Many of the people that we worked with had been subject to section 2 or 3 orders under the Mental Health Act 1983/2007, and were now experiencing aftercare under section 117. However, a judgment will ultimately need to be made as to whether the rights and needs of a vulnerable service user are best served by advocating for Alices wishes or actively encouraging another course of action that is safer for Alice (Kemshall, et al., 2013). British Journal of Social Work, 45(1), pp. British Journal of Social Work, 28(1), pp. Unequal power dynamics, concerns around oppression and issues with stigma are all societal problems that social workers need to engage with not just on a micro-level, but also a macro-level. Dewey (1993) recognised the importance of discovering new information in reflection. The importance of recognising multiple perspectives and social contexts in a non-linear, fluid and multifaceted way leads to more bottom up practice that in turn empowers marginalised people by recognising and legitimising their experiences and voice (Fook, 2012; Graham, 2017; Parton & OByrne, 2000). In this social work reflective log, I will focus on the social work. Find targeted resources for research and referencing, Professional Experience and the Investigative Imagination: The Art of Reflective Writing, Reflective Writing. (2010) Getting Started in C. Knott and T. Scragg (eds.) Savaya, R. & Gardner, F., 2012. Adult safeguarding and the role of housing. This article aims to demonstrate being reflexive and doing reflexivity through reflection where, within the research, for example, the first author addressed the difference between meanings of research participants perceptions of their experiences and her own interpretations of the meanings. Suter et al (2009) have found that a willingness to communicate is a key characteristic needed for effective collaboration, and after the other professionals were not active in engaging with me, I lost this willingness, potentially to the detriment of my work with JK. Social workers need to be prepared to critically reflect on the theory that they are bringing to practice. Laird, S., 2011. K.4/=aT!Ji7bQJn2B Poetics in Schizophrenic Language: Speech, Gesture and Biosemiotics. British Journal of Social Work, 30(1), pp. Client Participation in Managing Social Work Service-An Unfinished Quest. Before we came together and realised we still had a lot of work to do, I was quite happy and thought we had been smart when we divided the work between us. Your autobiography as a learner . 1st ed. Through active engagement with reflection, I was able to work with JK using an eclectic theory and knowledge base, but was also careful to note if JK was not comfortable with some aspects of my approach, and adjusted the approach accordingly. Social work will be a good fit for me as a helping profession because I believe I have a passion for seeing and helping people improve. Trevithick, P., 2012. The Behavioural and Brain Sciences, 5(1), pp. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 46(9), pp. There are several reflective models such as Rolfe et al. Peer group reflective models including action learning principles also meet the restorative needs of a demanding profession and consequently learning and mutual support to address the emotional demands of social work, reflection and mutual learning are preferred over managerialist models of supervision (Boahen et al, 2021). Taking a postmodern perspective that conceptualises the body as the site of power relations (Foucalt, 1977) leads to an understanding that the body is fundamentally implicated in mechanisms of domination and control. (Tangenburg & Kemp, 2002). Reducing the gender pay gap: Could more women in STEM be theanswer? Applying the Strengths Perspective to Your Self-Reflection. I want to be able to help people who need the help. Leadership. Knott, C. and Spafford, J. Reflection Three themes are identified: (1) No time for reflection, (2) Fear of reflection, and (3) Too much reflection. Reflections Sarangi, S. & Slembrouck, S., 1996. Effective Approaches to Risk Assessment in Social Work: An International Literature Review. 9-18. 96-103. Knowledge and skills for child and family practitioners, London: HMSO. Department of Education, 2018. When I met with the social worker we did a role playing exercise. By deconstructing and resisting this binary thinking the practitioner can then go on to address how change might be achieved and what values and assumptions have been challenged (Fook & Gardner, 2007). 191-198. Communication Skills in Health and Social Care. I found these to be very helpful in working with JK. An awareness of the social context, for us and for people who use services. It asks the student to consider: How could I improve? British Journal of Social Work, 47(1), pp. Do you have a 2:1 degree or higher? BASW, 2014. As noted above, this was particularly important in the case of JK, who was from a different culture than me. 3rd ed. Tangenburg, K. M. & Kemp, S., 2002. Modern Social Work Theory. (Eds.) It also involves considering how and why you think the way you do. WebSocial workers critically reflect on their practice, use analysis, apply professional judgement and reasoned discernment. Champney-Smith, J. REFLECTION Wilson, A. 18, 197-295. Ingram, R., 2013. 