eyes of my service-users and the newfound determination to make themselves rise from the downward spiral they have been caught in. That is when I know I was born to be a social worker. It is a feeling that makes me feel great to be alive and worthy to be trusted and respected. Domain 6 Critical reflection and Analysis Apply critical reflection and analysis to inform and provide a rationale for professional decision-making I know how much being a reflective practitioner counts in a career that cares for people. I use my 30 minutes of reflection time everyday to think about the things I have done, if it was effective or not in helping others. Was I sensitive to the needs, feelings and thoughts of others? Was I attentive? Did I promote myself and my beliefs instead of putting my service- users needs ahead of my own? I need to remind myself that although I have the knowledge and skills it takes to do my job, I am not the focus of my work but my clients. I have worked hard to study for what I am doing and my goal is not for self-promotion but to assist others who need my help. My reflections include how I can do things better to improve my craft. How I can better express myself in ways that do not offend others, and instead inspire, encourage and empower them to stand on their own and be confident that they can live better lives. I am just an instrument to help them reach their goals. Being reflective helps me make better decisions in the way I practice my profession… decisions that will deliver better outcomes for my service users. However, my constant reminders that I am not the star of the show should not affect my confidence that I can do better or even be the best at what I can do. Being reflective is a way to keep me grounded while elevating myself to reach greater heights. Domain 7 Intervention and Skills Use judgement and authority to intervene with individuals, families and communities to promote independence, provide support and prevent harm, neglect and abuse Having the knowledge and skills as a social worker is the easy part. The challenge lies in applying it especially when it involves active intervention to protect vulnerable individuals such as victims of abuse. In my case, I have done risk assessment for service users wherein measures to protect them from harm and danger were incorporated. I had to rely on my own judgment in emergency interventions that posed risks to them like when I walk out with victims of domestic abuse in public. I plan ahead of time what to do in case their perpetrators confront us. That meant I had to develop the courage and strength to stand up for my service users, having law and the assisting agencies to back me up. I have endured emotional sessions with service users that drained me of my energy in counselling them. However, I know that interventions such as these are necessary for them to confront their fears so that they realize what they are up against. Sometimes, I become the “shock absorber” but I keep reminding myself that it is just part of my job and is not a personal attack on me. Like I mentioned earlier, knowledge of the agencies and individuals to approach for help for my service users is a huge factor in getting the interventions they need in their particular situations. I have referred children to Sure Start, an organisation that advocates children’s welfare and education, mothers to parenting classes, agencies that help in the employment of the victims in jobs that can make them economically independent to care for their own families. The satisfaction I get from this is seeing my service users gain back their confidence that they are capable and that they can do anything they put their minds to. Domain 8 Contexts and organisations Engage with, inform, and adapt to changing contexts that shape practice. Operate effectively within own organisational frameworks and contribute to the development of services and organisations. Operate effectively within multi-agency and inter-professional settings Like I mentioned earlier, knowledge of the agencies and individuals to approach for help for my service users is a huge factor in getting the interventions they need in their particular situations. I have referred children to Sure Start, an organisation that advocates children’s welfare and education, mothers to parenting classes, agencies that help in the employment of the victims in jobs that can make them economically independent to care for their own families. The satisfaction I get from this is seeing my service users gain back their confidence that they are capable and that they can do anything they put their minds to. With regards to my own professional development, I also learned to network with other professionals from my own circles as well as with professionals from other agencies. It keeps me updated of trends and new services that are available to my service users. Domain 9 Professional Leadership Take responsibility for the professional learning and development of others through supervision, mentoring, assessing, research, teaching, leadership and management For this domain, I have done a presentation in a team meeting about issues and approaches that may help our members in our own social work practice. I have also initiated play scheme activities for the children service users we work with. This activity has inspired other members of our team to follow suit and they have reported successful outcomes. I have attended professional meetings such as LAMS meetings and MARAC meetings which benefit my service users particularly women at risk of domestic abuse. I have advocated my clients to attend these meetings as I am confident it will be advantageous for them. However the position where I feel I am able to apply my leadership skills is when I am working with my service users. I feel the need to guide them towards the path they are supposed to take, offering my hand to help them in their journey to recovery and eventually, success. Of course, my style of leadership is participative, and I still respect the decisions they will make in the end. I do not dictate to them what they will do with their lives, but only provide sensible advise and recommendations. Most of the time, though, I am successful in influencing them to do what is best for them instead of going back to their dreadful state as abused victims of domestic violence. Upon evaluation of my own performance, I am confident that I have achieved the professional competencies necessary to be an effective, caring and respectful social worker. I also realize I have much more to learn, but I am willing to embrace my flaws and the challenges that go with improving myself to be the best I can be. References Bandura, A. (1977). Social learning theory. Oxford: Prentice-Hall. Bowlby, J. (1988). A secure base: Clinical applications of attachment theory. Forester, J. (1993). Critical Theory, Public Policy, and Planning Practice: Toward a Critical Pragmatism. Albany, NY: State University of New York Press. Piaget, J. (1959) The Language and Thought of the Child. London: Routledge & Kegen Paul. London: Routledge. Rogers, C. (1951). Client-centered therapy. Boston: Houghton-Mifflin. Sutton, C. (2008) ‘ASPIRE’ in Canton, R. and Hancock, D. (eds.) Dictionary of Probation and Offender Management, Cullompton: Willan. Thompson, N. (2009) Understanding Social Work: Preparing for Practice. Palgrave Macmillan. Vygotsky, LS. (1978) Mind in Society: The Development of Higher Psychological Processes. London; Harvard University Press. World Health Organization (WHO) (2015) Violence Against Women, Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs239/en/ Read More