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Goals are more than a list, and setting goals is an intentional process. But how do you move from an abstract concept to something more concrete? Consider the concept of SMART goals. SMART is an acronym for specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. SMART goals guide you toward mastery of the practice behaviors within your learning agreement. As you develop your SMART goals, think of specific tasks, activities, or trainings that can demonstrate that you have “achieved” each behavior. Then, ask yourself if the goals you have articulated are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and achievable within a realistic timeframe. In this Discussion, you build your skills developing SMART goals by focusing on key social work core competencies and aligning them with your internship tasks. To Prepare Review the expected behaviors on the Learning Agreement for the two core competencies listed below: Social Work Core Competency 4: Engaging practice informed research and research informed practice Social Work Core Competency 5: Engaging policy practice View the Learning Resources on how to develop your Learning Agreement. Review the Learning Resources on developing SMART Goals. By Day 7 Develop two SMART goals (one for Social Work Core Competency 4 and one for Social Work Core Competency 5) that will help you demonstrate the expected behaviors for those competencies. Explain how the tasks of a social work intern align with social work core competencies and your SMART goals. MSW Foundation Year -Student Learning Agreement Walden University -- Barbara Solomon School of Social Work and Human Services --Social Work Program Used with SOCW 6500 and SOCW 6510 Agency Name: [Type here] Agency Address: «AddressBlock» Student Information Instructor/Supervisor Information Faculty Liaison Information Agency Info Name: [Type here] Walden Email: [Type here] Phone: [Type here] Name: [Type here] Email: [Type here] Phone: [Type here] Name: [Type here] Email: [Type here] Phone: [Type here] Description: Academic Term Example: Winter 2016 [Type here][Type here] Course Number Example: SOCW 6500-10 [Type here] Population Served: Importance of the Learning Agreement Purpose of the Learning Agreement: The learning agreement is designed to ensure students are mindful about the learning expectations in their field placement. It was developed to help students and supervisors/instructors plan a well-rounded experience that will help students meet the learning objectives. Learning Objectives: The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) requires students gain competency in nine areas of social work practice. These areas of practice are defined as core competencies of the profession. Each core competency requires particular behaviors students should be able to engage and gain competency in. Students should provide examples of activities in the agency they can participate in to help them meet the learning objectives. Some examples of activities are provided. This is not an exhaustive list, so others can be added. Students must have an opportunity to complete tasks in all nine areas of competency. Connection to the Student Evaluation: Not only is the learning agreement a helpful tool to plan the learning goals for the term, but it connects directly to the evaluation points in the student evaluation. Field Instructors/supervisors will be asked to complete student evaluations. Each student is evaluated on the nine core competencies of social work. Having a solid learning agreement aligns the learning goals with the student’s evaluation, so no areas are missed. Instructions Negotiating the Agreement: The learning agreement should be completed by week 4 at the agency. This is a collaborative process, where the field instructor/supervisor and student meet to establish goals for the term. The student will then submit the agreement to the faculty liaison for feedback and comments. Once everyone is happy with the agreement, all parties sign the agreement. During the evaluation session, toward the end of the quarter, the student and instructor/supervisor should meet to discuss progress and challenges with the plan and develop ways to adjust the learning for the remainder of the placement and the next quarter. Form Layout: Each page/grid is devoted to one of the nine Social Work Core Competencies . Students must have experience in all nine competencies. Section Descriptions: Expected Behaviors – the expected behaviors are those that are identified by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). These behaviors should be demonstrated by students during the term of the field placement/internship. Agency Activities-These are examples of particular activities that students can do at the agency to demonstrate the expected behaviors. Most of these are general to all settings. However, if they don’t quite match, feel free to add/change these to fit with the context of your agency. Check all activities that apply. Field Course Assignments-These are a few examples of field course assignments that help reinforce the Social Work Core Competencies. Students will be required to complete all field course assignments. How to Complete the Form: a- By week 2, students should complete all student designated sections on the learning agreement and discuss it with their supervisor/instructor. b- By week 4, students should upload the learning agreement to Blackboard for the faculty liaison to review. (Only upload agreements that have been approved by your supervisor/instructor). c- After the faculty liaison reviews and signs the agreement, the student and instructor should sign it. d- After the agreement has been signed, the student will upload it to Meditrek. Learning Agreement Social Work Core Competency 1 – Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior Expected Behaviors – You will be evaluated on these at the end