Social Work Values and Ethics - Coursework Example

 First document 1 strengths, resources and challenges of individuals, families, groups, and communities to assist them in achieving their goals In this outcome, the enabling objectives includes, planning for an achievement of a goal, execution of the process involved and how to measure the goal achievement. In this outcome, we dealt more in the process of achieving the goal and not the planning part. However, we did not achieve in understanding how the process affects other parts of individuals, groups, families and community lives. Strengths are merits that individuals, families, groups and communities may possess to help them achieve their set goals. There are strengths that are better placed in terms of their effectiveness in enabling goal achievement. However, others are better placed in achieving only a specific type of a goal. One of the strength is Action, this is defined as the ability to think fast, get started quickly and generate energy to move on without wastage of time (Wates and Nick 23). Individuals who act quickly tend to achieve more than those who are reluctant to make fast decisions and move fast. Acting supersedes decision-making. Bryson and John suggests that, confidence in achieving goals is also a vital strength. Confidence triggers the ability to take risks and to start their processes of carrying out practices that will enable them realize their objectives (8) . Groups are supposed to be confidence in all their endeavors so as to minimize chances of failures. An example is a family that intends to invest in real estate business; the family must be confident enough to enhance the efficacy of the project (30). The same case applies to communities leaders and members at large must be confident in the projects they pursue to help them achieve their goals. Strength is ability to be self-driven, not being swayed by any tide or waves. Once a decision is made to achieve a particular goal, all the efforts should be targeted on the goal achievement. Groups that usually have standard career goals must be driven by principles they set prior to the establishment of the process of pursuing the goal. Other significant strengths include good work ethics. Ethics is doing what is morally right. Most of the time work ethics go hand in hand with discipline and being focused on what everyone is doing. Individuals must have good work ethics, and this includes mutual respect to all the people surrounding them. In communities, work ethics includes how the community incorporates their cultural beliefs to the efforts of achieving their set goals. The same case applies to a group. However, in a family it is a different case, each family has their ways of doing things. However, their practices should not infringe the rights of others. Lastly, is having a clearly outlined mission and purpose. Most people fail to achieve their goals both career and business goals due to lack of a good plan. A well-stipulated mission tends to encourage individuals, groups, families and communities in putting more efforts to achieve their goals. Their mission is used as a measure of progress and their achievements. There is a wide variety of resources that are available to facilitate goal achievement. Without resources, achieving a goal may be impossible. Resources vary with individuals, families, groups and communities. However, there are resources that are common in all of them. Financial resources, it includes working capital, starting up capital, maintenance capital, and resources to keep the mission on board (Bryson and John 12). Financial resources must be sourced before the start of the mission to avoid any delay in the process of achieving the goal. Secondly is human resource, human resource is the individuals who steer forward the process of goal attainment. They are from different career backgrounds and specializations. Other includes physical resources, and they are assets that the groups might have to help them attain their set goals. Such physical assets include infrastructure, land, and energy. They are crucial since without this resources them achievement of the goals may remain to be only documented (Bryson and John 8). Challenges are limitations that come on the way when pursuing to achieve a goal. They are hindrances that are inevitable. However, the best thing is to know how to go through the challenges and succeed. One of the challenges is financial resources, career and community developed goals are faced with financial setbacks. Money is the main problem that limits many people from achieving their dreams. The process of achieving career and community development goals is demanding and requires a constant financial support. People are different in terms of behaviors, cultural political and social beliefs, unique needs and aspirations. The challenge is common to the leaders who may be spearheading the process, which means that family leaders, group leaders, and community leaders must perfect on how to interact with people of different diversities. Another challenge is problems with the environment. Environments are different, and they are not static. In most cases, new working environments tend to have an effect, and it may take time to adapt to the environment (20). In families, groups and communities, nature is the surroundings, how they exploit the nature determines the success in the attainment of their goals. However, nature must be protected at all costs. 