Description
Instructions:
For this discussion, please respond to the following prompts:
Linking readings to field practicum:
Based on the readings this week, discuss ways that your practicum agency /or workplace has tried to prevent barriers to service.
Talk to your field instructors to find examples of program changes that have been made to reduce barriers.
Based on the readings this week, discuss ways that your agency collaborates with other programs
Share examples of coordinated collaborations that your agency participates in.
OR: Respond to the following prompt:
Linking readings to practice:
How do service delivery barriers prevent access to services for clients, particularly to vulnerable populations including aging, people with disabilities, people experiencing poverty, English as a second language, members of a minority group?
Research strategies to reduce barriers and increase access to services for clients.
Find an article discussing the need for increased community collaboration and discuss strategies for reducing barriers. You may use one of the following articles or find one of your own:
Pettengell, G. (2022). Social services innovations: The case for a collaborative approach to social workLinks to an external site.. Social Work Today. Vol. 22 No. 4 P. 28
Jackson, K. (2019). The behavioral health care workforce shortage — Sources and solutionsLinks to an external site.. Social Work Today. Vol. 19 No. 3 P. 16
Coyle, S. Integrated care models that workLinks to an external site..Links to an external site. Social Work Today. Vol. 18 No. 4 P. 18
Peer Response
Instructions:
Please read and respond to at least two of your peers’ initial postings. You may want to consider the following questions in your responses to your peers:
Compare and contrast your initial posting with those of your peers.
How are they similar or how are they different?
What information can you add that would help support the responses of your peers?
Ask your peers a question for clarification about their post.
What most interests you about their responses?
Peer responses:
Heather
When I learned of Dr Reamer’s virtual ethics, I was reminded of the quote from Maya Angelou that, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” My understanding of virtual ethics is not the mechanics of deciding on an ethical decision. Rather, it is the relationship and how we as social workers approach enacting an ethical decision. This may, for example mean, that when we have to tell someone “no” to something they were hoping for, we do so to enable them to retain their dignity and to make them feel like we truly care about them even though we are not granting them their wishes.
The six social work values are compassion, discernment, trustworthiness, integrity, conscientiousness, autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, and justice. For instance, in my practicum, I am spending a considerable amount of time and effort to better understand military culture. This would demonstrate compassion and conscientiousness. Learning where I have made errors in expression or types of questions I ask, demonstrates these virtues. For instance, I learned just this week that not everyone in the service is a “soldier.” The term, “solider” is specific to someone in the Army. It is insensitive to refer to someone in the Navy as a soldier. By learning the correct expression and not perpetuating false stereotypes, I am demonstrating ethical values. I learned this through a video 15 Things Veterans Want You to Know.
It is important to share values with your profession so that our values are not in conflict with our profession. We all strive to fulfilling our values in all aspects of our lives but if one’s values do not match their profession it is like wearing two left shoes. You can technically walk with some difficulty. But you won’t walk in the most efficient manner. Plus, at every opportunity, we will look for a way to leave the profession to find values which match our own.
References
PsychoArmor. (4 November 2019). 15 Things Veterans Want You To Know. YouTube.
Reamer, F. PhD. (June 2017). Eye on Ethics. Social Work Today. https://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/060117.sht…
Jamas
The term “virtue ethics” refers to a wide variety of moral systems that place a premium on personal excellence rather than balancing the costs and benefits of doing the right thing (deontology) with doing what will ultimately help society (progressive ethics) (Reamer, 2017). This is because virtue ethics places a premium on personal excellence (teleology).
The six core values of social work are service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, value of human relationships integrity, and competence. In regard to service, My goal is to put the patient’s knowledge, perspective, and abilities to use to assist others in need and to work toward solutions to societal issues. When it comes to social justice, I strive for social change, especially in solidarity with and on behalf of vulnerable people. In addition, I will ensure that all of the patients have the same opportunities, are meaningfully engaged in the decision-making process, and have access to all of the information, services, and resources pertinent to their situation. For the value of dignity and worth of the person, the wide range of racial and ethnic backgrounds represented within my patient group motivates me to provide each person the utmost respect and compassion. I am committed to doing all in my power to assist patients in adjusting to and meeting their individual needs. For the value of human relationships, My goal is to facilitate the flourishing of individuals, families, communities, and society by cultivating meaningful connections with other people.
Sharing values with your profession means that you uphold the core values of your profession in your work and personal life. This involves understanding the ethical principles and standards that guide your profession and committing to them in your actions and decisions. For example, a social worker who shares the value of social justice might engage in advocacy work outside of their job or might seek out opportunities to work with marginalized populations. Sharing values with your profession also involves being accountable to your colleagues and peers and holding yourself to high standards of ethical conduct.
References
Reamer, F. G. (2017, June). Eye on Ethics. Virtue ethics in social work. Social Work Today Magazine. https://www.socialworktoday.com/archive/060117.shtmlLinks to an external site.
