Unit 1 was split into three sessions: Session L1 Expectation, Principles and Values which highlights the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) keeping focus on the levels and domains of the framework and the skills and capabilities needed for the entry level. According to the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), “The Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) is an overarching professional standards framework, originally developed by the social Work Reform Board, and now managed and delivered by British Association of Social Workers (BASW),,,” This was an interesting read as it enabled me to understand that social workers need to develop personally and professionally in order to give sound account for their work. Session 1.2 examined the Values Principles and Responsibilities concerned with Social Work. I learned that the Code of Ethics used was the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), and that this Code was chosen because it addressed different issues which may arise in the profession of social work.
This Session erected a lot of personal feelings and thoughts as to my initial reactions to situations (I will share my feelings on these below), Unit 2 was also divided into three sessions: Session 2.1 discussed the Generalist Practice and the Generalist Social Worker, which was very timely as it linked to Unit one. It discussed the systems theory, the application of the generalist practice, and advised the importance of self awareness while working with clients. There were activities given, one of which focused on my potential of becoming a generalist social worker was quite interesting, which I will summarise below when discussing my feelings about this Unit, Session 2.2 focused on the Generalist Practice model, which is used in problem solving or in the planned change process. The four types of systems in social work were introduced, namely: the client, change agent, target, and action systems.
Examples and scenarios were used to examine, and apply understanding to these systems which made all the difference in my understanding of application of the theory to a case Session 23 gave insight on how to keep our Reflective Journal. Feelings Unit 1 reading was very enlightening, Having already completed the Associates Degree in Social Work, this was a refresher for me. There was, however, new information, which I didn’t hesitate to jot down The entire Unit’s information was welcome and I went through using my active reading skills. However, Session 1‘3 had a rather exciting Activity concerned with Values Clarification. I discussed a personal value I would never compromise, which was self respect. Self respect to me is about how I appreciate myself and my worth and is more personal to me than what others think of me. Knowing and understanding myself, valuing the efforts I contribute to my development is important. My self-respect cannot be taken from me.
The other part of the Activity had to do with Instrumental and Terminal Values which challenged me to knock off values I hold dear in order to find the ones that were most important to me. The two remaining Instrumental values I was left with after breaking it down were: responsible and clean. After completing my readings, I realised how important it is that social workers be organized. Also, when I was doing my internship with the Ministry of Social Development here in Grenada, the social worker with whom 1 Worked expressed how important this skill of organisation I exhibited was to the profession, Also, happiness and cleanliness goes hand in hand, and, as I discussed in the Learning Exchange, this is something that has always been a part of me, and it keeps me at liberty to make good decisions with my mind being clutter free.
The three-terminal values were: freedom, self respect, and true friendship: With my firm belief in freedom, I believe that everyone should be free to make choices which reflect their wishes, This was emphasized in the reading, Self Respect is important as it allows me to live without regret; and confidence is something I wear every day, which I owe to the sole trait of respecting myselfi True Friendship is something, if experienced, one would never feel regretr The power of true friendship has helped me to be stronger and more resilient I have come to realize that these values and important to me and have been for many, many years of my life. This has also built my character and allowed me to see myself through others. Unit 2’s Learning Activity 22 encouraged me to reflect on my potential to be a generalist social worker; this made me feel empowered.
I saw this as a bright opportunity to say: Yes! I do have the potential to be a generalist social worker because I am strengthening my knowledge base to present a holistic, electric perspective to dealing with cases/clients, I am aware of the power of strengths in order to build resilience and help others face and cope with challenges and I understand that others are capable and has the right to make decisions that are best for them, and I accept that I understand that the main function of a social worker is to focus on the wellbeing of others. Evaluation/Analysis The National Association of Social work (2008) shared some Core Values and Ethical Principles from which Social Workers should aspire to follow in problem-solving This is how I would use it: Service – helping people in need and addressing social problems, This is important to resolve issues such as child abuse, homelessness, criminal and offensive behaviours; the General Systems Theory would be perfect to help persons in these situations since it does notjust focus on the individual/environment, but looks into the system which may be causing the problems.
As a social worker, I would challenge social justice on behalf of people who are vulnerable and oppressed. This is Important in helping families in poverty or example someone who is being discriminated against. Dignity and Worth of the Person a I will respect all people regardless of differences. This can be used to show appreciation to each person and celebrate their differences, and in turn, boost their confidence levels and make them trust your Importance of Human Relationships e If I recognize the importance of relationship among myself and others I can also help others reflect on their relationship with peers and their environment and assist in mending relationships which are broken, Integrity – Social Workers are to behave in a trustworthy manner; this can solve issues by developing the trust of the client whereby they can open up to help pinpoint the exact problem in order help/intervene Competence – This is important to me since social workers should practice within the area of competence and develop and enhance their professional expertise.
If a client realizes that I am not comfortable, my acLions are forced and not experienced, they will not open up to me, In order to be effective, one should practice in an area in which they are strong. Therefore, that area should be developed This is particularly encouraging since I am aware of my interest in Individuals, couples and families and think this would be my strong point, so I know the areas in which I should build myself. Also, I am someone who is really good at getting people to become comfortable and open up. I know this quality would be important to this profession Reflections Reflection makes me quiver sometimes, because I wonder if my goals are on track, what I will do to get there, if should I fail at some point how do 1 rise above that, and I have come to realize that, that fear in me is actually a fire, a sound mind thinking ahead, at power that I cannot contain for too long, and I want to get there; it is the anticipation of a powerful social worker to be; this is my ultimate goals.
When I think about the Core Values and even while reading on General Practice and social worker, something came to mind I remembered during my internship the Social Worker with whom I was working with asked me and another intern three questions: ”Have you ever been extremely hungry and have absolutely nothing to eat?” “Have you ever wanted something really bad but could not have it?” “How did you feel during that time?” The answer was yes, I knew what it felt like to be hungry, to have a want that cannot be met (the love of my father) and I remember the feeling it caused, the frustration, the anger, and physical and mental weakness. While the social worker and other Intern did not have that experience, they were shocked to hear mine. If I can use this feeling to feel for others (empathy) and understand why they act out or behave the way they do, then I may be in a better position to actually assist effectively. I want to be the best social worker I can possibly be to my country and to serve well.
I do best with individual and families, and according to what I read, this is service at the Micro level. I appreciate how reading these two Units helped me engage with self. Action Plan My main plan of action now will be to familiarize myself with the theories and the systems used in the process of social work. This will enable me to develop my electric knowledge base where I can pull out the necessary information suited for specific problem solving from a wide variety of information. 1 do not have any questions at this time, everything was clear, but to further develop my understanding on the information I will research and continue my readings as each Unit links one to the other. With a bright and outstanding future ahead as a social worker. Units one and two strengthened my knowledge base, I am aware of my values and myself, and will continue to develop as a person to better be able to move among the levels of this profession.
