SOCW 6530 WU Field Education Social Work Aspect Discussion Responses
ANSWER
Response to Charmaine:
Chae,rmain your experience at ChildNet sounds truly enriching and transformative. I appreciate your reflection on the significance of field education in social work. It’s evident that this practical exposure has allowed you to apply and enhance your social work knowledge and skills effectively.
One aspect of your post that resonated with me is your mention of self-reflection regarding personal biases and cultural awareness. This is such a critical component of social work practice. It’s not just about learning textbook theories and techniques but also about understanding the complex interplay of cultural factors and biases that can influence our interactions with clients. In my own experience, I found that self-awareness and cultural competence workshops during field education were instrumental in helping me become a more culturally sensitive and effective social worker.
Moreover, your mention of working with individuals, families, and communities showcases the diversity of experiences that social work offers. It’s impressive that you were able to multitask and work well in a demanding atmosphere, as this skill is invaluable in the field. It’s also heartening to hear that you’ve developed the ability to challenge yourself in tough situations, as this resilience is a hallmark of successful social workers.
Overall, your post highlights the real-world challenges and growth opportunities that social work field education provides. It’s evident that your experiences at ChildNet have contributed significantly to your professional development.
Response to Denise:
Denise, it’s great to read about your diverse experiences during your social work field education, where you encountered clients with varying levels of motivation for change. This is a common reality in social work, and it indeed challenges us to adapt and develop our professional identities.
I appreciate your insight into the ongoing nature of professional development in social work, which aligns with Berkenmaier and Berg-Weger’s perspective. As you mentioned, the transition from being a student to a practitioner and potentially to a supervisor or administrator is a continuous journey of growth and evolution. I also agree with your point about the importance of interaction with colleagues, supervisors, and clients in this growth process. Learning from others, whether it’s through mentorship or collaboration, can significantly shape our identities as social workers.
Your mention of skills such as assessments, interventions, care plans, and discharge planning underscores the practical and hands-on nature of field education. These skills are essential for providing effective social work services, and it’s great to hear that you’ve been able to build on them during your field experience.
Lastly, your emphasis on dedication and hard work as key components of your success is crucial. Social work is undoubtedly demanding, but the dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of others is what sets social workers apart.
Thank you for sharing your valuable insights into the development of your professional identity in social work.
Response to Jennifer:
Jennifer, your description of your social work field education experience highlights the practicality and relevance of this phase in preparing for a career in social work. It’s evident that you’ve gained valuable insights and skills that will serve you well in your future endeavors.
I particularly appreciate your emphasis on meeting clients where they are and the importance of assessing and intervening appropriately. This client-centered approach is fundamental in social work and can make a significant difference in the lives of those you serve. Your commitment to the betterment of society through social work is commendable.
Your reference to Berkenmaier and Berg-Weger’s perspective on field education as a training tool and stepping stone for professional development resonates with the broader understanding of this phase in social work education. It’s not just about acquiring theoretical knowledge but also about applying it in real-world situations.
I also appreciate your focus on self-awareness and self-assessment. These skills are essential for personal and professional growth, and the willingness to ask for help and seek guidance when needed is a sign of maturity and a commitment to ethical practice.
Your mention of a personal action plan for the future is an excellent practice. It reflects a proactive approach to ongoing professional development, which is essential in a dynamic field like social work.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and insights into the development of your professional identity in social work. It’s clear that you have a strong foundation and a commitment to lifelong learning and growth.
QUESTION
Description
Respond to the blog posts of three colleagues in one or more of the following ways: (Please be very thorough)
- Validate an idea in your colleague’s post with your own experience.
- Share an insight from having read your colleague’s posting.
- Expand on your colleague’s post.
Response to Charmaine
- An explanation of your social work field education experience, including the development of your professional identity.
