PORTFOLIO SERIES
Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Social workers understand that engagement is a vital, changing, and ongoing process when working with and on behalf of clients. Social workers value human relationships and understand the role they play in social work. Social workers understand and utilize theories of human behavior and person in environment framework to facilitate engagement with clients and constituencies. Social workers are introspective and understand how bias, power, privilege, can impact their ability to effectively engage clients. Social workers are aware of how their personal values and their worldview can affect client engagement if not effectively managed. Social workers use the NASW code of ethics to support interprofessional collaboration to further engagement with clients, constituencies, and other professionals.
Demonstrated Skills & Projects
Community Engagement and Partnership
This semester I developed a process chart to support conversations relating to engaging with churches and community organizations in Muskegon. This process flow touches on talking points for facilitating partnerships with local organizations. MDHHS is currently seeking more locations to conduct parenting times, so I have been coordinating efforts to build partnerships in the community. Discussions with local organizations involve explaining the needs of MDHHS, gathering information about availability of spaces for parenting times, documenting expectations of organizations that we will be partnering with, and compiling and organizing information gathered from these discussions.
Theory of Human Behavior: Cognitive Behavioral Theory
This paper is a review of the literature pertaining to cognitive behavioral theory. This literature review consists of the developmental history of the theory, current research and applications of the theory, and cultural adaptations when using this theory in practice.
Impact Analysis & Key Insights
Reflection on Practice: Aside from the projects demonstrated in this competency, I have a decent amount of experience working to engage with individuals in the field. My engagement skills are strong and I greatly value spending as much time as is needed to build rapport with clients in order to facilitate engagement.
Future Implications: Moving forward, I plan to continue building expertise in faciliating engagement as I work with involuntary clients.