My Readiness for Direct Practice - Personal Statement Example

A Reflective Account on My Readiness for Direct Practice This is the reflective account my learning since starting on the MA Social Work module. My training involved learning new information as well as feedback from others on my potentials as a social work practitioner. This module gave me the opportunity to apply what I have learnt in a role-playing counselling session in which I was the counsellor and together with a partner, we both worked on a counselling case of a troubled young lady named Seema. This paper summarises the information about my readiness for direct practice as a new social worker. Role and Responsibility of the Social Worker The definition of social work has been long debated by scholars because of the wide span of responsibility of social workers. Dickens (2012) argued that there are key dimensions in defining social work. One is based on core values and principles or one’s particular goals and tasks. Another dimension is social work’s effect on the well-being of individuals. Still another dimension is about the social change social workers contribute to by doing their jobs well (Payne, 2006). The British Association of Social Workers (2012) offers the international definition of social work as the following: “The social work profession promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well- being. Utilising theories of human behaviour and social systems, social work intervenes at the points where people interact with their environments. Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work” (p. 6). Personally, my understanding of social work is that it is a service that trained professionals provide to service users who may be beset with emotional, psychological or social problems. Social workers help them through counselling sessions or referrals to other services that would best address their needs. In this module, I learnt about the job roles and responsibilities of social workers. I was given the opportunity to experience the role of social workers through the video role play. The roles of the social workers are classified in enhancing service users’ abilities to care for themselves and promote their participation in the social process (Van Nijnatten, 2006). In addition, “social workers based in social work teams are expected to know how to collaborate effectively with other professionals from a range of agencies in order to provide effective and appropriate services” (Quinney, 2006; p.10). Hence, in preparing for my first placement, I need to broaden my knowledge of collaborative social work practice between multi-disciplinary teams in order to provide support and services to service users to be matched with my own vast understanding of how a person’s mind and emotions operate especially in times of crisis (Doel & Best, 2008). In learning with my peers and from my experience in the role-play, I realized that the social worker needs to be skilled in motivating the service users to open up so as to enable them to express their issues and concerns can be analysed and hopefully, through counselling, be threshed out. Social workers need to learn how to be good listeners and in order to do so, use interpersonal skills and suitable forms of verbal and non-verbal communication (HCPC, 2012). This means that the social worker needs to be a keen and sensitive observer of the service user’s body language and gestures (Lishman, 2009; Davidson and Lax,1992). Throughout the interview session with Seema, it was evident that she was very upset. When she was sharing her thoughts and feelings, she kept covering her face as if she was about to cry and throughout the course of the interview session. She sat stiffly with her arms crossed over her chest, as if she was holding all the pain in to avoid breaking down to cry. Seema’s sadness was very much felt in the interview room and it seemed as though there was a dark cloud that was upon us. I had to stay calm focused. As a social worker, my role at that time was to practice in a non-discriminatory manner and promote inclusion and to ensure that Seema is listened to as I knew it would enable her engage with services provided and make informed decisions (HCPC, 2012; Thompson, 2009). Another realization for me was that another role of the social worker was to help the service user think up of alternative solutions to her problems but not necessarily providing the final solutions (Trevithick, 2012). That is still the prerogative of the serice user. In other words, “social workers have to understand the needs of service users and carers with information that will enable them make informed decision and to understand the decisions made regarding the issues presented” (HCPC, 2012, p.10). Seema shared her innermost concerns about her family and the guilt and shame she feels that she was living a lie because all this time her family knew she was still a student and doing very well in a foreign land away from them, but the truth is, she was not a student, she was unemployed and she felt like a failure. As the social worker, I felt it was my responsibility to open her mind to options that will enable her to rise from her passivity to inform her that there is still hope for her. After informing her of what she can do, I had to respect her decisions. However, I had to assess the situation and issues she presented, determine its nature