15-25. Keeping a reflective diary of critical issues and my own thought process encouraged me to construct my understanding of the work I was doing, and justify what actions I had taken (White, 2001). This is helpful in reconsidering an event, and determining whether something could have been done differently or better. I discussed how I engaged with different models of reflection, experienced power dynamics, and explored different interpretations of mental distress. Looking for a flexible role? Finally, as reflective practice encourages students to stay in touch with their own responses and personal needs, it is a vital component of self-care and professional development. Social work has traditionally been constructed as the professional knowing best, and continues to be practised in a way where the practitioner holds most of the power (Holmes and Saleeby, 1993). Friedli, L., 2009. To some extent this is an area that I found reflection lacking in. Although JK had a lead key-worker at my agency who was a permanent member of staff, I was responsible for the majority of the key working sessions with JK during my time on this placement. Like this article? Social worker 6 - Critical reflection and analysis East Brunswick, NJ: Nichols Press. Jessica I observed the patience and empathy that Alices social worker demonstrated during the interview process. The opportunity to work with Alice has provided much to reflect on and learn from. British Journal of Social Work, 1(37), pp. (2010) Effective Practice in Social Work, Exeter: Learning Matters. I noted this in my journal and tried to think, to be self-aware and to question as a first step towards reflecting on practice (Rutter & Brown, 2012, p. 30). It is essential that social workers acknowledge this increasingly influential discourse which suggests that schizophrenia and other forms of mental illness are bio-psycho-social manifestations of social conditions and health inequalities, not an inherent physiological condition (Bywaters, 2015; Karban, 2017; Friedli, 2009; Marmot, 2010; Read 2010). Trevithick, P. (2012) Social Work Skills: A Practice Handbook, Maidenhead: Open University Press. Please contact the publisher for permission to reproduce or reprint any materials on this site. Learn more , 2023 Field Educator | Simmons School of Social Work, 300 The Fenway, Boston, MA 02115 | T: 617.521.3970 | F: 617.521.3980 | [emailprotected], The Field Educator: A Scholarly Journal from the Simmons University School of Social Work, $1000 Prize for Excellence in Field Education Research, Experiential Learning in Preparation for Field Placement, Inauguration of Simmons School of Social Work Trauma Training Project, MSW Student Field Readiness: Boot Camp, Students and Field Instructors in Ongoing Supervision Groups, The Reflecting Team in Supervision of Social Work Interns. WebEssay Writing Service. Social Work Whilst there is not universal agreement (Ixer, 2016), the central importance of critical reflection to the profession of social work is widely accepted (Thompson, 2010, p. 183). In 2021-22, Social Work England changed their requirements for social workers CPD (Continuing Professional Development) following a public consultation. 280-298. During Session A, the fact that I chose to explore JKs mental distress alongside the other issues that were going on in his life allowed me to identify that his physical health, including intense back pain that he has been experiencing, was having a substantial effect on his mental health, and I encouraged him to seek help and support with this. I found this to be the case at times, when I was expected to write my reflections at a certain time, and have reflective supervision in a certain way. Social Work Reflective Essay Knowledge and Skills Statement for Social Workers in Adult Services. The Weather Model An example could be recognizing that an individual facing housing troubles has a strong support system of family and friends who can help. WebAccountable: [the] social worker shouldnt be scared to ask for guidance and support. Bywaters, P., 2015. 840-850. Mental Health, Resilience and Inequalities, Copenhagen: World Health Organisation. & Herrman, H., 2012. 2nd ed. Macdonald, G. & Macdonald, K., 2010. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. I recognised that where unequal power dynamics exist in a relationship, it is usually the partner with the most power that benefits most from the interaction (Milner and OByrne, 2002). I understand everything you experience is a teaching moment, good or bad. I exceeded the expectations of my supervisor, and she began assigning me more tasks. 