literature

Self reflection

Self reflection in 3 to 5 double-spaced pages, explore your professional “self” as it relates to the human relationships that you will build at your field placement this year with your Field Instructor, your clients and with other professionals. Consider the following questions while developing your self-reflection.

a. Identify and reflect on the strengths that you bring to the social work profession in terms of your knowledge, skills and values. Discuss how these strengths might influence your ability to work collaboratively with people.

I have gained diversified skills throughout my career. I contribute my integrity, values and morals to my upbringing as well as my experience in the military. This will reflect in my work ethic, working along side others, as well as direct work with clients. Working in the legal field and insurance arena, I understand the importance of confidentiality. Clients can be comfortable and confident that I will uphold these expectations when working with them. I am enthusiastic and passionate not only about becoming an expert in my field, but seeing the results of my efforts. My insatiable desire to produce and continually succeed translates into a strong work ethic and willingness to “go the extra mile” to see a project through to completion at its highest level of quality. I have exceptional interpersonal skills which allow me to effectively meet client’s needs, explain a method or process, and or manage expectations to guarantee client satisfaction.
As an veteran and former athlete, I am accustomed to and comfortable working as part of a team. As the liaison between clients and production staff (as well as any third party vendors), I understand group dynamics, how to successfully self-manage and self-motivate, the importance of communication within the group (especially when conflicts arise), and how collective individual efforts ultimately contribute to the overall success of the group. My competitive nature drives me to continually strategize to stay ahead on policies and procedures. Furthermore, I am extremely organized, which allows me to efficient (although I constantly look for ways to become more efficient). In addition, I pride myself on being able to multi-task without becoming overwhelmed, even when jobs are in various stages of completion. I am proactive, but in the case things go awry, I have the ability to maintain composure and professional attitude while handling high-pressure deadlines is essential.

b. Identify and reflect on the professional challenges you may encounter in the social work field. Analyze how these challenges might affect your relationships with colleagues and clients. Outline how you expect to address these challenges in your social work field practicum experience.
I lack the personal experience in working with a population of opioid addiction. My knowledge in this field is through reading and study, as well as attending seminars on the opioid crisis. I want to understand what the needs of the clients are, and how I can assist them to the best of my ability. Working directly in this field will give me the hands on experience I need to prepare me in working with this population in the future.

c. Describe how your previous experiences in school and work settings prepared you for working in the social work field.

My previous experience dates back to high school when I attended a two-year program in Child Development. This program allowed me to have hands on experience with underserved children in Head Start while studying children’s growth and development. I entered the military, where I worked as a Paralegal and spent a lot of time doing case studies and learning the legal system. I saw how the law protects people, both victims/witnesses, as well as it protects the accused. I worked directly on a domestic violence/child abuse case and was the liaison between the victims and the lawyers. For three years, I lead the victim/witness unit, and provided information and resources to those in need. I assisted relocating families and supported all efforts during the transition. Later in life, as a property manager, I worked with Section 8 Housing Authorities and Veterans Support Groups to find housing and fund underprivileged and underserved individuals and families. As a project relations coordinator, I worked hand in hand to provide support to adults and children while transitioning them from homelessness into the workforce. And as a personal care assistant, I worked with children with autism. I am familiar with working with those with a history of homelessness, behavioral health issues and providing direct support to children with emotional and behavior disorders. I am savvy in resources available to these folks and am a self-starter in finding a solution, in order to serve my clients.

d. How do your answers to the previous questions help articulate your reasons for pursuing a Master’s degree in social work?
I’ve always had the compassion and desire to help others. ….(need help here)

e. What do you hope to most learn from this Field Practicum experience?
I want to learn the entire process of treating one with opioid addiction, from their initial visit, through treatment and rehabilitation, detoxification, counseling, to their aftercare plan. I want to understand how a person becomes addicted so that I can help provide the services to help support and encourage them overcome the addiction.