Project: Agency Visit

In order to function as change agents, social workers interact with others in a wide variety of organizations. Visiting a social work agency allows students of social work to get a glimpse of the form that these interactions may take.

For this Assignment, visit a social service agency in your area and interview a social worker there. During the interview, you will want to ask about the following:

These are all the questions that I need to ask u.

I need your name and the place where u work as well.

Sara Cange

Accelerated Learning Solutions (ALS) Charter Schools Flagler High School and North University High School- Family Support Specialist

Part time out patient therapist for Multicultural Care Centers

1. Focus on the social worker’s educational background and training.

· In 2005, I received my BSW at FAU. In 2009, I received my MSW at FIU. I am currently a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern with the anticipation of completing my licensure this fall. I received my child welfare certificate at FAU.

2. Determine whether the social worker is licensed, and find out about what brought him or her to the field as well as his or her work history.

· I am currently working on my license, I have completed the required hours; however, I most take the test. Social work was not my first desire, while at school I struggled back and forth between medical, or becoming an English Teacher. It came a point when I accrued over 70+ credits and had no idea what I was studying. With the advice of a counselor as well as candid conversation with my aunt who is a social worker in the correctional facility. I recognized that this was my desire. For the past 10 years, I have worked with the adolescent population. For close to six years I worked at DCF/ChildNet as a Child Advocate assisting with reunification, adoptions and teens aging out of protective supervision. I worked with the substance abuse population for less than five months as that was not my passion or a desire of mine. For the past three years, I have been working with students in a charter school assisting them with obtaining a standard high school diploma. Recently, began working as an outpatient counselor.

3. Inquire about the social worker’s job activities, professional roles, and target client group, as well as services provided by his or her organization.

· For close to six years I worked at DCF/ChildNet as a Child Advocate assisting with reunification, adoptions and teens aging out of protective supervision. I worked with the substance abuse population for less than five months as that was not my passion or a desire of mine. For the past three years, I have been working with students in a charter school assisting them with obtaining a standard high school diploma. My job includes but not limited to the following:

· Participated in interdisciplinary meetings

· Ensuring safety of students in attendance

· Conducted individual therapy per referral from ESE Specialist and other school officials and as needed

· Provided students with referrals to meet their present need

· Crisis intervention/treatment planning

· Drafted behavioral and educational plans to maximize students academic achievement

· Conducted psychosocial assessment on new clients

· Supportive therapy

· Conducted psycho educational groups and cognitive behavioral therapy groups

· Conducted community resource fairs

· Conducted home visits for students who were not in attendance

· Assisted with entrance and exit procedures for students

· Supervised BSW and MSW students

· Maintain contacts with community resources

· Participated in IEP (Individual Educational Plan) meetings

· Provided family counseling as needed

· Maintained relationship with community and stakeholders

· RtI (Response to Intervention) team member

Recently, began working as an outpatient counselor.

Completing treatment plans, assessments, biopsychsocials and meeting clients at homes and other places in the community. I provide family counseling, individual counseling and speak to parties affiliated with the case.

1. Determine the social worker’s professional work preferences (e.g., group, individual).

· I enjoy working with teenagers. I do not have a preference between group and individual

2. Ask about professional development and the social worker’s strategies for self-care

· I participate in community sponsored events either through BSO, Children’s Service Counsel or any other mental health agencies that I believe would assist me become a better social worker. Self care (compassion days) are needed and necessary. Since a large portion of my day I hear other individuals problems and concern, I take at least one day a month were I advise my family, significant other, and friends and inform them that I will not be engaging in phone calls between certain hours. During that time, I treat myself to a manicure and pedicure. If I need more than that one day, I usually go to the gym, listen to music, watch silly movies and comedies, or clean. Cleaning I found is therapeutic as it provides instant gratification and clears your mind as it is mundane. I sometimes will go to a friend’s house and play with their dog. Other days I can go to the beach and watch the water. If it is really overwhelming a few days off and then I return to work.