885-902. Reflective Dedicated to your worth and value as a human being! The Journal of Adult Protection, 15(1), pp. However, I do not recall being instructed or advised to use the two collaboratively. It is essential that social workers have the confidence to question their own practice, the organisation that they work in, and dominant power structures in society at large (Fook, 1999). jK(H&adMl fo@Q~rpjI~~HjEI@ (+ endstream endobj 149 0 obj <>stream Hudson, A., 2015. I recognized what I was good at and pushed myself in that direction. Once I began doing more, I became more confident to speak up. Brookfield, S. (1998). Reflection on Group Activities Reflection is equally important in group tasks as in individual tasks. This does not apply to images, third party material (seek permission from the original owner) or any logos or insignia belonging to JCU or other bodies, which remain All Rights Reserved. The asymmetry between the social worker and service user emphasises the need for the practitioner to be cognizant of the inherent power imbalance in the relationship (Leung, 2011). Stressful Encounters with Social Work Clients: A Descriptive Account Based on Critical Incidents. My initial observations and impressions of the hostel were largely defined by the levels of socio-economic deprivation that dominate many of the residents lives. Placement essay I observed during my early conversations with Alice that she often seemed subdued and that her mood fluctuated unpredictably. Disclaimer: This is an example of a student written essay.Click here for sample essays written by our professional writers. Yet risks remain, in essence, unpredictable phenomena that defy reliably accurate outcomes (Munro & Rumgay, 2000). Ixer (1999) recognises that focusing too much on assessing reflection can lead to a prescriptive approach to reflection that is uncompromising. Reflective tool Communicating misunderstandings: Multi agency work as social practice. In virtually all cases the people that live at the project either have an underlying mental health condition or experience drug or alcohol misuse, often there are a combination of these factors. h27U0Pw/ This article aims to demonstrate being reflexive and doing reflexivity through reflection where, within the research, for example, the first author addressed the difference between meanings of research participants perceptions of their experiences and her own interpretations of the meanings. Change), You are commenting using your Facebook account. However, it soon became clear to me that the fast-paced working environment, where at times paperwork was promoted over practice, meant that reflection could potentially be ignored in favour of bureaucracy and targets (DCruz et al, 2007). Reprinting & reuse, The Field Educator is published by the Simmons University School of Social Work. 6-23. WebExample of reflective writing *In some texts the Analysis and Discussion stages will be fused in one paragraph/section; in longer assignments they might be written as two separate sections. This involves revisiting your prior experience and knowledge of the topic you are exploring. Reflection forms a central part of social work practice and education, and it is particularly important for social workers in placement settings or newly qualified social workers (Dcruz et al, 2007; Parker, 2010). The intersection of Alices gender, her adverse experiences both as a child and as an adult, her diagnosis of schizophrenia and the fact that she has experienced poverty for the entirety of her life has led to oppression and discrimination at multiple levels. fTTF*nw^ulVK`493t75AL1[YMTc!A2{2ILk'MX@M~?6K^aFd%YBA k%;VD)\!Rm/WL}(ajSVCisO(?2GX#9jVF_Yh. Risk, Advanced Liberalism and Child Welfare: The Need to Rediscover Uncertainty and Ambiguity. The implementation of The Care Act 2014 introduced new responsibilities and statutory duties on local authorities and partner agencies with an emphasis on moving away from process-driven practice (Cass, 2015). Barry, M., 2007. 4th ed. For example, I utilize my time effectively. After identifying these strengths, the social worker will then work with the client to utilize these strengths to help them in their current situations. British Journal of Social Work, 39(1), pp. I learnt that Alice had endured severe and multiple adverse childhood experiences. Am I wasting my time? Whatever approach one takes, being critically reflective involves a number of key things (Brookfield, 1998), including: An analysis of our assumptions. Content from this Guide should be attributed to James Cook University Library. WebThere is something called reflection and it has value, but it also has limits, which need to be understood if we are to achieve a deeper appreciation of the complex nature of social work practice, the demands the work makes on practitioners and the implications for service users. JK had a long history of substance misuse and mental health problems. I have a career, not in social work, but I have