Unit 10   Top of Form Bottom of Form Social Policy and Social Programs Analysis: An Extension of Direct Social Work Practice INTRODUCTION In this unit, we further explore the relationship between social policy and social program analysis and direct practice

Unit 10

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

Social Policy and Social Programs Analysis: An Extension of Direct Social Work Practice

INTRODUCTION

In this unit, we further explore the relationship between social policy and social program analysis and direct practice. As direct service practitioners, social workers are not only guided by human behavior theories, but also by policy guidelines that dictate the types and amounts of services they deliver.

OBJECTIVES

To successfully complete this learning unit, you will be expected to:

• 1. Explain the concept of use of self in the context of program and policy planning and evaluation.
  2. Describe possibilities for effective professional development in the realm of program and policy planning and development.
  3. Identify plan for addressing professional development in an ongoing way.
•  

LEARNING ACTIVITIES

 [u10s1] Unit 10 Study 1

Studies

Readings

Use the Capella Library to complete the following:

• • Figueira-McDonough, J. (1993). Policy practice: The neglected side of social work intervention. Social Work, 38(2), 179–188.
  • Jabour, A. (2012). Relationship and leadership: Sophonisba Breckinridge and women in social work [PDF]. Affilia: Journal of Women and Social Work, 27(1), 22–37.
  • Williams, S. M., & McDermott, K. A. (2014). Social science research and school diversity policy [PDF]. Educational Policy, 28(2), 325–346.

[u10a1] Unit 10 Assignment 1

Social Workers as Agents of Change

Assignment Overview

It is understood that social workers are agents of change. That is to say, they are trained to advocate for their clients and navigate the human services system. Given this charge, to what extent has your participation in this course contributed to your professional growth?

By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following competencies and behaviors:

• • Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior.?
    • C1.GP.B: Use reflection and self-regulation to manage personal values and maintain professionalism in practice situations.?
      • Related Assignment Criteria:
        • Explain the concept of use of self in the context of program and policy planning and evaluation.
        • Describe possibilities for effective professional development in the realm of program and policy planning and development.
  • Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice.?
    • C5.GP.B: Assess how social welfare and economic policies impact the delivery of and access to social services.?
      • Related Assignment Criteria:
        • Describe how to advocate for human rights and social and economic justice.

Assignment Description

This assignment will ask you to consider your work in this course from a professional development perspective. What have you learned or what skill has been strengthened by engaging in the courseroom discussions and addressing the assignments? Within the context of program and policy planning and evaluation, how do you view the concept of use of self? Is this the same or different perspective than the one you had at the beginning of this course? Finally, how will you practice personal reflection and self-correction to assure continual professional development in the realm of program and policy planning and evaluation?

Assignment Instructions

For this assignment, answer the following:

• • How do you view the concept of use of self in the context of program and policy planning and evaluation? Has this perspective changed since the beginning of this course? How and why?
  • How would you advocate for human rights and social and economic justice?
  • What will you do to assure your own professional development in the realm of program and policy planning and development?

Submission Requirements

The assignment you submit is expected to meet the following requirements:

• • Written communication: Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
  • APA formatting: Resources and citations are formatted according to current APA style and formatting standards.
  • Length of paper: 3–5 double-spaced pages.
  • Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.
  • Due date: Assignment must be submitted to your instructor in the courseroom no later than 11:59 p.m. on Sunday of this week.

Utilize the course materials to inform and support your assessment and plan for personal reflection. View the scoring guide for this assignment to ensure you fulfill all grading criteria.

Resources

• • Social Workers as Agents of Change Scoring Guide.
  • APA Style and Format.
  • Capella Writing Center.