2. Recognize diverse needs and experiences of individuals, groups, families, and communities to promote accessible and responsive programs and services. Ivey et al. explain that enabling environment involves the development of effective helping relationships (8). Good relationships in a community foster a healthy environment that enhances enactment of programs and services. Individuals hail from different ethnicities that have different cultural beliefs and practices. Difference in ethnicities creates barriers in interaction since the people use different language. To facilitate rolling out of the program successfully in these societies, one has to understand the languages used by the communities. Demographic factors such as age will be a source of diverse needs and experiences that promote accessible and responsive programs and services. Elderly and the youths are different in that, youths when it comes to experiences and needs. The age factor ensures that there exists a mutual respect among the individuals, families, groups and communities. Elderly people are assumed to have had a vast experience in life, and hence they are resourceful in guiding youths In the process of ensuring there are accessible and responsive program and services. Similarly, gender plays a role in promoting diversity and experiences; most societies tend to glorify men more than their female counterparts (21). Males are viewed as more resourceful and experienced than women however, in some communities they have practiced equality and regards both genders as the equal. Gender difference should not be used as a discrimination factor or a limitation in promoting accessible and responsive programs and services. Similarly, social and economic classes of individuals are factors to be considered. Social class determines the kind of people a person interacts with, associates and makes friendship. Additionally, the social class of an individual will determine the programs and services that fit such an individual. On the other hand economic class depends on the financial capabilities of a person; this will lead to a difference in tastes and preferences (Ivey et al. 14). The family structure will also play a role in the diversity and experiences. Extended families tend to have a higher role as compared to nuclear families, family structure can also be determined by resources they own; resources can be in monetary or assets form. Another enabling environment is how different factors affect human development and behavior. Biological factors affect human development; such factors include health and the whole being of an individual. Health related issues will affect the programs and services that an individual can enjoy or participate in it. Sociological conditions such as emotions and stress play a role in the human development. Others include spiritual and political factors (25). Spiritual beliefs are vital to making of decisions since many people avoid making decisions that affect their religious beliefs. Political affiliation will limit some people from participating in certain programs and services. Lastly are the environmental factors, surroundings factors will promote the differences evidenced in individuals, families, groups and communities. Environmental factors determine what people can afford and what they cannot when it comes to execution of different programs they will only execute the ones that favor their environment. There are various tools and strategies that can be used despite changing demographics, social, political and economic composition of the community (Ivey et al. 14). The strategies include creating a common goal for to be achieved by all the community members regardless of their diversity that they have. Listening to every person ideas and concerns about the programs helps to create understanding and harmony between the people, consequently, they will tend to enjoy the services more. Communities have different historical backgrounds; it can be traced since the colonization days. History of a community will determine the traditions that they observe. However, some historical factors contribute negatively to the development of responsive programs and services. Only the relevant history, cultural beliefs, traditions observed; norms and values of individuals and communities should be factored (Chun and Jinseok 23). Good values are helpful to people and communities since it ensures a good collaboration in the different practices carried out. Values must be legal and conforming with ethical requirements. Consequently, this will promote the development of responsive programs and services. 3. Develop and maintain positive relationships with clients in accordance with legal, ethical and professional standards The enabling objective in this outcome is to create teamwork and good relations between individuals in a team. The relations between the individuals should conform to the legal, ethical and professional standards. To ensure quality services are offered to then clients, suppliers must collaboratively work together within their entities to ensure they succeed. Team members have a role to play. However, according to (Chun and Jinseok 28), the role played should not affect the practice of others hence mutual respect must prevail. There is a need to work collaboratively even in a multidisciplinary group, and this are groups that offer services in different fields, which have mastered their art in providing services to different kind of clients. Consultation plays a significant role in maintaining positive relationships; it helps to bridge the gap between the service provider and the client. Additionally, consultation will lead to a real collaboration amongst the partners involved, and this will improve the quality of community resources and services. Understanding the situation of the parties involved will be very helpful, this includes their economic, social and political background. By considering these factors harmony will thrive, and legal, ethical and professional standards are achieved. Similarly, every person must be responsible and accountable for the decisions they make, any decision made should have a reason and they must be ready to deal with the consequences of their decisions. Accountability among colleagues, peers and supervisors is very essential; this should be done while working collaboratively and independently as required. Self-confidence and discipline will attract more clients and hence good relationships will be established. Lastly, conflicts may emerge in the process of offering programs and services to the community. However, the conflicts must be solved in a responsible manner following the legal, ethical and professional required standards. Problems must be solved amicably to avoid any loss of the clients; problems usually arise among individuals who work together, however, the differences may be as a result of small disagreements that can easily be solved. There are conflict resolution strategies within the service delivery systems which deal with conflicts that may arise between the service providers and their clients (Chun and Jinseok 30). 