Due 06/13/2019Various agencies contribute to the social services offered in social work practice. Although the goal of many social work agencies may appear the same—to offer social services to clients who need them—each agency provides a unique approach or opportunity to deliver those needs. As a future social worker, understanding the position of your agency in reference to the world of social work practice might provide valuable perspectives for applying your professional skills. For this Assignment, research the agency you are working with for your field education experience. Examine the characteristics of your agency in reference to the field of social work and the types of services offered to clients. The Assignment (8–10 PowerPoint slides, voice over optional): Create an Agency PowerPoint Presentation that includes the following: Define the characteristics of the population(s) served by your agency.Describe the sources of funding for your agency.Explain the agency’s mission statement and compare it to your agency learning agreement.Describe the organizational structure of your agency.Bright Futures Ahead Mission statementThe mission of Bright Futures Ahead is to provide the
highest quality services in a supportive environment, promoting dignity and
respect that will improve the quality of our client’s lives while allowing them
their own voices to create their own destinies.Population served – Youth, adolescents (ages 5 -17 years) and adults in low-to-moderate income families who have a qualifying mental health diagnosis.Sources of funding – Maryland MedicaidOrganization Structure – CEO/Program Director,COO/Safety Officer, CFO/Compliance Officer, Exec. Assistant / HR Director, Admin Assistant, Rehabilitation Specialist (Licensed Social worker), Rehabilitation Coordinators
Bright Futures Ahead
CEO/
Program
Director
COO/
Safety Officer
Exec.
Assistant
Admin
Assistant
1.A.1 Leadership – Organizational Chart
CFO/
Compliance
Officer
Rehabilitation
Specialist
Rehabilitation
Coordinators
Bright Futures Ahead
CEO/
Program
Director
COO/
Safety Officer
Exec.
Assistant
Admin
Assistant
1.A.1 Leadership – Organizational Chart
CFO/
Compliance
Officer
Rehabilitation
Specialist
Rehabilitation
Coordinators
MSW Advanced Clinical Concentration -Student Learning Agreement
Walden University — Barbara Solomon School of Social Work
Used with SOCW 6520 and SOCW 6530
Agency Name: [Type here]
Agency Address: «AddressBlock»
Student Information
Name: Bonita McMorris
Walden Email:
[email protected]
Phone: (443) 250-9950
Academic Term
Example: Winter 2016
Instructor/Supervisor
Information
Name: Esperanza Ballenilla, LMSW
Email:
[email protected]
Phone: (410) 744-1340
Faculty Liaison
Information
Name: Dr. Nicole Cavanaugh
Email:
Phone: [Type here]
Course Number
Example: SOCW 6520-10
SOCW652-9
Agency Info
Description: Mental Health
Agency
Population Served: Youth,
Adolescents and Adults
Proposed Schedule: Mon-Thurs – 8 am to 2 pm (weekends when applicable)
Describe what your regular tasks will be at the agency: engaging with a caseload of 4 clients, community advocacy,
conducting assessments, developing individualized treatment plans, participating in team multi-disciplinary team and staff
meetings, facilitation of groups, community outreach, program development, restorative practices and quarterly reporting
of agency business.
Importance of the Learning Agreement
Purpose of the Learning Agreement: The learning agreement is designed to ensure students are mindful about the learning expectations in their
field placement. It was developed to help students and supervisors/instructors plan a well-rounded experience that will help students meet the
learning objectives.
Learning Objectives: The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) requires students gain competency in nine areas of social work practice. These
areas of practice are defined as core competencies of the profession. Each core competency requires particular behaviors students should be able
to engage and gain competency in. Students should provide examples of activities in the agency they can participate in to help them meet the
learning objectives. Some examples of activities are provided. This is not an exhaustive list, so others can be added. Students must have an
opportunity to complete tasks in all nine areas of competency.
Connection to the Student Evaluation: Not only is the learning agreement a helpful tool to plan the learning goals for the term, but it connects
directly to the evaluation points in the student evaluation. Field Instructors/supervisors will be asked to complete student evaluations. Each
student is evaluated on the nine core competencies of social work. Having a solid learning agreement aligns the learning goals with the student’s
evaluation, so no areas are missed.
Instructions
Negotiating the Agreement: The learning agreement should be completed by week 3 at the agency. This is a collaborative process, where the field
instructor/supervisor and student meet to establish goals for the term. The student will then submit the agreement to the faculty liaison for
feedback and comments. Once everyone is happy with the agreement, all parties sign the agreement. During the evaluation session, toward the
end of the quarter, the student and instructor/supervisor should meet to discuss progress and challenges with the plan and develop ways to adjust
the learning for the remainder of the placement and the next quarter.
