Professional Identity in Social Work - Personal Statement Example

Professional Identity in Social Work Name Institution Professional identity concept in social work literature Across the job dynamics, professions tend to work in different ways. In reference to the social workers, they provide their services directly thus creating a general-cognitive backgrounds in which they are able to transfer their core values and skills to human affairs. Furthermore, social workers seek to establish and maintain anything that they consider legitimate knowledge within the field and outline normative prescription guiding the behaviors of the users. Despite the rising interests in matters relating to professional identity within the social work, little research has been conducted on how practitioners should carry out ambiguous and complex functions (Grobman & Bourassa, 2007, 162). In most cases, professional identity often results from a developmental process facilitating the growth of understanding oneself within the professional chosen field. As a result, professional identity assists the social workers to articulate their roles to others within and outside their professions. Merging personal and professional life requires a reflection on the new emerging issues. There are factors defining ways in which social workers think of themselves while delegating their duties. These factors are based on based on professional self-concept and attributes defining their beliefs, experiences, motives, and values. In some cases professional identification is attached to the personal accomplishments, nevertheless, identity formation is a process based on both social and rational factors. Organizations are increasing appointing the social workers due to their ability of delivering psychological interventions (Zufferey, 2008, 105). Several literatures from professional identity have been able to reveal the contestable and shifting nature of the social work due to prompt changes occurring within organization work areas and the life of the professions. Since professional identity is a process, therefore it is not readily made. It is important to avoid linking professional identity to specific organizational structures instead but based on the values and principles for the purpose of differentiating the nature of contribution the social worker. Even though professional identity development within social work context is a fundamental aspect of ethical practice, changes in structures of the organizations often make it difficult for social workers to develop stronger sense of professional identity. Education also contributes significantly towards the development of professional identity. Clarification of the professional identity by the social workers plays an integral role in establishing their clear roles. The distinctive factor about social work profession is its central focus approach in locating ones potential. Irrespective of whether one is looking for a job or placement, establishing a professional identity is important (Australian Association of Social Workers, 2010, 230). In some job seekers, entry into the job market is very easy as there are no professional bodies regulating their ethical standards; however, some professions require registration in order to be allowed to practices. Professional bodies form very important aspect in professional identity besides helping the practitioners develop understanding of the boundaries of their profession. Moreover, professional identification allows the social workers to understand ways in which they can interact with other professions while maintaining the integrity and ethical standards required within the profession (Maidment & Bay, 2012, 175). Most social workers fear being referred as unprofessional practitioners since references in most cases result in questioning of integrity, credibility, professionalism, and reputation. It is important to establish an identity since it is pivotal in ensuring understanding on how various practitioners entrench themselves in organizational life. Professional identity acts as the main driver of cushioning understanding the interaction that occurs between the work and individual identity. My emerging professional identity Modern organizations are hub for numerous activities; as a result, they employ different professionals with distinct cultural backgrounds. Moreover, social workers are becoming important assets for these rising organizations to provide services related to psychological and clinical assistance. However, the profession requires commitment and beliefs in one’s ability. As a profession, I have been able to show ability to interact with other employees within the organization of placement. This is a factors that has enable me understand the integration of my profession with other while at the same time upholding the integrity and ethical standards required within the profession (McNamara & Neve, 2009, 117). Communication plays an important role in solving some psychological problems especially the ones employees go through. Besides, integration with other professions has assisted in boosting my understanding of the professional boundary as required. In most occasions, employees find themselves caught up in the confusions of the distinct roles. Since the social work profession requires an individual with the ability of improving the quality of life for other and ensuring their wellbeing, intervention in such areas are some of the factors that I have been able to realize. While on placement, I ensured that my activities were in line with standards of practices as required by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW); as a result, I was able to fulfill my professional practice responsibilities. During the duration, I portrayed respect to the management and the workers of the placing institution besides ensuring that I upheld integrity as required by the AASW values of practices. I was able to express components of the practices as required by the profession. Such components included professionalism, communication and interpersonal skills, professional development and supervision, and ensuring that I played the knowledge of practice throughout the placement period. Integration of both professionalism and communication skills within the profession enabled me to freely interact with the employees and the management of the institution. Moreover, to ensure that I my activities revolved around the professional boundary, every activity I did was in line with the areas of practice as required AASW. Besides, I worked closely with all organizational management to maintain their best interest while at the same time adhering to my professional obligations. Goals of developing professional identity within the emergency department Every social