Practice Framework for Social Work - Personal Statement Example

Personal practice Framework (Social work) Insert of Introduction My professional practice as a social worker has been embedded on certain as aspects both professional as well as intrinsic. Together these aspects have enriched my profession and practice ideas to promote my performance, practice and professionalism. As I trudge up the ladder of professionalism, I constantly apply these skills, knowledge and experiences blending them with the personal characteristics to help m in real practice. My personal practice framework presented herein is eclectic in nature and is will describe a combination of theories, knowledge, skills and values that define me as a person and that guides my practice. Together the applications of these theories, skills, experience and knowledge have jointly enriched my practice as a social worker in a more competitive context. This shall be presented in various sections in this paper to express the reflective and reflexive components of my practice as a social worker and the professional aspects informing my practice. The sections will be blended together in such a way that they complete and compliment one another by providing a clear connection between the two sub sets. Knowledge Respect for persons, Social justice, and Professional integrity are among the fundamental aspects which acutely inform my practice as a social worker. Knowledge based, theoretical and personal connections have jointly influenced and developed my practice. The key theoretical aspects that have been applied in my practice described in this section are based on the eclectic approach and include the Systems theory, Developmental theory especially Erik Erikson psychological stages of development and Bowl by Attachment theory, Feminist theory, Grief and loss, Anti-oppressive theory, Cultural competence among others. These shall be linked together in my description to provide an in-depth understanding of the phenomenal applications in real practice. Cultural competence is the ability to interact efficiently with people of diverse cultures and socio-economic backgrounds (Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW), 2004). A social worker according to Mattison, (2000) is expected to be able o relate well and effectively with people from various cultural and professional backgrounds hence the application of the various related theories described herein in effective understanding of my clients. This calls for a complete fusion of all the guiding theoretical and practical procedures in real practice to be able to provide all rounded services to all persons (Isenberg & Jalongo, 2001). Besides, the systems theory is accurately relevant in my practice as it helps in meeting the demands and expectations of my clients. The theory argues that the physical traits and behavioral characteristics of an individual are determined by the person’s environmental and societal background. In order to fully understand each person, it is relevant that we fully understand their environmental and societal backgrounds (O’connor, 2006). Systems theory primly underpins my personal practice framework, as I believe the various systems within the society and the environment surely define and impact on a person’s life. Therefore to understand the person, their environmental and social perspectives also need to be considered. This is due to the intertwined relationships that exist among persons and societies. For instance; individuals exist within families, families exist within communities, and individuals and families exist in a political, economic and cultural environment (Veronica, 1999). All these impact on the overall traits of individuals thus key in informing social practice at every level. Taking into consideration all these perspectives, it becomes quite easy to discern the underlying operations of the various clients I meet. In my practice, I have as well considered the applications of Feminist theory as relevant aspect which has been of prime importance. The theory seeks to help understand the concept of gender inequalities which exist in our societies and aims at promoting women rights in fairly patriarchal societies (Nixon & Aldwinckle, 2003). Society in general including most research a along with social work studies has been based on the male gender which has further increased patriarchal oppression. Feminist perspective incorporates the social, political and cultural context of female domination (Payne, 2005: 106). It has also gone further to look at the differences between women themselves on the basis of age, class, race and ethnicity in connection with gender. Feminist social workers focus on women’s own perspectives and values, working with them to enhance their personal growth and change (Harms, 2012). From a young age, coming from a family of two brothers and two sisters I observed how family, community and society in general stereotyped the different genders. I personally feel that gender inequality oppresses woman and marginalizes them in society. In working with various social groups therefore, it is very necessary that I look into gender factors to in order to strike an equal balance while dealing with various gender classes and addressing their demands effectively. Moreover I as well consider the theory of Grief and loss to be relevant in my personal practice framework as I believe that the changes and transitions we face throughout our life cycle considerably impacts on our future life developments. Based on the five levels of grief in traumatized such as denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance (Healy, 2005) developed by Kubler-Ross, it has become quite easy to assist grieving and traumatized individuals cope up with their situations. The accurate application of the theoretical concepts of this theory have often put me in a position to be able to discern the various characteristics underlying the characteristic behavior and