Form Layout:
Each page/grid is devoted to one of the nine Social Work Core Competencies. Students must have experience in all nine competencies.
Section Descriptions:
Expected Behaviors – the expected behaviors are those that are identified based on the concentration area. These behaviors should be
demonstrated by students during the term of the field placement/internship.
Agency Activities-These are examples of particular activities that students can do at the agency to demonstrate the expected behaviors.
Most of these are general to all settings. However, if they don’t quite match, feel free to add/change these to fit with the context of your
agency. Check all activities that apply.
Field Course Assignments-These are a few examples of field course assignments that help reinforce the Social Work Core Competencies.
Students will be required to complete all field course assignments.
How to Complete the Form:
a- By week 2, students should complete all student designated sections on the learning agreement and discuss it with their supervisor/instructor.
b- By week 3, students should upload the learning agreement to Blackboard for the faculty liaison to review. (Only upload agreements that have been
approved by your supervisor/instructor).
c- After the faculty liaison reviews and signs the agreement, the student and instructor should sign it.
d- After the agreement has been signed, the student will upload it to Meditrek.
Learning Agreement
Social Work Core Competency 1 – Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Expected Behaviors – You will be
evaluated on these at the end of the
quarter
Agency Activities to help you achieve the Field Course Assignments – Complete
expected behaviors- Check ALL that
these in the course when assigned.
apply AND add other activities specific to
your agency.
a- Makes clinically appropriate decisions based on
the NASW Code of Ethics, and other local, state,
and federal legal statutes and regulations.
Adhere to ethical standards outlined by the
NASW and other social work organizations
b- Identifies and manages personal values to
provide clinical service delivery, according to
professional values and standards.
SOCW 6520 (Field III) Assignments:
Self-Assessment Assignment (Week1)
Discuss personal values in supervision when
they conflict with the values of the profession and
adjust practice as needed.
Blog post on confidentiality (Week 2)
Blog Post safety in field (Week 3)
c-Incorporates professional behavior when
engaging clients, families, colleagues, and other
professionals.
Recognize personal triggers that could impede
effectiveness with clients. Discuss those triggers
with your supervisor.
Blog Post on Supervision (Week 4)
d- Evaluate the ethical and appropriate use
technology to facilitate delivery of clinical social
work services
Discuss case scenarios with my supervisor and
faculty liaison that require ethical reasoning.
Seek guidance when you experience and ethical
dilemma.
Use of Self Blog (Week 8)
e-Integrates principles of supervision and
consultation to guide professional judgment and
behavior.
f-Demonstrates professional development by
identifying the specialized skills and knowledge
needed to practice clinical social work.
Blog on Ethics (Week 5)
Maintain professional boundaries with clients
and others and discuss and potential boundary
challenges in supervision.
Use professional communication and
interaction with clients, colleagues, and others.
Recognize your professional responsibility to
the client, the profession, and the agency.
Adhere to agency polices about technology
and record keeping. Discuss with your supervisor
any potential ethical challenges that may arise
because of the use of technology.
Add other activities here:
For Student: After reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how these expectations and
activities will help you increase competence in ethical and professional behavior. For example, how will you use your
strengths, improve knowledge, develop skills, and address any areas you need to improve as a professional (be specific)?
For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you develop as a professional social worker (these goals should
address areas of growth and professional development).
For Student: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison:
Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during evaluation).
Social Work Core Competency 2 – Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
Expected Behaviors – You will be
evaluated on these at the end of the
quarter
Agency Activities to help you achieve the Field Course Assignments – Complete
expected behaviors- Check ALL that
these in the course when assigned.
apply AND add other activities specific to
your agency.
a-Demonstrates cultural awareness by recognizing
and integrating diverse populations’ varying
values, culture, norms, and beliefs throughout the
therapeutic process.
Practice with those who are different from you
based on age, SES, color, culture, disability,
ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, etc.
b-Demonstrates cultural humility by managing
personal biases when partnering with clients.
c- Communicates in a culturally responsive way
recognizing various community structures, norms,
and values.
Discuss in supervision and in class the
strengths of engaging diversity and the challenges
you have when engaging difference.
SOCW 6520 (Field III) Assignments:
Agency Assignment – describe the population
(Week 4)
Diversity Blog (Week 7)
Engage in self-refection about personal biases
related to client population and discuss with
supervisor and be able to demonstrate that you
can have a personal view and a professional view
in practice.