and severity and using my professional judgement and personal initiative to provide advice and support necessary at that stage of interviewing (HCPC, 2012). Social workers need to have the ability to demonstrate effective and appropriate skills in communicating advice, information and professional advice to service users. I had to draw on this knowledge to enable me provide the necessary professional advice and support that Seema needed (HCPC, 2012). I had to reassure Seema and encourage her to engage in the services provided for her so as to achieve a good outcome. In order to provide Seema with professional advice and options, I had to be knowledgeable of the services that are available for her. In the session, my colleague was able to talk about some recommended services and explained to Seema based on her expressed interest of completing her education, the services available for her to achieve her educational aspiration as this was of great concern to her. This was done by understanding Seema’s concerns and asking her what she would like to achieve in terms of the services provided. We gave her options and explained in detail to clarify and ensure she makes an informed decision. Coming from an objective frame of mind, social workers guide service users to distance themselves from the concern at hand and explain that such overwhelming emotions that the service users are undergoing are normal and can cite cases of others who have survived through the same. Then ways to resolve the problem are discussed (Egan, 2010). Opening up a service user’s mind to possibilities can enable them to realize that it is not hopeless after all, but the opportunities around them can enable them to have a better outcome. Reflection on communication In my reflective journal (Day Three), I shared that I have difficulty in communicating my feelings to people and the lesson on communication enlightened me that there are actually effective ways to communicate which I can apply to the social work setting as well as to my own personal communications. I was able to apply what I learnt about communication in the interview session with Seema. I was worried about this exercise as I know that I will be evaluated by others and I might not be an effective social worker during the interview with Seema. At the same time, I was working with a partner who for the purpose of this video interview session was also a social worker. The issues expressed in the interview session will be discussed in detail. The video skills feedback was very helpful in my own reflection about my counselling skills. I was encouraged by the positive comments of my peers and I learnt that I was both effective as well as still in need of much improvement. The positive feedback were about my empathetic listening, my summary interpretations of what the service user expressed which I learnt encapsulates what she just expressed, reflecting back on what she said to clarify the points made (Lishman, 2009; Cowan, 2012). One of the feedback I received explained that my voice was pleasant, relaxed and I expressed concern of how the service user was feeling. The feedback further explained how I referred to her by her name, and my sensitivity in taking on cues from her body language and non-verbal communication. I was praised for my clear explanation of confidentiality at the beginning of the session and my open questioning and my thoroughness in asking if the service user still had anything else to discuss. These positive feedback boost my confidence and encourages me to be better. On the other hand, my peers also noted areas I need to improve on. One significant point was my diversion to another topic when Seema was already sharing something deep that we could have probed and discussed further. For example, when Seema shared how her family expected much from her and how they think she is studying successfully abroad although she is not and that she needs to pretend that she is, for their sake, I felt I was not ready for such an intense discussion yet. I reflected what she said “From what you said, there is a lot of expectation from your family”… and then I asked, “Is there anything else that is making you low at this point?” On hindsight, I realized that I made a mistake by asking her that question almost immediately. I should have allowed Seema to express her feelings more as it was a major concern for her. Seema further explained that her family expected a lot from her. I diverted to another topic without going further to ask what she thinks she should do about it. When I asked her what else was making her low, it shifted her attention to other matters which may be less important to her or which she feels more comfortable to deal with herself. I should be able to recognize an opportunity leading to a breakthrough so the service user and I can confront the major issue together. Another example was when Seema was giving a well detailed talk and expressing her feelings about a particular issue she admitted she could not cope with and felt she did not want to be in the session so she will not go through the emotion of disclosing it. I was at a loss for words. Perhaps this was because I thought it was too soon for me to be handling heavier problems of the service user as I am not yet a qualified social worker. Reflecting back on my interviewing experience, I need to develop my communication skills more and be a better