reactions of the persons I deal with in most of my practice procedures (Drury-Hudson, 1997). Through the developmental stages expressed in Erik Erickson’s theory of social development in a psychological perspective, it is true that the various stages of development a person undergoes is of great influence in the life of the persons as it in turn influences the personal traits in later lives (Erikson, 1994: 47). Human beings develop differently, and it is dictated by their ages. If these stages are not fully and systematically followed in the course of development in any individual, they can deficit the character of an individual throughout their life as these stages are essential for developing a positive ego for individuals. By understanding the different developmental stages of an individual (Adams, Dominelli, & payne, 2002) and where they are at in their life cycle can both assist the worker and the client in their work together. The knowledge skills and values of this model are interwoven features of my framework that can be applied across a range of contexts. It has helped me in promoting my collaboration with the clients with the intent to empower the client. Moreover it has helped me recognize that the client possesses the knowledge, resilience, and skills for recovery and to fulfill their own potential. I primarily consider the applicability of Anti-oppression theory within my framework as it focuses on social justice, social divisions and hierarchy inequalities. It aims at reducing injustices as a result of structural inequalities. Anti-oppression perception is both centered at individual and society levels; with both geared at achieving results. With the help of relevant knowledge and insights I have gained from this approach is has been easy to reduce the effects in the hierarchy, and enhance individual relationships by forging a working relationship. Working within a housing Organization for many years, with a number of homeless clients, I was able to greatly succeed in carrying out my roles. In this role, I witnessed repeatedly the different levels of social and structural oppression and how it affects people and I was able to professionally go about them. Professional values I strongly consider respect for persons of great importance and a true observance of the ethical considerations in the society. as Maidment & Egan, (2000) argues every individual in the society has the right to be treated equally and with respect at all levels and as a social worker, respect for every individual is quite pleasant in promoting societal ethics. Working with people from various social cadres requires integrated treatment procedures for different contexts. This helps in promoting social justice and in the process enhances my professional integrity. Through learning and development through cognitive perspectives I have been able to enhance my professionalism and develop professionally. Skills Besides, I posses a myriad of skills including Active listening skills, Reflective skills, questing, responding paraphrasing, summarizing abilities which have granted me the opportunity to carry out my mandates in my field of specialization. Self care initiatives, Personal values, attitudes and beliefs including ethics and values, and AASW code of ethics and practice standards all integrated together in my practice are of pertinent contribution in the development of my professional practice. Conclusion In conclusion, I would like to assert here that my professional practice has been informed by a number of factors all operating from within and without. The all rounded development in my career has been augmented by the skills learned in class as well as the knowledge and personal values acquired at various stages of development. These have greatly helped in carrying out my mandates as a social worker in various contextual frameworks promoting success at various levels. Social workers need professional and ethical traits in order to carry out their roles effectively and efficiently. The observance of these guidelines have been of prime importance to me as well as helped me generate positive results in every spheres of life. I believe my practice framework will continue to change and develop, over time. As I continue to build on my understanding of self, enhance my skills and knowledge to guide my practice. This will assist me when making judgments, decisions and will determine how I act in various circumstances. References Adams, Dominelli, & payne. (2002). Critical practice in social work (2nd ed.). palgrave macmillan. Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). (2004). ethics-2004. Retrieved from http://svc037.bne242p.server-web.com/adobe/about/AASW code of/pdf>< Drury-Hudson, J. (1997). A Model of Professional Knowledge for Social Work Practice. Australian Social Work . Erikson, E. (1994). Theory of Personality Development. Understanding Emotional Development of Infants , 43- 47. Harms, L. (2012). Working with people: communicatio skills for reflective practice, . Oxford university press. Healy, K. (2005). Social Work Theories in Context. Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan Houndsmills Basingstoke. Isenberg, J. P., & Jalongo, M. R. (2001). Creative Expression and Play in Early Childhood (3rd ed.). Ohio: Merrill Prentice Hall. Maidment, J., & Egan, L. (2000). Practice skills In Social Work and Wefare: more than just common sense. Allen And Unwin. Mattison, M. (2000). Ethical Decision making. The Person in the Process” social work , 45 (3), 201-212. Nixon, D., & Aldwinckle, M. (2003). Exploring Child Development from three to six years (2nd ed.). Katoomba: Social Science Press. O’connor, I. (2006). Social Work and Welfare practice (4th ed.). Frenchs Forest, NSW: Pearson Longman. Payne, M. (2005). Modern Social Work theory (3rd ed.). Hampshire: Palgrave Macmillan,; Hounds mills Basingstoke. Veronica, K. (1999). Informal learning in the community: a trigger for change and development. McGivney. Read More