of the quarter Agency Activities to help you achieve the expected behaviors- Check all that apply Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned. a- 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. b- use reflection and self-regulation to manage personal values and maintain professionalism in practice situations. c-demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior; appearance, and oral, written, and electronic communication. d-use technology ethically and appropriately to facilitate practice outcomes. f- use supervision and consultation to guide professional judgment and behavior. Familiarize self with clients' rights and respect these at all times and adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics. __Advocate for those who are incapacitated, incompetent and those who cannot represent their own best interests. __Discuss personal values in supervision when they conflict with the values of the profession. __Discuss case scenarios with my supervisor and faculty liaison that require ethical reasoning. Seek guidance when you experience and ethical dilemma. __Dress professionally, use appropriate, professional language and behavior. __Adhere to agency polices about technology and record keeping. Add other activities here: SOCW 6500 (Field I) Assignments: Blog entries on supervision, use of self, confidentiality and boundaries. Process Recording on Values and Ethics For Student: After reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how these expectations and activities will help you gain competence in ethical and professional behavior (be specific). For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you develop as a professional social worker: For Student: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison: Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during evaluation). Social Work Core Competency 2 – Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice Expected Behaviors – You will be evaluated on these at the end of the quarter Agency Activities to help you achieve the expected behaviors- Check all that apply Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned. a- apply and communicate understanding of the importance of diversity and difference in shaping life experiences in practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels; b-present themselves as learners and engage clients and constituencies as experts of their own experiences; and c-apply self-awareness and self-regulation to manage the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse clients and constituencies. __Interact with those who are different from you based on age, SES, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, etc. __Discuss in supervision and in class the strengths of engaging diversity and the challenges you have when engaging difference. __Engage in self-refection about personal biases related to client population and discuss with supervisor. Add other activities here: SOCW 6500 (Field I) Assignments: Week 7 – Focus on diversity, including a blog post on the diversity represented in your agency and a process recording focused on cultural competency in your agency. For Student: After Reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how these will help you engage diversity and difference in practice (be specific): For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to engage diversity and difference in practice: For Student: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison: Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during the evaluation). Social Work Core Competency 3- Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice Expected Behaviors – You will be evaluated on these at the end of the quarter Agency Activities to help you achieve the expected behaviors- Check all that apply Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned. a-apply their understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to advocate for human rights at the individual and system levels. b-engage in practices that advance social, economic, and environmental justice. __Identify barriers clients face when accessing services at my agency or at other agencies and discuss during supervision. __Discuss with supervisor about how social, economic, and environmental factors affect client outcomes. __Work with instructor/supervisor to engage advocacy for needs and services for clients. __Become familiar with a local or national organization that advocates for your population. Add other activities here: SOCW 6500 (Field I) Assignments: For Student: After Reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how these will help you advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice (be specific): For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you advance human rights and justice: For Student: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison: Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during the evaluation) Social Work Core Competency 4 – Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice Expected Behaviors – You will be evaluated on these at the end of the quarter Agency Activities to help you achieve the expected behaviors- Check all that apply Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned. a-use practice experience and theory to inform scientific inquiry and research. b-apply critical thinking to engage in analysis of quantitative and qualitative research methods and research findings. c-use and translate research evidence to inform and improve practice, policy, and service delivery. __Research the context and treatment models used by the agency. __Read current research/literature on best practices with the population you serve. Discuss those articles with your supervisor. (See assignment in SOCW6500) __Work with your supervisor to create a brief-interview questionnaire that could be used during an intake process with your population. (see