Assignment task: You are currently employed by, Strength and Support, a non-profit organization that provides free support groups to a rural community. You are currently facilitating an educational depression group. The group is made up of 12 members, both male and female, who range in age.Amber (she/her), a 20 year old woman has been attending the group for the past four months. Shortly after she started attending group, Amber disclosed the she broke up with her first serious boyfriend who had been verbally and economically abusive. Rodney (he/him), a 45 year old male, has been attending the group for 10 months. He continues to experience depression symptoms and was recently laid off from his job.
During last week's group session Rodney made several side comments to Amber which you were not able to hear. After last week's group, you witnessed Amber talking to another group member, Glenna (she/her), a 55 year old female who has attended the group for 12 months. During the conversation between Amber and Glenna, you observe Amber crying and she appeared noticeably upset.
During today's group session, Amber appeared guarded and withdrawn from group. Rodney made another side comment to Amber which you were not able to hear. Glenna interjected telling Rodney, "leave her alone!". The other group members have become distracted and are now focusing on the exchange between Rodney and Glenna.
Q1. Identify and describe two immediate steps that would you take after the exchange between Rodney and Glenna.
Q2. Prior to the exchange that took place during today's group, was there an opportunity to address the observations that had been made?
If yes, when and how would you have addressed the previous observations?
Q3. List five challenges you experience as the social worker in this situation. Describe how these challenges would be addressed.
Q4. Identify three specific mezzo-level skills that you would use in this situation. Provide reasoning as to how the skills you identify connect back to this vignette.