Reflection Paper On Social Work

When my search began for an internship site I had no experience in the social work profession. I had some professional experience in a half-way house for men and believed my professional future would be in some form of drug and alcohol rehabilitation. With limited experience I was not only concerned about the availability of potential sites but also the ability to interview well with limited experience. When I first met my internship counselor she assured me a placement would occur. We connected on a few occasions and she suggested potential sites would be calling but the phone remained silent. With the beginning of the semester rapidly approaching I grew worried. I finally received a call for an interview with The Squirrel Hill Community Food Pantry (SHCFP), and Ms. Claire Burbea. During the interview I made it clear I had no experience with food pantries, no direct knowledge of the Jewish Religious principles, and no experience with social work. She was gracious and accepted the challenge of teaching me the profession from the ground up. From the first day until the present she has been supportive, patient, and most of all an excellent teacher and mentor.
The staff and volunteers at the SHCFP had been very friendly, supportive, and willing to assist

I found that very few people actually want to ask for assistance. When individuals must answer very personal financial questions it requires patience and understanding. To put a case together for presentation to the SOS board members involves the ability to tell the clients story. An understanding of the individual, their family, and the circumstances that placed them in the current financial position. Further, the understanding of how this assistance will make them self-sufficient going forward required the use of interviewing skills I learned in class as well as asking for help from my supervisor to uncover missing