listener so as to handle service user’s cases effectively. Another feedback said I need to learn to take on cues in relation to risks. For example, the issue of Seema taking anti-depressants and her issues with food was brought out at an early stage during the interview session. Since these issues were very sensitive, they should have been discussed at a time when Seema was more relaxed so she is not intimidated to open up about it. I was more focused on the awareness of my verbal communication and did not focus on my non-verbal communication. According to the feedback I received from my course mates, they explained that my non-verbal communication was very calm and relaxed. I maintained good eye contact and positive body language. I do appreciate that they observed these, however, I guess I am more critical of myself. As I observed myself in the video, I noticed that I may have a relaxed position but my hands were clasped together. I also noticed at some point, I was playing with my hands which could be distracting to the service user. I should have my hands in a more open position and not clasped together. I leaned backwards at some point during the interview session which seemed to be too relaxed and unprofessional. Still, I was happy to note that I was nodding to some things she said and emitting emphatic sounds to convey to her that I understood her. This gesture is effective in encouraging people to go on and open up further (Wilson et al., 2011). Regarding my partnership with my partner in the interview session, I was hesitant to be working with another social worker as it might be uncomfortable to the service user. It could have made Seema feel intimidated by two professional social workers, as presented in the role play. In my reflective journal (Day Six) that I was anxious to work with fellow student and found her overpowering. Some video feedback said we were a good team, however, from my own reflection of what happened, I observed that we sometimes spoke at the same time, which can be confusing to the service user. My partner did not seem to be comfortable with gaps of silence. When Seema was trying to find words to express herself, my partner finished off her sentence, which I thought was pre-empting. I felt as though she rushed the service user to finish her sentence so she can speak or ask Seema more questions. When I watched the video, I noticed that she dominated the session, giving me less opportunity to communicate with Seema However, she was knowledgeable about resources and opportunities that Seema could look into. The aspect of collaborative social work practice and knowledge about services that are available for service users was a weakness for me as I did not know much on these area. On the other hand, I could have perhaps been more effective had I facilitated the interviewing session on my own. In doing so, I could have concentrated more on Seema and my own communication with her without the distraction of another social worker. Having said this, I appreciate the session with my partner as I learnt few skills from her. I know I have to be more confident and assert myself more. Values, service user perspectives, anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice My reading from Seden (2011) reverberates when I think about being self-aware and reflective as a social worker. She advised that social workers need to be aware of their own issues and concerns, assess their own value system and principles they uphold as well as their personal qualities and how all of these can affect their relationship with their service users. My reflections (Day Two) expressed how I question my values being a Muslim lady. I am against violence but then I hear about news of beheading innocent people in an Islamic state. I am aware that my wearing a hijab can be distracting to service users especially if they see it for the first time or if they have negative perceptions about Muslims especially that some terrorists have been identified as Muslims. But I hold on to my faith. It is one thing that drives me to desire serving others. I find it strange that being a social worker entails being anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory but I, myself, am a potential target of discrimination being a Black Muslim lady. However, I know that it is my own skill that could help others and not the colour of my skin, my religious beliefs nor my gender. As a social worker, I pledge to provide service to others regardless of their age, gender, religion, cultural background or socio-economic status. Hence, I need to assess my own prejudices if I have any, and try to eliminate them because they are bound to affect how I relate to my service users (Wilks, 2012). My first counselling experience with Seema, who came from a totally different background and race initiated me to adhere to anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practices. I did not focus on her identity as someone from another culture and religion but I focused on Seema, the vulnerable person who needed my help (Barnard et al., 2008). Learning I feel so fortunate to have learnt so much in such a short time! The lectures, readings, exercises, reflections and most especially the video skill exercise and feedback from peers all contributed to enhance my knowledge and skills in social work. In my reflective account (Day Two), I wrote how I appreciated listening to the