Develop a diversity/cultural competency plan
that allows you to learn about the cultural needs
of client groups and be culturally responsive when
communicating with clients.
Add other activities here:
For Student: After reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how these will help you engage
diversity and difference in practice. For example, how will you use your strengths, improve knowledge, develop skills, and
address any areas you need to improve as a professional (be specific)?
For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to engage diversity and difference in practice (these goals should
address areas of growth and professional development).
For Student: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison:
Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during the evaluation).
Social Work Core Competency 3- Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice
Expected Behaviors – You will be
evaluated on these at the end of the
quarter
Agency Activities to help you achieve the Field Course Assignments – Complete
expected behaviors- Check ALL that
these in the course when assigned.
apply AND add other activities specific to
your agency.
a-Examines the effects of oppression,
discrimination, structural social inequality, and
historical trauma on clients/constituents and their
systems to guide intervention planning.
Identify barriers clients face when accessing
services at my agency or at other agencies and
discuss during supervision.
b- Chooses social work clinical practices that
promote human rights and social, economic, and
environmental justice.
Develop a plan to learn about the effects of
oppression, discrimination, inequality, and trauma
on clients.
Use evidence-based practices that consider the
unique challenges clients have when faced with
oppression, discrimination, social inequality, and
historical trauma.
Discuss with supervisor about how social,
economic, and environmental factors affect client
outcomes.
Work with instructor/supervisor to engage
advocacy for needs and services for clients.
Collaborate with a local or national
organization that advocates for your population.
Add other activities here:
For Student: After reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how these will help you advance
human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice. For example, how will you use your strengths, improve
knowledge, develop skills, and address any areas you need to improve as a professional (be specific)?
For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you advance human rights and justice (these goals should
address areas of growth and professional development).
For Student: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison:
Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during the evaluation)
Social Work Core Competency 4 – Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice
Expected Behaviors – You will be
evaluated on these at the end of the
quarter
Agency Activities to help you achieve the Field Course Assignments – Complete
expected behaviors- Check ALL that
these in the course when assigned.
apply AND add other activities specific to
your agency.
a-. Critically evaluates evidence based and “best
Research the evidence-based treatment
interventions associated with the context of your
agency.
SOCW 6520 (Field III) Assignment:
Use critical thinking to evaluate the benefits
and challenges of the evidence-based
interventions used with clients. Discuss your
ideas with your supervisor.
SOCW6530 (Field IV) Assignment:
practice” treatment interventions
b- Develops clinical intervention plans based on
the best available research and “best practices”.
Intervention Treatment Plan Assignment
Intervention Treatment Plan Assignment part II
Develop treatment plans for clients that are
evidence-based.
Add other activities here:
For Student: After reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how these will help you engage in
practice-informed research and research-informed practice. For example, how will you use your strengths, improve knowledge,
develop skills, and address any areas you need to improve as a professional (be specific)?
For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you improve use research in your practice justice (these goals
should address areas of growth and professional development).
For Student: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison:
Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during evaluation).
Social Work Core Competency- 5- Engage in Policy Practice
Expected Behaviors – You will be
evaluated on these at the end of the
quarter
Agency Activities to help you achieve the Field Course Assignments – Complete
expected behaviors- Check ALL that
these in the course when assigned.
apply AND add other activities specific to
your agency.
a- Critically evaluates and creates awareness
Consider policies that affect the lives of your
clients and discuss those challenges with your
supervisor.
about agency and/or government policies and
regulations that impact the well-being of clients.
SOCW 6520 (Field III) Assignment:
Week 10 focuses on Organizational Policy
Social Problem/Policy Assignment
b- Applies critical thinking to analyze, formulate,
and advocate for policies that support the needs
of clients who present for clinical services
Use critical thinking to examine the negative
impact of policies on clients and advocate when
needed.
SOCW6530 (Field IV) Assignment:
Agency Funding and Policy Implication
Assignment
Explore how social problems are connected to
social policy.
Explore how agency funding is connected to
policy.
Add other activities here:
For Student: After reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how these will help you engage in
policy practice. For example, how will you use your strengths, improve knowledge, develop skills, and address any areas you
need to improve as a professional (be specific)?
For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to engage in policy practice (these goals should address areas of growth
and professional development).
For Student: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison:
Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during evaluation)
Social Work Core Competency 6- Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Expected Behaviors – You will be
evaluated on these at the end of the
quarter
Individuals
Uses empathy, reflection, and interpersonal skills
to engage diverse clients in the therapeutic
process.
