How to Implement the Change Process I chose to pursue a degree in Social Work because I have a deep passion for helping people figure things out and get back on track. I have always tried to help people in the simplest ways without being over intrusive and giving them the respect and dignity they deserve. As a teen I found joy in the slightest things like helping people fill out and submit job applications, filling out medical forms, and explaining to them the process for things such as obtaining Medicaid, food stamps, their food handlers card and even on where and how to apply for your driver’s license. These things may seem trivial but I guarantee that for many people this was a huge help. Working with people is not just something that happens; first you have to want to help people and be patient and understanding with the people who you are helping and that does not happen overnight, second, you must be able to recognize your own limitations and know when to refer someone to qualified professionals. Social workers practice in a variety of fields but one thing that is consistent is the process in which we deal with clients. In the following scenario, I will explain the procedural steps that I would take as a social worker to help a client identify their concerns and to provide appropriate solutions. I have a client who is 30 years old who has a professional background in secondary education, and is very well educated. She reports to me that she has been hospitalized for depression and suicide attempts both recently and in the past. She is single, has no close relationships with anyone, is unemployed, and is introverted and withdrawn. The client reports that she has been seeing someone for help for a period of four months but is ... ... middle of paper ... ...rces. In order to properly help people, social workers must follow the change process: “ First, engage clients in an appropriate working relationship; Second, Identify issues, problems, needs, resources, and assets; Third, collect and assess the data; Fourth, plan for delivery of services; Fifth, use your communication skills, and consult with your supervisor; Sixth, identify, analyze and implement your interventions to reach the clients goals; Seventh, apply empirical knowledge and technological advances; and finally, evaluate your outcomes and the practice effectiveness” (Zastrow, 2010). That and treating your clients with the respect and dignity they deserve are some of the fundamental skills of being in the social work field. Works Cited Zastrow, C. (2010). Introduction to social work and social welfare: Empowering people (10th ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Popple, P. R, & L. Leighninger. (2011). Social Work, Social Welfare, and American Society. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Popple , P. R., & Leighninger, L. (2011). Social work, social welfare, and american society. (8th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Morales, A., Sheafor, B. W., & Scott, M. E. (2012). Social work: a profession of many faces. (12th ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
I knew I loved to help others but it was not until I was an emerging adult that I knew what my calling was. My devotion to improve the quality of life for those who are disadvantaged is one of the reasons I have chosen to pursue a Master’s in Social Work. After obtaining my masters, I plan on diversifying my masters by getting licensed and becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I would like to study social work because I feel it will lead me directly to one of the most emotionally fulfilling careers available, as well as giving me the chance to combine helping people 's mental well being with their physical
Social Workers are very important to everyday life. They are the ones that help people in need when they have nobody else to turn too. Also, they provide resources and better understanding of predicaments that you could be experiencing. I will reflect on how the class has affected me, my own experiences and how some theories have connected to my life experiences, and lastly, if the class helped toward my major. This class is important for someone that wants to become a social worker and wants to learn about the different theories used. Also, learning about me during this process of completing this class is fun and a way to see if the social work profession is right for me. There was many theories explained throughout this class but many will not be said because it wasn’t the main points that I was trying to get across. There are two tools that are used that can help a social worker organize a client’s life: Bubble map and Briefcase exercise. There are so many different ways a social worker can help a client deal with their problems and come up with a solution. It is up to that social worker to identify the client’s problem and see what theory fits.
The Masters degree of Social Work (MSW) is a degree that defines who you are and where you are going career-wise. If you are getting a Masters Degree in social work you are most likely going into the field of social work. This deems the question of why I want to go into the specific field of social work. A main reason for me to go into the field of social work is that social work fits my set of values moreso than any other field I am qualified for. Social work is a profession inherently about helping people improve their lives. That kind of work is noble and something I would like to do for the rest of my life. I have always wanted to do things and have a career that would help people and empower their lives. I believe helping people is the only way I can have a clear conscience and sleep well at night. My personal values center around helping people but also about helping people help themselves and improve their own lives. I do not want to treat people who utilize social work services as charity cases or as victims. That is not fair to those people and strips them of their humanity. I hope I can utilize my career as a social work to do as much good as possible in the United States and in the world.
The National Association of Social Workers, NASW, considers the following as its six most core values; service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. The value of service is considered to be a core value because offering help to those in need is a crucial goal for all of those looking to practice in the field of Social Work. These services can include, but are not limited to, addressing social problems, helping those in need, and volunteering their knowledge to those who cannot otherwise afford such help. Social Justice is also an important core value for a Social Worker to develop. As a Social Worker one will encounter many people from several different walks of life, no two cases will ever be exactly the same. Some of these walks of life can leave a client vulnerable, defenseless, exploited, oppressed, and troubled. Therefore it is important to learn what Social Justice is, and how to help people from falling victim to injustice. Dignity and Worth of the Person is one of the most important values that one should uphold. People who need the help of a Social Worker many, but not all, times feel powerless, embarrassed, and worthless because they feel as though they cannot control aspects of their life an...
Thompson, N (2005) Understanding Social Work: Preparing for Practice, Palgrave, MacMillan (Second Edition) Hampshire (Supplementary Course Reader)
Sheafor, B. W., & Horejsi, C. R. (2012). Techniques and guidelines for social work practice (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Allyn & Bacon. (Sheafor & Horejsi, 2011)
I have chosen social work as a profession because of my passion to help others. I want to make a difference in someone’s life and help them through the problems they are having. Whether the client needs counseling, guidance, or advocacy I want to be the person to help them. My drive for helping others and motivation to change social policies for the better is why I have chosen social work as my future profession.
Krysik, J. L. & Finn, J. (2013). Research for effective social work practice. New York, NY:
Sowers, K. M. and Dulmus, C. N. 2008. Comprehensive handbook of social work and social welfare. Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley & Sons
A social worker must have the knowledge and skills to apply to intervention strategies that can address key issues through a wide range of tools (Miley, O’Melia & Dubois 2013, p. 7). To devise an intervention plan for the case study, Miley’s (2013, p. 112) four step model is utilised.
Wilson, K. et al. al., 2011 - p. 78. Social Work: 'Introduction to Contemporary Practice'. 2nd ed.
My reasoning behind deciding to pursue a career in social work stems from my seemingly innate desire to see others succeed in fulfilling their potential. Although it feels somewhat of a cliché, my passion and desire for the field of social work originates from a genuine wish to make a positive difference in people’s lives.