workers must take into consideration organizational objectives while establishing his/her goals. As a profession with the emergency department, the main goal is to ensure that time is the major factor guiding my decisions. Considering the busy nature of the emergency department within the department, a delay in time might lead to loss of life or worsening of the prevailing condition. According to the Australian Association of Social Workers, the aim of the social workers within the health sector is assist in saving lives; therefore, my goal would be ensuring that I uphold the ethical standards of the profession and creating a professional identity through carrying out my professional duties and obligations diligently. Maintaining competencies is another area that my goals focused on. Another goal is upholding integrity through protecting the confidentiality of the organizational information. This involves disclosing the information only upon the request law or the consent of the hospital to disclose such information (Davis-Floyd, 2009, 132). In my capacity as a social profession, my goal would be to ensure that any point I do not offers services in a way that discredit my professionalism or reduces the trust of the public the both the hospital and profession. Therefore, there is need to shoe commitment while delegating my duties in order to create a positive professional identity. Social work profession entails advocating for the conditions of the workplace and policies that are consistent with Code of Ethics provided by AASW. As a goal, this would ensure efficient and effective performance of the health professions with the emergency department. Strategies of achieving the goals the goals The major strategy of achieving the goals is to understand clearly the ethical standards of social work profession as outlined with AASW. Another strategy is ensuring that the goals are SMART, that is, specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. The goals must be specific and relevant to the each department within the hospital, as this would ensure accomplishment of the goals. Moreover, relevancy the goals would also ensure that the set goals are in line with organizational requirements and maintaining the ethical standards within the profession (Gray, Coates, Yellow & Hetherington, 2013, 187). SMART offers the easiest and simplest strategy of attaining the goal. In order to achieve the goals, there is need to show commitment and establishing a feedback mechanism of making follow up of whether the strategies put in place are helping in achieving the goals. Another strategy of accomplishing the goals is BSQ method that requires one to think Big, act Small, and move Quick. Thinking Big would help viewing the goals from a broader perspective, thus offering an easy way monitoring the progress if outcomes are in line with professional standards. Acting Small would assist in identifying the milestones required to achieve the goals while moving Quick would help coming up with timeline for achieving each goal and ensuring that each is in line with the required standards and organizational objectives (Nash, Munford & O'Donoghue, 2005, 152). Assessing and reassessing the objectives is another strategy that might help in accomplishing the goals as this would assist in identifying the progress of set goals and realign them towards the required direction. Guidance from a qualified expertise to be a mentor plays an important role in as a strategy towards achieving the goals. Mentors often know what is expected, therefore, they play an important role in helping managing the objectives. Method of continuing developing one’s self professionally Globally, social work is become an integral part within an organization, therefore, there is need to uphold integrity within the professions and ensuring that practitioners continue being fruitful to the organizations. With the changing ways of professionalism within the social works context, practitioners are forced to continue with their quest of ensuring they are up to date with the changes that are upcoming within the profession. Personally, I would continue strengthening the foundation of my social work profession through ensuring adequate interaction with people with experience and registered with AASW. Interaction play an important role in developing experience in relation to knowledge and skill within the profession (Napier & George, 2001, 124). Taking the responsibility of career development is another strategy of always guaranteeing being up to date with emerging issues within the profession. In order to ensure effective career development within my profession, after the placement I would look for internship opportunities upon registering with the relevant authority related with social works profession. These activities would help create a rapport required within the profession and always ensure that my responsibilities are in line with organizational requirements while at the same time ensuring I comply with the ethical codes of practice within the profession. Moreover, volunteering for the projects inside and outside the placement organization is also a way of acquiring the required experience. Such activities offer chance of interacting with people of different experiences. Besides, active participation in social work related activities also help in developing professional identity. References Australian Association of Social Workers. 2010. Code of ethics: Australian Association of Social Workers : 2010. Canberra, A.C.T: Author. Australian Association of Social Workers. n.d. Ethics and Practice Standards Consultation Service - AASW - Australian Association of Social Workers. Retrieved from http://www.aasw.asn.au/practitioner- resources/ethics-consultation-service Davis-Floyd, R. 2009. Birth models that work. Berkeley: University of California Press. Gray, M., Coates, J., Yellow, B. M., & Hetherington, T. (2013). Decolonizing social work. Burlington: Ashgate Pub. Company. Grobman, L. M., & Bourassa, D. B. 2007. Days in the lives of gerontological social workers: 44 professionals tell stories from "real-life" social work practice with older adults. Maidment, J., & Bay, U. 2012. Social work in rural Australia: Enabling practice. Crows Nest, N.S.W: Allen & Unwin. McNamara, P., & Neve, E. 2009. Engaging Italian and Australian social workers in evaluation. International Social Work, 15(7), 115-119. Napier, L., & George, J. 2001. Changing social work education in Australia. Social Work Education, 32(11), 122-127. Nash, M., Munford, R., & O'Donoghue, K. 2005. Social work theories in action. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Zufferey, C. 2008. Responses to Homelessness in Australian Cities: Social Worker Perspectives. Australian Social Work, 25(4), 99-108. Read More