4. Develop strategies and plans that lead to the promotion of self-care improved job performance, and enhanced work relationships to achieve personal growth According to Reamer and Frederic, the enabling objective for this outcome is to foster individual growth and development. Growth and development of the individuals should translate to good job performances and enhanced relationships with other people surrounding them (47). Supervision should be enhanced; there are both formal and informal supervision available. Formal supervision is done through regulating the work of the individuals ensuring that they perform to the required standards. Informal supervision does not involve active regulation by an external force. However, an individual can be encouraged to supervise their performance by considering their self-growth and job performance. Another strategy that can be used is seeking for the feedback and strength from workmates, peers supervisors and other professionals. Getting feedback will enhance self-evaluation leading to the identification of strengths, weaknesses and overcoming challenges that may be limiting job performance and enhanced work relationships to achieve personal growth. There are several self-care techniques such as learning from lessons of others, attending counseling classes and personal growth seminars. The techniques are necessary since they enable individuals to identify themselves and work towards bridging the gap that limits them from having good job performance and relationship with others (Reamer and Frederic 40). Resources and appropriate support are necessary at this point; support can be sourced from peers, colleagues and professionals. The resources and support help to enhance a self-care and ultimately helps in personal growth. Individuals must recognize themselves, personal growth usually starts with personal identification so as to be able to build more on strengths, avoid weaknesses and overcome challenges. Areas that requires personal identification includes individual values, beliefs, and experiences (Chun and Jinseok 30). The factors must be linked up to ensure positive development of professional relationships with individuals, colleagues, and supervisors. After personal identification, individuals must make sure that they set tools and processes to use them in reflecting the changes that have occurred to them in terms of personal growth. Individuals must also set critical inquiry on their performances and achievements in ensuring that they develop their job performance and interactions with others. 5. Communicate and apply relevant information in keeping with agency's philosophy, policies, and procedures Enabling objectives in this outcome is to facilitate healthy relationships between the people and the organization. They must conform to the agency’s philosophy, policies, and procedures. There is a need for individuals to have a vast knowledge on the ground in which the agency is set in. A feasibility test is done before links are established through communication; this ensures that the individuals conform to the philosophy, policies and procedures of the agency. Policies are set rules and regulations that guide any organization in its practices; it sets the limits and the far an organization can go through performances. Philosophies are beliefs that will differentiate the agencies from others, and individuals must alter their personal opinions to resemble those of the agency. When procedures understood perfectly, there shall be a good performance and consequently develop personally, and the agency achieve their set goals and scopes. Procedures are established by any organization before they start their operations; they act as a guiding factor in the process of goal achievements (Reamer and Frederic 42). 6. Maintain professional working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and communities partners who adhere to professional, legal and ethical standards in Social Service Work The enabling objective in this outcome is to identify the legal framework available that governs social service work and consider the implications for professional responsibility and accountability (Wates and Nick 27). There are various legislative laws that have been set to regulate social work. Example of the law is the one that controls the interaction between the individuals involved in the offering of programs and services and the communities involved. Working relationships must be established that does not deviate from the professional standards, to observe the set codes of ethics and follow the relevant legislation. Additionally, individual's strengths must be promoted to enhance self-determination during the collaboration process and consulting amongst the professionals and advocating all individual's needs and those of the agency. All people have their skills, both natural and gained skills, they include good listening skills, ensuring their practices are valid, how they engage with confrontation with others and abilities to seek clarifications. Consequently, professional relationships will be built and strengthened in accordance with the set laws and regulations (53). Lastly, there exists a clear difference between the personal life and professional relationships; the boundaries must always be maintained in line with the legal, vocational and ethical standards of practice. The differences ensure that there are a mutual understanding and respect between the social workers, other professionals as well the entire community. Confidentiality is also vital; it includes privacy on the information in accordance with the professional, legal and ethical standards. No information should be diverted from the organization to the outsiders, any objective or goals of the organizations should always be kept as closely guarded secrets among the people. Similarly, good governance helps in the establishment o good professional relationships; bad management provides the unfavorable environment for the professional relationships (Ivey et al. 17). 