SOWK 503 Field Education Journal Assignment

Agency: Bowlem Healthcare Services

1. Introduction to the Case

For this assignment, I will be highlighting my practice in Bowlem Healthcare Services; this is a healthcare agency that deals with medical as well as mental health services for people, families, and communities. This agency functions at the micro and mezzo levels and often involves itself with clients who may be struggling with long-term illnesses, mental conditions, and social factors. The case I am working on is a family where the members have had to deal with numerous and diverse chronic conditions, financial difficulties, and relationship problems.

2. Insights from Class Role Play

In Seminar 2 the general all-class role play helped me develop the theoretical knowledge on how to best approach clients and establish rapport with them. In doing this, I came across new ways of attending or interceding with clients and doing the assessment at the micro or mezzo level. Some of the key lessons from the role play that were applicable to my fieldwork included:

1. Exploring and Engaging

From the role play, I realized that relationship-building skills are the key skills in fostering initial contact with the clients. The application of interviewing skills where the manager demonstrated empathy and genuine interest was quite conspicuous because this showed the clients that they mattered. At Bowlem Healthcare Services, these techniques have been exercised by developing a conducive environment where clients feel free to air their feelings without any form of prejudice. Accountabilities are also significant; If interacting with a client, one has to explain why we are communicating and the type of assistance they should expect from me as an agent as well as the agency.

1. Exploring, Assessing, and Planning

An important aspect of my practice at Bowlem Healthcare Services includes the evaluation of the client’s background and assets. During the role-play, we talked about what goals we could use with clients but also focused on the need to create an agreement regarding the goals we are going to achieve. I realize how important it is to consider intrapersonal and context solutions, which are the key sources of a client’s state. In saving my client’s life, these skills come in handy through conducting constant assessments of the client’s family baseline, support, and health determinants (Hasselgren et al., 2020). Also, I empower my clients to recognize what they can do well and figure out what they require in order to set the goals that are most relevant to their values.

• Assessing and Intervening

One important lesson learned from the role play is the importance of theoretical frameworks in guiding practice. I have incorporated concepts including systems theory, ecological perspective as well as strengths-based approaches into my interventions. In Bowlem Healthcare Services, I have applied these frameworks for evaluating how different environmental stressors, such as financial problems or social isolation, contribute to a client’s health outcomes. Consequently, the interventions used are based on a client-centered model where the focus is on the issues that the client has and applicable theories (Sorensen et al., 2020).

1. Planning and Implementing

The points discussed in class enabled me to appreciate the importance of session tuning and contracting when designing and delivering intercession. Hence, in my fieldwork, I applied session tuning, whereby, depending on the client’s response and the dynamic situations, I was able to change my strategy. For instance, when the client had a serious health challenge, I had to set new goals and time frames that were realistic for the client (Rubio-Zarapuz et al., 2024). This process of matching client needs is something that I have implemented a lot in Bowlem Healthcare Services. In the past, I have referred clients to other programs, as well as internal resources, such as counseling services and external resources that include financial resources. Evaluating goals is also an ongoing process; before each session, I ensure that I discuss the client’s goals and make relevant changes.

3. Reflection on Research and Practice

In Assignment 4, I reviewed the article by Kjellberg and Jansson (2022) entitled The Capability Approach in Social Work Research: A scoping review of research addressing practical social work. The article supported the concept of the applied approach in social work, demonstrating the connection between research and practice and the impact of each on the other. The capability approach, as discussed in the article, can be applied in my practice at Bowlem Healthcare Services. This is consistent with the agency’s focus on social justice advocacy, respect and concern for the welfare of populations the agency serves.

This article was consistent with the principles I hold dear, namely that the capability approach can be applied to assist clients in enlarging their choices and minimizing social injustices. At my field internship, I observed how evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and trauma-informed care are implemented to improve clients’ state of being and general quality of life. The analysis of empowerment and the assessment of social practices mentioned in the article have also enhanced my understanding of how research assists in improving the effectiveness of interventions.

Applying these ideas at Bowlem Healthcare Services has given me a better understanding of how practices such as the capability approach can be utilized in my work and inform the ongoing development of more effective interventions.

4. Reflections on the Learning Experience

This process has been transformative for my learning experience. In this course, I have gained increased knowledge and understanding of social work practice situations through role plays, feedback, and discussions of different theories and frameworks encountered in the classroom setting. Employment of the framework in working with clients at Bowlem Healthcare Services has been an added advantage with the ability to apply these concepts in real situations. I have improved confidence in how to attend to clients, how to identify their needs, and how to come up with an intervention plan that is achievable and impactful.

Also, I have become aware of how various aspects of theory relate to practice. I can now identify the extent to which theories inform both the approaches I take in working with clients as well as the ways I perceive clients’ circumstances. It is an ideal process of evaluation and reflection to fit the practice and also help the client in need. Overall, this course has affirmed the ecological perspective in social work practice and the learning model that stresses the need to adopt new knowledge to address the current needs of the clients. I plan to go to the next level and build on the knowledge that I have in social work practice.

Conclusion

This paper has offered me a structured chance to consider my practice at Bowlem Healthcare Services and how the knowledge and skills learned in seminars may be utilized in reality. By actively participating in micro, mezzo, and macro practice with clients, I shall strive to expand my competency and, at the same time, contribute to the continuous improvement of interventions in social work.

References

Hasselgren, A., Kralevska, K., Gligoroski, D., Pedersen, S. A., & Faxvaag, A. (2020). Blockchain in healthcare and health sciences—A scoping review. International Journal of Medical Informatics, 134, 104040. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2019.104040

Kjellberg, I., & Jansson, B. (2022). The capability approach in social work research: A scoping review of research addressing practical social work. International Social Work, 65(2), 224-239. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872819896849

Rubio-Zarapuz, A., Apolo-Arenas, M. D., Tornero-Aguilera, J. F., Parraca, J. A., & Clemente-Suárez, V. J. (2024). Comparative efficacy of neuromodulation and structured exercise program on pain and muscle oxygenation in fibromyalgia patients: a randomized crossover study. Frontiers in Physiology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2024.1414100

Sorensen, G., Dennerlein, J. T., Peters, S. E., Sabbath, E. L., Kelly, E. L., & Wagner, G. R. (2020). The future of research on work, safety, health and wellbeing: A guiding conceptual framework. Social Science & Medicine, 269, 113593. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2020.113593

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SOWK 503 Field Education Journal Assignment