Evaluation of Competence in Internship

Evidence of Competence



All my field work hours were documented and compiled as weekly timesheets. This ensured that I did not miss out on any crucial detail in my internship. Documentation also helped me to discuss and reflect on all my caseloads because as I tracked all my professional activities, I was able to note most ethical considerations and personal and professional growth. My commitment to continuous learning and adherence to organizational rules gave my mentors and colleagues an ease time when collaborating on tasks.



Competency



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Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior



* Demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior and appearance; and in oral, written, and electronic communication



Intern will dress appropriately, demonstrate good verbal and listening skills, address clients appropriately, etc.; Intern’s professionalism will be evaluated by supervisor and agency staff and feedback provided.







Evidence of Competence



I maintained a high standard of oral, written and electronic communication and this was coupled by dressing in an appropriate attire throughout the internship period. When interacting with my clients, I ensured that a positive therapeutic environment was created by demonstrating effective verbal and listening skills. All these can be seen on feedbacks from any of my supervisors or agency staff because I upheld high ethical standards.



Competency



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Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior



* Use reflection and self-regulation to manage personal values and maintain professionalism in practice situations.



Intern will meet weekly with Field Educator for supervision to address any questions or concerns, receive constructive criticism, and to explore personal values, assumptions and biases.







Evidence of Competence







The institution had a reflection meeting on every month that addressed all pending issues and laid out expectations for the weeks ahead. I had weekly supervision sessions that helped me to gauge myself and make necessary adjustments that align to my personal and professional growth. Discussions with the Field Educator covered topics such as handling challenging cases, navigating ethical considerations, and addressing personal biases. The key focus in most of the discussions in the first few weeks was on checking my bias towards clients, and ability to self-regulate emotions.



Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior



* Make ethical decisions by applying the standards of the NASW Code of Ethics, relevant laws and regulations, models for ethical decision making, ethical conduct of research, and additional codes of ethics as appropriate to context.



Intern will abide by the NASW Code of Ethics as evidenced by applying its values, principles, and standards in work with clients; Intern’s professional behavior will be observed and evaluated by Field Educator and agency staff. If an ethical dilemma arises, Intern will communicate the ethical dilemma to Field Educator to explore solutions.







Evidence of Competence







NASW Code of Ethics must be considered in any decision-making process in social work. The drug treatment facility integrated ethical considerations into daily practice and I had to have all the relevant laws and regulations at my fingertips. In cases where I was faced with an ethical dilemma, I reached out to my Field Educator before taking any further step. Contacting experienced mentors in social work is a show of transparency and a collaborative approach to ethics.



Competency



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Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior



* Use technology ethically and appropriately to facilitate practice outcomes.



Intern will adhere to agency policies and the NASW Code of Ethics regarding the ethical and appropriate use of technology.







Evidence of Competence







The technology used aligned with the drug treatment facility policies and the NASW Code of Ethics. Electronic communication and technology tools were employed to enhance practice outcomes, ensuring the confidentiality and privacy of client information. Leveraging technology allowed me to carry out efficient caseload management and seamlessly integrate therapeutic interventions. The main aim was to remain ethical in a technologically mediated environment.



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Competency 2: Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice



* Apply their understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to advocate for human rights at the individual and system levels.



Intern will utilize skills learned in social work classes to promote social, economic, and environmental justice while participating in at least one community activity that advocates for an oppressed population and process outcome with Field Educator in supervision.







Evidence of Competence







At the drug treatment facility, I was involved in community empowerment campaigns organized internally. I used my knowledge on social, economic, and environmental justice to advocate for human rights on oppressed population. We had a discussion with colleagues, supervisor and Field Educator on how promote a systemic advocacy that aligns with individual rights. Strategic intervention that foster empowerment among clients and contributes to a broader systemic change was the best approach that would work best.



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Competency 2:

Advance Human Rights and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice



* Engage in non-oppressive practices that advance social, economic, and environmental justice. Learn strategies to overcome biases and strive to become a non-oppressive social worker.



Use self-reflection to understand how members of oppressed or vulnerable populations are subject to prejudice and discrimination. Discuss and process reflections with Field Educator during supervision.







Evidence of Competence







My supervisors helped me identify my biases and prejudices that might influence future interactions with clients. Since I do not abuse any drug, my major bias was a preformed assumption of how I have seen many drug addicts behave and this recognition allowed me to develop an inclusive language for client communications. An oppressive case was presented to me where clients faced housing discrimination due to their recovery status and I intervened by advocating for fair hoysing strategies



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Competency 3:

Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice



* Apply and communicate an understanding of the importance of diversity and difference in shaping life experiences at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.



Intern will demonstrate their understanding of cultural differences at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice.







Evidence of Competence







All my client interactions were sensitive to cultural backgrounds because I understand that social workers must embrace diversity. I had many cases where clients preferred treatments options that did not go against their beliefs. Diversity across macro, mezzo and micro levels are important in social work practice.



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Competency 3:

Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice



* Present themselves as lifelong learners and engage clients as experts of their own experiences while forming a stance of cultural humility.



Intern will interview members of various cultural groups or cultures to increase their understanding of cultural diversity and social work practice in an effort to become increasingly culturally competent and discuss findings with Field Educator in supervision.







Evidence of Competence







Cultural sensitivity is an area where I have substantially made improvements in my learning at the drug treatment facility. Cultural humility enhances therapeutic alliance by recognizing clients in their own experiences. Throughout my stay at the drug treatment facility, my first step in finding the best therapy approach was to learn about a client’s perspective on his or her recovery. This allowed me to get some background information about his or her beliefs before we reach a decision on the best step to take.



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Competency 3:

Engage Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice



* Apply self-awareness and self-

regulation to manage the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse clients and constituencies.



Intern will explore their own cultural makeup and how it has developed and impacted their world view through the experience of contrast cultures and discuss with Field Educator in supervision.







Evidence of Competence







Most clients subscribe to a certain religion and it is important to use religion positively in recovery journey. Initially, I did not appreceiate the role of religion in a drug treatment facility only to later realize the important role it played. I had to work on my religious bias to ensure client’s autonomy in decision making and create a therapeutic environment that valued diverse perspectives and experiences.



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Competency 4: Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed PracticeUse practice experience and theory to inform scientific inquiry and research.Intern will identify an area of interest for further knowledge; begin to explore research options; and develop a plan for research, discussing ideas with Field Educator.



Evidence of Competence







My area of interest was the prevalence of co-occurring mental health disorders among substance use clients. I developed a research plan and used my time at the drug treatment facility to come up with a scientific explanation on this issue. Drawing on both theoretical frameworks and real-world observations in my caseload, I proposed a study on the effectiveness of integrated treatment models in the facility.



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Competency 4:

Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice



* Use and translate research evidence to inform and improve practice, policy, and service delivery.



Intern will identify and evaluate the agency’s practice approach and evaluate existing evidence-based literature on the identified approach, discussing findings with Field Educator in supervision (e.g., Case Management Model, Generalist Model, Motivational Interviewing, CBT).







Evidence of Competence