7. Utilize professional behavior and compartment in accordance with agency philosophy, policies, and procedures. Professional behaviors are practices that benefit the agency; they are the human resources that are available to ensure that social services are offered. The community development models determine the professional behaviors and needs that are required to promote positive social changes. Professional behaviors will determine how the actions shall be planned, how the proposals and programs shall be funded and the strategies that have been established to measure the success of the agency (Reamer and Frederic 52). Additionally, set goals to enhance the social developments. Behaviors are determined by cultural, political and religious beliefs; however, the behaviors must be streamlined with the agency philosophy, policies, and procedures. Professional behaviors are also determined by other external factors such as the structure of the body that includes leadership, financial and set objectives of the agency. Lastly, professional behaviors are essential in fostering a healthy relationship between the clients and the service providers, colleagues in the working environment and the relationship with the community at large. Second document Naithranie Persaud student # 100327103 Thames Drive, Whitby, Ontario, L1R2K7. Phone # 905-2446855. npersaud59@rogers.com February 17, 2015 Cindy Lipsett Program Manager, Assisted Living Services. 289-385-2547 e-mail clipsett@communitycaredurham.on.ca RE: PROGRAM DETAILS AS PROVIDED IN THE COMPETENCY PAPER The project involved several activities that affect the community directly. Firstly, we assisted with activities that helped the residents in their daily living. Secondly, Different clinical information were observed and reported; similarly behavioral changes among the resident were also observed and reported. We also assisted the residents with facilitating them with healthy body exercises and rehabilitative measures for residents who had been engaged in drug and substance abuse. Another activity was helping patients who fear to expose their health condition to medical professionals and mobilize them to seek medical care. In those patients who were targeted, we took and recorded their blood pressure, temperature readings, pulse rate, and respiration process. Additionally, we helped them to prepare their meals and did grocery shopping for the patients, planning for their diet requirements that are food and fluid intake was also considered. Families with patients whom they are taking care of will most of the time are faced with emotional problems, patients being taken care of also face similar emotional challenges. We assisted in offering psychological and other support services to the two groups. Lastly, we accurately chartered and reported to the supervisor on any changes of wellbeing by the patient. Also, the number of hours being used for the challenge is 460. The number of hours used was 460 hours. However, the time was not sufficient enough to complete the whole program and providing the services. I have read the competency paper and confirm that the information contained in the competency letter …supervisor’s signature------------------------ I support the information contained in this letter as the public officer of the region where the program was carried out. Public Health Officer signature------------------- Yours sincerely Naithranie Persaud Program facilitator and main coordinator. The field placement that is being challenged and the program of which it is part of: Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition Process for Social Services Worker Diploma Program Field Placement. The program was done in fulfillment of the supervisor’s requirement on the project. My name is Naithranie Persaud student # 100327103, and my contact information is student address: 2 Thames Drive, Whitby, Ontario, L1R2K7. Phone # 905-2446855. npersaud59@rogers.com. the service provider being cited is a Public Health Officer, who is a Doctor in profession. Supervisor’s name is Cindy Lipsett Program Manager, Assisted Living Services. Her contact information is 289-385-2547 e-mail clipsett@communitycaredurham.on.ca. The date of the supervised experience was on April 2014- February 2014. The total hours for the supervised experience were 460 hours. Yours sincerely Naithranie Persaud Work cited Bryson, John M. Strategic planning for public and nonprofit organizations: A guide to strengthening and sustaining organizational achievement. Vol. 1. John Wiley & Sons, 2011. Chun, Jinseok S., et al. "How does corporate ethics contribute to firm financial performance? The mediating role of collective organizational commitment and organizational citizenship behavior." Journal of Management 39.4 (2013): 853-877. Ivey, Allen, Mary Ivey, and Carlos Zalaquett. Intentional interviewing and counseling: Facilitating client development in a multicultural society. Cengage Learning, 2013. Reamer, Frederic G. Social work values and ethics. Columbia University Press, 2013. Wates, Nick. The Community Planning Handbook: How people can shape their cities, towns & villages in any part of the world. Routledge, 2014. Read More