Families
Uses empathy, reflection, interpersonal skills, and
knowledge of human behavior and the social
environment and family systems to engage with
families.
Groups
a-Uses empathy, reflection, interpersonal skills,
and knowledge of group dynamics to engage
group members in the group process.
b- Engages with inter-professional teams and
stakeholders associated with clients’ care.
Organizations
Engages with organizations that provide services,
support, advocacy, and resources to support to
clients.
Agency Activities to help you achieve the Field Course Assignments – Complete
expected behaviors – Check ALL that
these in the course when assigned.
apply AND add other activities specific to
your agency.
SOCW 6520 (Field III) –First 11 weeks
Show care, empathy, and genuineness with
clients to initiate therapeutic relationships.
Use a strengths-based approach when
engaging with individuals, groups, and families.
Use active listening and other engagement
skills.
Consult with organizations to assist with client
needs.
?Engage in professional communication in
interprofessional team meetings from the social
work perspective.
Process Recording (Week 5)
Process Recording (Week 7)
Week 9 focuses on Individual, Family, and Group
contexts
SOCW6530 (Field IV)- Second 11 weeks
Week 1 & Week 2 Focus on Engagement
Blog on Engagement (Week 2)
Process Recording (Week 3)
Connect and work with community
organizations that provide services related to the
clients you serve.
Add other engagement activities:
Communities
Identifies and actively participates in
opportunities to communicate with community
leaders and members about community service
gaps for clients.
For Student: After reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how you will engage with the
following target systems in the context of your agency:
Individuals:
Families:
Groups:
Communities:
Organizations:
For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you develop your engagement skills (these goals should address
areas of growth and professional development).
For Student: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison:
Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during the evaluation)
Social Work Core Competency 7-Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Expected Behaviors – You will be
evaluated on these at the end of the
quarter
Agency Activities to help you achieve the Field Course Assignments – Complete
expected behaviors- Check ALL that
these in the course when assigned.
apply AND add other activities specific to
your agency.
Individuals
a-Conducts clinical assessments that provide
information about the biopsychosocial-spiritual
needs of clients.
b- Uses critical thinking to apply the strengths
perspective and theories of human behavior and
the social environment when analyzing and
interpreting assessment information in a clinical
setting.
c- Develops mutually agreed-upon evidencebased therapeutic interventions that consider
culture, values, and safety.
Utilize agency appropriate forms, tools, and
processes to complete clinical assessments.
Families
a- Conducts family assessments to understand
family roles, functioning, relationships, resources,
and support needs.
b- Uses critical thinking to apply theories of family
systems when analyzing and interpreting family
functioning, support, and dynamics.
SOCW6520 (Field III) – First 11 weeks
Process Recording (Week 5)
Utilize developmentally, and strengths-based
approaches to assessment.
Assist clients in developing mutually agreed
upon goals and interventions to enhance wellbeing.
Assess family functioning, relationships and
support needs in the context of the agency’s
practice.
Work with groups to assess needs and to
inform group intervention goals and treatment
strategies.
Week 9 Focus on Individuals, Families, and Groups
SOCW 6510 (Field II)- Second 11 weeks
SOCW 6530 (Field IV)- Second 11 weeks
Week 3 and 4 devoted to the assessment process,
with assignments of blogs and process recordings.
Groups
a-Identifies the professional social work role in
inter-professional and supervision group meetings
and assesses how that role contributes to the
group’s purpose.
b- Assesses the functioning and needs of
professional and/or patient focused groups, and
considers the best intervention strategies, based
on professional knowledge and ethics.
Organizations
a-Assesses how the agency’s mission, structure,
vision, connect to client outcomes.
b- Uses critical thinking to consider the strengths
and limitations of therapeutic services provided to
clients.
Assess ways you can participate in interprofessional and supervision meetings from the
social work perspective.
Assess how other organizations assist with
client needs and where there may be gaps in
services.
Assess the role the community plays in
providing services for your clients (financial,
legislative, representative, etc.) Discuss your
findings with your supervisor.
Add other assessment activities:
Communities
a-Develops knowledge about community
resources, resources, governance, political
climate, and initiatives to support mental health
b- Uses critical thinking to consider the strengths
and limitations of the community and how those
impact the functioning of clients
For Student: After reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how you will assess the following
target systems in the context of your agency:
Individuals:
Families:
Groups:
Organizations:
Communities:
For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you develop your assessment skills (these goals should address
areas of growth and professional development).
