Demonstrated in Field Work
Competency 1
Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
1. In my experiences at the Family Access Center (FAC) I have been involved in a multitude of responsibilities. I keep track of and report the weekly productivity of the staff to my field instructor. I have been actively involved in the substance use disorder group therapy. I review virtual substance use disorder trainings.
Competency 2
Competency 2: Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
2. The FAC is made up of a very diverse staff and client base. At FAC I interacted with people of a multitude of races, sexes, ages, and religious backgrounds. Being from a very diverse background myself I have always exposed me to a variety of cultural experiences. Working collaboratively with diverse clients assisted in my understanding of individuality.
Competency 3
Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
3. Being part of the Family Treatment Court (FTC) afforded me the opportunity to witness how passionate I am about advocating human rights. The FTC works collaboratively with various agencies involved to best assist the client and their family unit. The FTC client’s therapist, counselor, probation officers and DHS caseworker work collaboratively. I took part in FTC where Judge Stephanie Fork overseen the collaboration of staff from various agencies. Every Wednesday from 1pm-4pm where Judge Parry over seen all activity between clients and staff. Judge Parry made the final decisions of what the client’s next step would entail.
Introduction [H1] (samhsa.gov)
Competency 4
Competency 4: Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
4. I have partaken in a research study in a previous course as a team member. I understand later in this course I will have the opportunity to conduct research on my own. I am putting together a list of resources for my area to help me in the future. This requires some research on my part.
Competency 5
Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice
5. After shadowing FTC it is evident that there are agencies working hard for the greater good of the clients. FTC’s system allows the judge to work collaboratively with social service, therapists, substance use disorder case managers, probation officer, and more. Most importantly the judge gets to hear from the client directly and gets to communicate all questions and concerns directly to the client. The client is viewed more as an individual and not just another docket number. This is positive change in the law system that feels good to be part of.
I was in charge of reviewing a change in policy with staff at FAC. This policy affects social workers in substance use disorder agencies. I informed the staff on the changes made to the policy CFR 42 (Part 2).
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Competency 6
Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
6. Since being part of FAC I have had the opportunity to get involved on various levels. Micro with being one-on-one with clients. Mezzo by sitting in and actively being involved in SUD group. Macro by being part of the family court and reviewing the laws that punish and protects the clients. This very broad experience has been beneficial in my learning process. On a micro level one client voiced wanting to only focus on Cognitive Distortion. Feeling this is what gives them strength to avoid relapse.
Competency 7
Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
7. I have been given the opportunity to get to know the clients I shadow on a personal level. Each time we met I learn new important details about their life. This helps my understanding of how assessing the clients is an ongoing process. There is always changes happening to people on a regular basis. These changes can be minimal, or it can be life altering. Re-assessing the clients periodically can help the social worker get a better understanding of their circumstances. Which will help in better assisting the client. FAC follows SAMHSA guidelines when assessing, evaluating, or discharging a client. Even when writing case notes FAC follows SAMHSA’s criteria for documenting client information. See below what are some examples of what this looks like.
Appendix D: Examples of Screening and Assessment Tools for Substance Use Disorders (samhsa.gov)
Competency 8
Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
8. Being part of the Family Therapy Court (FTC) has given me experience in collaborating with various professionals outside of social work. FTC is a great example of agencies working collaboratively to better assist the client. It is voluntary program to offer the client the best chance to start a sober lifestyle and begin the process of regaining control of their life. I took part in reviewing SAMHSA motivational counseling. Which assists social workers and counselors in intervening.
SAMHSA TIP 35 Enhancing Motivation for Change in Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Competency 9
Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
9. I had the opportunity to evaluate my own client by working directly with her. Evaluating the outcome of methods has helped and will continue help me in accessing whether it is effective or not. One thing that I understand after being at Family Access Center is not every method is going to have a successful outcome. As a social worker, we should have a plan B and C when working with clients. Encourage the client in knowing that it is okay if things do not work as planned. We will then assist the client in thinking of a new plan of attack.
Substance Use Disorder
Social Work 