Irrespective of whether one is looking for a job or placement, establishing a professional identity is important (Australian Association of Social Workers, 2010, 230). In some job seekers, entry into the job market is very easy as there are no professional bodies regulating their ethical standards; however, some professions require registration in order to be allowed to practices. Professional bodies form very important aspect in professional identity besides helping the practitioners develop understanding of the boundaries of their profession.

Moreover, professional identification allows the social workers to understand ways in which they can interact with other professions while maintaining the integrity and ethical standards required within the profession (Maidment & Bay, 2012, 175). Most social workers fear being referred as unprofessional practitioners since references in most cases result in questioning of integrity, credibility, professionalism, and reputation. It is important to establish an identity since it is pivotal in ensuring understanding on how various practitioners entrench themselves in organizational life.

Professional identity acts as the main driver of cushioning understanding the interaction that occurs between the work and individual identity. My emerging professional identity Modern organizations are hub for numerous activities; as a result, they employ different professionals with distinct cultural backgrounds. Moreover, social workers are becoming important assets for these rising organizations to provide services related to psychological and clinical assistance. However, the profession requires commitment and beliefs in one’s ability.

As a profession, I have been able to show ability to interact with other employees within the organization of placement. This is a factors that has enable me understand the integration of my profession with other while at the same time upholding the integrity and ethical standards required within the profession (McNamara & Neve, 2009, 117). Communication plays an important role in solving some psychological problems especially the ones employees go through. Besides, integration with other professions has assisted in boosting my understanding of the professional boundary as required.

In most occasions, employees find themselves caught up in the confusions of the distinct roles. Since the social work profession requires an individual with the ability of improving the quality of life for other and ensuring their wellbeing, intervention in such areas are some of the factors that I have been able to realize. While on placement, I ensured that my activities were in line with standards of practices as required by the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW); as a result, I was able to fulfill my professional practice responsibilities.

During the duration, I portrayed respect to the management and the workers of the placing institution besides ensuring that I upheld integrity as required by the AASW values of practices. I was able to express components of the practices as required by the profession. Such components included professionalism, communication and interpersonal skills, professional development and supervision, and ensuring that I played the knowledge of practice throughout the placement period. Integration of both professionalism and communication skills within the profession enabled me to freely interact with the employees and the management of the institution.

Moreover, to ensure that I my activities revolved around the professional boundary, every activity I did was in line with the areas of practice as required AASW. Besides, I worked closely with all organizational management to maintain their best interest while at the same time adhering to my professional obligations. Goals of developing professional identity within the emergency department Every social workers must take into consideration organizational objectives while establishing his/her goals.

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