Field education is an important aspect of social work and is said to be the most significant to the learning process for the social work student (Vassos, Harms, & Rose, 2019). Although stressful and nearing burnout, field experience for me has been nothing short of amazing. By completing my field experience at ChildNet under the Service Coordination department I was able to apply and build on my social work knowledge and skills through supervision, the learning agreement, working with individuals, families, and communities. ChildNet provides a variety of services to abused, abandoned, and neglected children and families within the community (ChildNet, n.d.). During my field experience, I engaged in self-reflection about personal biases and cultural awareness through practice and trainings.
References
ChildNet-About ChildNet. (n.d.). Retrieved November 4, 2019, from http://www.childnet.us/
Vassos, S., Harms, L., & Rose, D. (2019). Exploring Rotation Placements for Social Work: A Focus on Student and Supervisor Experiences. Journal of Social Work Education, 55(2), 280–293. Retrieved from https://search-ebscohost-com.ezp.waldenulibrary.or…
Response to Denise
An explanation of your social work field education experience, including the development of your professional identity
I feel that I’ve experienced both ends of the spectrum and grateful for the experience. Some clients wanted to improve their lives, and some did not. Those situations challenged me and assisted in my professional identity. Professional development started when we began our programs and can continue to develop during our lives, (Berkenmair & Berg-Weger, 2018). We are moving forward to the next step in our lives. Now we must explore our next step. According to Berkenmair and Berg-Weger (2018), our career evolves as we move from student to practitioner or supervisor to administrator. As an intern social worker, I learned a lot from colleagues, my field supervisor, my professors, staff, and clients while working in field education and that interaction plays into our growing and increasing our understanding. I was also able to build on my skills with assessments, interventions, care plans and discharge planning. Through these experiences I have developed the ability to challenge myself in tough situations in a timely and satisfactory manner. By multitasking it enable me to be more productive within a demanding atmosphere. Aside from that, the ability to work well with others is a crucial part of most social interactions, as we are forced to interact with individuals in our social and personal realm. Active listening and an open dialogue were the keys to good communication. This has helped me to fulfill my obligations as a team member of Caribbean Community Connection. Dedication and hard work were additional components that have enabled me to gain grounded.
References:
Birkenmaier, J., & Berg-Weger, M. (2018). The practicum companion for social work: Integrating class and fieldwork (4th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson.
Caribbean Community Connection of Orlando, Inc. (n.d). Retrieved from http://www.caribecc.org/home/organizational_initiative
Response to Jennifer
An explanation of your social work field education experience, including the development of your professional identity.
My social work field education experience was a learning opportunity to better equip me for real world situations that will occur in the field of social work. Having the ability to provide services for the vulnerable population has given me insight and knowledge on how to meet clients where the are, assess and intervene when appropriate. I believe with out a doubt that social work is a career path I have chosen for the betterment of society. I consider my experience as part of my networking for future employment as well. According to Birkenmaier, Berg-Weger (2018) The practicum experience is intended as a training tool and a steeping stone for professional development (p228). Implementing my practice skills such as, active listening, empathy, and intra personal skills allowed for me to use best practices approaches and knowledge of human behavior which allowed me to engage with a diversity of clients in a therapeutic process.
Self awareness and self assessment is a part of my growth personally and professionally. Knowing what I can and cannot handle allows me room for growth and opportunity to improve in my knowledge and practice skills development. During my field experience I learned to ask for help when I don’t know what to do. Learning not be afraid to ask for help or ask questions assisted me with providing services for clients by meeting the clients needs. My professional identity has enhanced in becoming a more competent and focus social worker in a way, that allowed me to provide ethical and holistic approaches to vulnerable population I have encountered through out my social work profession at Careresource. My Learning is far from over so being an effective social worker I shall be committed to life long learning process such as trainings, CEU, pursing my LCSW or PHD. According to Birkemaier, Berg-Weger (2018) to be an effective social worker, self assessment and a “reality check” are important and normal stages of professional development. Having a personal action plan for the future is a part of my professional identity. Laureate Education (2013)
References
Birkenmaier, J., & Berg-Weger, M. (2018). The practicum companion for social work: Integrating class and fieldwork (4th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson.
Laureate Education (Producer). (2013e). Self-assessment and looking ahead [Audio file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu
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