an opportunity, at 47, to get free schooling. Care and Support Statutory Guidance. Reflective tool The importance of iatrogenic health, the process whereby possibilities and opportunities are acknowledged and explored, is part of a constructive narrative approach founded on a postmodern perspective (Parton & OByrne, 2000). Yip (2006) aptly notes that models like those described above are most useful when starting out the reflective process, and I quickly adapted and developed a model of reflection that was most appropriate for me. Journal of Integrated Care, 23(2), pp. Language, Bureaucracy & Social Control. KW\Q>RMFV! The social worker talked through the steps that needed to be taken by Alice and the support that she would need in order to achieve this goal, a process referred to as the amplification of personal agency (Parton & OByrne, 2000, p.60). Department of Health, 2014. We're here to answer any questions you have about our services. The case study will explore core social work tenets including relevant knowledge and skills, critical reflection, processes of oppression and discrimination, communication and partnership working. I then moved on to look at how reflection promoted me to engage with theory in practice, in particular in relation to systems theory. JK is a man in his 50s who was born in Nigeria but moved to the UK at a young age. Child and Family Social Work, 10(2), pp. I found this to be the case, as I did not move through stages of refection one after the other, but moved between them, often returning to my conceptual starting point multiple times before settling on a holistic understanding of an event or situation that incorporates all systems influencing that scenario. This aspect is known as the psycho part of the Biospycho-social Spiritual perspective. Holmes, G. and Saleeby, D. (1993) Empowerment, the Medical Model and the Politics of Clienthood, Journal of Progressive Human Services, 4(1), 61-78. Understanding the communication process requires an acknowledgement of the complexity and meaning of language itself. The first stage of the reflective model is designed to question the underlying structural and social assumptions of the practitioner and analyse how and why feelings of discomfort and concern have been generated (Fook & Gardner, 2007, p.92). Housing, Care And Support, 18(2), pp. Effective Practice Learning in Social Work. The Student Work Reflection is a set of simple repeating questions to consider how they approach each task in school. 809-824. Am I doing the right thing? PCF domain 7: Intervention and Skills. Parker, J. Goss, J., 2011. Szasz, T. (1961) The Myth of Mental Illness: Foundations of a Theory of Personal Conduct, London: Harper and Row. I was able to look at my own practice, and my own assumptions and narratives; however, I was unable to determine how best to address wider inequality and societal oppression of people like JK. JK clearly appreciated my anti-oppressive approach, where I tried to work with him in partnership, and he was always keen to know when we would meet next. Our regional engagement leads (who are registered social workers), shared their views on peer reflection. Essential Guides for Early Career Teachers: Teaching Early Years and ProfessionalBehaviours, Observations and Reflections on my First Year Placement, Personal Value System vs Professional Value System, Understanding Roles and Responsibilities in Education and Training, Actually trying to "observe" children- the third free extract. 409-418. (LogOut/ Personal Reflection Of Social Work For example, she can help the young clients keep guardianship over their children, continue to help administrations, soften the punishment for young convicts, or free them from imprisonment (Rivera-Ayala, 2021). Practice: Social Work in Action, 24(3), pp. He was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, and dealt with significant anxiety and depression. %PDF-1.6 % As will become apparent, forms of oppression and discrimination are a vital aspect of Alices narrative, and for this reason I propose to apply Fook & Gardners (2007) model to my critical incident and the subject of my case study. An important part of reflection in social work is the application and consideration of theories in practice (Trevethick, 2012). 2nd ed. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Typical triggers include poverty, adverse childhood experiences, rape and physical or psychological violence (Read, 2010; Burns, et al., 2014). S$QFOH5{H_>\*_PCM i{xRO+ba.u_ ? endstream endobj 148 0 obj <>stream This reminded me that I was more than capable of being an effective social worker. Whilst the idea of partnership suggests equality and collaboration, practitioners should still manage power relations with service users carefully, especially where a lack of confidence inhibits the service user from taking on the responsibility of partnership (Dalrymple & Burke, 2006).

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