talk of a seasoned social worker of 29 years and marvelled at her practical examples. And here I am, just beginning my journey! A large part of my learning is presented in this reflective account that helped me evaluate my skills as a future social worker. Schon (1983) defines reflection to be “involving thoughtfully considering ones own experiences in applying knowledge to practice while being coached by professionals in the discipline (p. 26). This module provides that opportunity. I know that my future practice in placement will be affected by a host of factors. For one, my personal circumstances dictate my priorities. I am a mother of two young children who are utterly dependent on my and there is no question that their needs come first. They are so much a part of me that in my reflective account (Days Five and Seven) I mentioned how they crossed my thoughts during our discussions about communicating with children and a social case about a child. I know what I learn from this course can be directly applied to my personal relationships and my multiple roles in life, including that of being a mother. I know I have learnt to communicate better, and having that skill will help me be better in dealing with others, especially my own children. At the same time, my professional skills will lead me to a successful career as a social worker that will allow me to help others as well as become a source of my livelihood. At my age, I cannot believe how much I still love to learn and make myself better. I guess I am truly a lifelong learner and nothing can hinder my pursuit of new knowledge and skills. Not only do I appreciate the theories presented in the lectures because I get exposed to a variety of perspectives from learnt practitioners that I can apply to my own practice but I enjoy listening to more practical information. Sharing experiences with my colleagues and even some resource persons have been valuable for me. I get to understand social work principles and practices more. I am proud to also give my own inputs to the discussion not necessarily as a professional but as a regular person who encounters different kinds of problems, issues and concerns and how I deal with them effectively. Being exposed a different perspectives in class has opened my mind to certain principles that I have adopted in my life which I feel no longer hold. I am aware that I am an evolving person and is a “work in progress”, relentlessly moving on to be a better person. The broadening of my mind makes me more understanding of complicated problems that people experience and less judgmental of people who may not share the same values and beliefs as I do. In this module, I feel that I have stepped out of my comfortable shell and this action requires that I develop my confidence, my communication and social interaction skills and my personality so I can adapt to the professional role I choose to play in the near future. I am glad that I have made significant progress, however, I am aware that I still have a long way to go. Sometimes, when I listen to my colleagues or to people who have more experience and knowledge than me, my self-esteem is shaken. However, the sincere desire to help others is much more powerful so I am driven to persevere. Here’s to my continuing journey with the hopes of providing light to troubled service users and making a difference in people’s lives someday soon! References BARNARD, A, HORNER,N., WILD, J. (2008) The Value Base of Social work and Social Care. Maidenhead, England: Open University Press. BRITISH ASSOCIATION OF SOCIAL WORKERS (2012) The Code of Ethics for Social Work. [online] British Association of Social Workers. Available from: http://cdn.basw.co.uk/upload/basw_112315-7.pdf [Accessed: 16th November 2014] DICKENS, J. (2012) The definition of social work in the United Kingdom, 2000–2010, International Journal of Social Welfare, 21, pp. 34-43. DOEL, M. & BEST L (2008) Experiencing Social Work: Learning from Service Users: London. Sage. COWAN, R. (2012) Lasting the course. Therapy Today. 23 (6): 14-18. DAVIDSON, J. & LAX, W.D. (1992) Reflecting conversations in the initial consultation, In S.H., Budman, M.F., Hoyt & S., Friedman (Eds.), The first session in brief therapy, New York, NY: The Guilford Press. EGAN, G (2010) The Skilled Helper. Andover: Cengage Wadsworth  HCPC (2012) LISHMAN, J. (2009) Communication in Social Work, Basingstoke. Palgrave Macmillan. PAYNE, M. (2006). What is Professional Social Work? (2nd. edn.) Bristol, BASW/Policy Press. QUINNEY, (2006) SCHÖN, D. A. (1983). The reflective practitioner: how professionals think in action. New York: Basic Books. SEDEN, J. (2011) Chapter 8: The use of self and relationship: Swimming against the tide?, Seden, S et al. (2011) Professional Development in Social Work: Abingdon. Routledge Reflective Journal (2014) THOMPSON, N. (2009). Understanding Social Work. Basingstoke. Palgrave Macmillan. TREVITHICK, P (2012) Social Work Skills and Knowledge, a Practice Handbook Maidenhead: Open University Press VAN NIJNATTEN, C. (2006) Finding the words: social work from a developmental perspective, Journal of Social Work Practice, 20 (2), 133–144. Video Skills Feedback (2014) WILKS, T (2012) Advocacy and Practice. Maidenhead: Open University Press. WILSON,K; GILLIAN, R; LYMBERY, M; COOPER, (2011) Social Work: An introduction to Contemporary Practice. Harlow. Pearson Education Limited. Read More