For Student: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison:
Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during supervision)
Social Work Core Competency 8-Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Communities, and Organizations
Expected Behaviors – You will be
evaluated on these at the end of the
quarter
Agency Activities to help you achieve the Field Course Assignments – Complete
expected behaviors- Check ALL that
these in the course when assigned.
apply AND add other activities specific to
your agency.
SOCW 6520 (Field III) First 11 weeks
Individuals
a-Implements therapeutic interventions based
on the strengths perspective, biopsychosocial
needs, and current theories appropriate for
the setting and client needs.
b- Utilizes appropriate resources and services
for clients.
c- Promotes effective transitions and endings
that incorporate mutually agreed-upon goals.
Use agency-appropriate and developmentallyappropriate intervention strategies and
techniques.
Use relevant prevention strategies with
individuals, families, and groups.
Explore various evidence-based interventions
and discuss those with your supervisor.
b- Utilizes appropriate resources, services,
and interventions for families.
Discuss with supervisor evidence-based practices
used in agency setting
SOCW 6530 (Field IV) Second 11 weeks
Intervene with families using appropriate
family theories.
Families
a-Implements family interventions based on
the strengths perspective, family culture,
family systems theory, and evidence-based
practice.
Week 9 focuses on Individuals, Families, and
Groups
Explore and utilizes resources to provide
holistic care.
Talk with supervisor about planning for
termination or transitions with clients.
Weeks 5 and 6 focus on intervention with
assignments of blogs and process recordings.
Week 9 focuses on Termination with clients
Groups
Uses professional ethics, knowledge, and
evidence-based interventions in groups.
Organizations
Participates in opportunities to improve
agency/organization service delivery that will
support the needs of clients.
Consults with supervisor about ways to be
involved in service delivery improvement at
the agency.
?Consults with supervisor about opportunities to
be involved in advocacy.
Add other activities here:
Communities
Explores and actively participates in
opportunities to advocate for community
services and support mental health services.
For Student: After reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how you will intervene with all of the
following target systems in the context of your agency:
Individuals:
Families:
Groups:
Organizations:
Communities:
For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you apply appropriate intervention strategies (these goals should
address areas of growth and professional development).
For Student: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison:
Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during evaluation)
Social Work Core Competency 9- Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Expected Behaviors – You will be
evaluated on these at the end of the
quarter
Agency Activities to help you achieve the Field Course Assignments – Complete
expected behaviors- Check ALL that
these in the course when assigned.
apply AND add other activities specific to
your agency.
Individuals
Evaluates the effectiveness of therapeutic
intervention strategies for with individuals
Considers the effectiveness of therapeutic
interventions and makes changes to
treatment plans as needed.
Utilizes evaluation data to inform new
intervention strategies.
Consults with supervisor about treatment
plan outcomes to consider potential
alternatives.
Families
Evaluates the effectiveness of intervention
strategies used to improve family functioning and
support.
Utilizes evaluation data to inform new
intervention strategies and resources.
Groups
Evaluates the effectiveness of group related
processes.
Utilizes evaluation data to inform future group
processes.
Organizations
Evaluates the effectiveness of social services and
intervention strategies provided by agencies to
support clients.
Utilizes evaluation data to inform advocacy
initiatives to improve services.
Communities
Evaluates the effectiveness of community services
and resources for clients and their families.
Evaluate the effectiveness of social
services provided organizations and
communities and advocate where needed.
Meet with clients to assess the progress of
their goals and make changes in treatment
plans as necessary.
Participate in data collection, needs
assessments, and other research efforts to
inform advocacy or awareness initiatives.
Add other activities here:
SOCW 6520 (Field III) First 11 weeks
Week 9 focuses on Individuals, Families, and
Groups
SOCW 6530 (Field IV) Second 11 weeks
Weeks 7 and 8 focus on evaluation of client
success with assignments of blog posts and
process recordings.
Utilizes evaluation data to inform advocacy
initiatives
For Student: After reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how you will evaluate with all of the
following target systems in the context of your agency:
Individuals:
Families:
Groups:
Organizations:
Communities:
For Students: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you understand how to evaluate clients and other systems
(these goals should address areas of growth and professional development).
For Students: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison:
Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during evaluation)
Signature Page
X
X
X
Student’s Signature
Printed Name
Date
X
X
X
Faculty Liaison’s Signature
Printed Name
Date
X
X
X
Field Instructor’s Signature
Printed Name
Date
The Field Office accepts e-signatures, so feel free to type in your full name and email as your official signature.