assignment in SOCW 6510) Add other activities here: SOCW 6500 (Field I) Assignment: Assignment to find 5 research articles for best practices in your agency setting. SOCW6510 (Field II) Assignment: Use the articles identified in quarter 1 of Field 6500 to develop a short questionnaire that could be used with your client population during intake For Student: After Reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how these will help you engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice (be specific). For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you improve use research in your practice: For Student: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison: Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during evaluation). Social Work Core Competency- 5- Engage in Policy Practice Expected Behaviors – You will be evaluated on these at the end of the quarter Agency Activities to help you achieve the expected behaviors- Check all that apply Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned. a-identify social policy at the local, state, and federal level that impacts well-being, service delivery, and access to social services. b-assess how social welfare and economic policies impact the delivery of and access of social services. c-apply critical thinking to analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice. __Become familiar with local, state, federal and agency policies that affect the client population and discuss them in supervision and in class. __Explore how the service delivery in the agency is affected by social welfare policies. __Find opportunities at the agency or in advocacy organizations to work with others to advocate to advance human rights and justice. Add other activities here: SOCW 6500 (Field I) Assignment: Policy Paper Assignment SOCW6510 (Field II) Assignment: Policy Paper identifying policies that affect a sub-population of the clients served at the agency For Student: After Reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how these will help you engage in policy practice (be specific). For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to engage in policy practice: For Student: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison: Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during evaluation) Social Work Core Competency 6- Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities Expected Behaviors – You will be evaluated on these at the end of the quarter Agency Activities to help you achieve the expected behaviors – Check at least one from each category Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned. a-apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks to engage with clients and constituencies. b-use empathy, reflection, and interpersonal skills to effectively engage diverse clients and constituencies. Individuals __Show care, empathy, and genuineness with clients to initiate professional relationships with clients. __ Other engagement activities with individuals: Families __Initiate professional relationships with families to support client needs. __ Other engagement activities with families: Groups __ add community activity __ Other engagement activities with groups:: Organizations __Consult with organizations to assist with client needs. __Other engagement activities with Orgs: Communities __connect with community organizations that provide services related to the clients you serve. __Other engagement activities Communities: SOCW 6500 (Field I) –First 11 weeks Blog on use of self SOCW6510 (Field II)- Second 11 weeks Week 1 and 2 focuses on engagement with a blog and process recording For Student: After Reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how these will help you engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities (be specific). For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you develop your engagement skills: For Student: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison: Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during the evaluation) Social Work Core Competency 7-Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities Expected Behaviors – You will be evaluated on these at the end of the quarter Agency Activities to help you achieve the expected behaviors- Check at least one from each category Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned. a-collect and organize data, and apply critical thinking to interpret information from clients and constituencies b-apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the analysis of assessment data from clients and constituencies. c-develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objectives based on the critical assessment of strengths, needs, and challenges within clients and constituencies. d-select appropriate intervention strategies based on the assessment, research, and values and preferences of clients and constituencies. Individuals: __Utilize agency appropriate forms, tools, and processes to assess clients’ needs, strengths, and limitations to inform appropriate intervention strategies. __Other assessment activities with individuals: Families: __Assess family support systems for clients that support intervention goals and strategies. __Work with families to assess needs, strengths, and limitations in order to provide resources and services. __Other assessment activities with families: Groups: __ Work with groups to assess needs and to inform group intervention goals and strategies. __ Develop a needs assessment that would inform the design and development of a group for clients. __Other assessment activities with groups: Organizations: __ Discuss with your supervisor the needs of clients, the strengths of the services offered, and the areas where more services may be needed. __ Assess how other organizations assist with client needs and where there may be gaps in services. __Other assessment activities with organizations: Communities: __assess the role the community plays in providing services for your clients (financial, legislative, representative, etc.) Discuss your findings with your supervisor. __Other assessment activities with organizations: SOCW6500 (Field I) – First 11 weeks Discuss with supervisor evidence-based practices used in agency setting. SOCW 6510 (Field II)- Second 11 weeks Week 3 and 4 devoted to the assessment process, with assignments of blogs and process recordings. For Student: After Reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how these will help you assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities (be specific): For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you develop your assessment skills: For Student: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison: Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during supervision) Social Work Core Competency 8-Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Communities, and Organizations Expected Behaviors – You will be evaluated on these at the end of the quarter Agency Activities to help you achieve the expected behaviors- Check all that apply Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned. a-critically choose and implement interventions to achieve practice goals and enhance capacities of clients and constituencies. b-apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in interventions with clients and constituencies. c-use inter-professional collaboration as appropriate to achieve beneficial practice outcomes. d-negotiate, mediate, and advocate with an d on behalf of diverse clients and constituencies e-facilitate effective transitions and endings that advance mutually agreed-on goals. __Use agency-appropriate processes to help clients set goals. __Discuss with supervisor relevant prevention strategies with clients served. __Utilize prevention strategies with clients. __Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings __Assist clients by negotiating, mediating, and advocating for needed services. __Talk with supervisor about planning for termination with clients. __Work with clients to transition services when they transition from your service. Add other activities here: SOCW 6500 (Field I) First 11 weeks Discuss with supervisor evidence-based practices used in agency setting SOCW 6510 (Field II) Second 11 weeks Weeks 5 and 6 focus on intervention with assignments of blogs and process recordings. Week 9 focuses on termination (ending services) with clients. For Student: After Reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how these will help you intervene with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations (be specific): For Student: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you apply appropriate intervention strategies: For Student: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison: Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during evaluation) Social Work Core Competency 9- Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities Expected Behaviors – You will be evaluated on these at the end of the quarter Agency Activities to help you achieve the expected behaviors- Check all that apply Field Course Assignments – Complete these in the course when assigned. a-select and use appropriate methods for evaluation outcomes. b-apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the evaluation of outcomes. c-critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate intervention and program processes and outcomes. d-apply evaluation findings to improve practice effectiveness at the micro, mezzo, and macro level. __Explore how the agency assesses outcomes for its clients and discuss with supervisor.  __Explore if funding sources at the agency require certain outcomes and discuss with supervisor. __Meet with clients to assess the progress of their goals and make changes in treatment plans as necessary. __Evaluate how support resources support client needs. Add other activities here: SOCW 6500 (Field I) First 11 weeks   Agency presentation will have you explore the funding sources for your agency, which may tie to their client success/outcomes.    SOCW 6510 (Field II) Second 11 weeks  Weeks 7 and 8 focuses on evaluation of client success with assignments of blog posts and process recordings.     For Student: After Reviewing the Agency Activities and Field Course Assignments, describe how these will help you evaluate your practice and outcomes with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities (be specific). For Students: Write two goals that you want to achieve to help you understand how to evaluate clients and other systems: For Students: Write down any questions you have for your instructor/supervisor or faculty liaison: Instructor/Supervisor’s Feedback for Evaluation: (To be completed during evaluation) WORKSITE INTERNSHIPS ONLY  For this section, please complete the following table  List specific tasks/activities that meet SW competencies.    SPECIFIC WORKSITE TASK/ACTIVITY   Is this part of your job description?  IDENTIFY WHICH COMPETENCY 1-9    TASK IS ADDRESSING   Example:                 Admission intake process   Yes  No                                                                                                                                                              Internship Accountability Schedule  Placement Allocation   List specific days of the week you will be in working for each role.     List specific hours you will be engaged in this role during the week.  Employment Supervisor Name   Field Instructor Name   Employment hours               Internship hours                Comments:                     Signature Page The Field Office accepts e-signatures, so feel free to type in your full name and email as your official signature. X Field Instructor's Signature X Student's Signature X Printed Name X Date X Faculty Liaison's Signature WAL_SOCW6500B_02_A_EN-CC.mp4