Assignment: Large Public Agency Interview and Paper
Length: 8 to 10 pages.
Students are expected to interview at least one macro-level staff member (preferably a social worker if possible) employed by a program administered by a state agency (Health, Human Services, Child Welfare, Labor, or Education). The target population of the program must be vulnerable populations.
The interview must be conducted with an employee of the agency, someone who is instrumental in program design or evaluation within the agency, and who works in a macro capacity within that organization. A direct service employee, such as a case manager, may also be interviewed in addition to another employee who works in program design or evaluation.
The interview and paper will address barriers that limit participation for clients. The student should also discuss strategies that could be implemented for an agency to become more responsive to client and target population needs. Students will be expected to address barriers while exploring best practices and solutions.
Cite at least four sources, not including the interviewee. You can include materials for the Grand Challenges of Social Work.
The following should be addressed in your paper.
I. Describe the need that the program seeks to address?
II. Is the need included in the Grand Challenges for Social Work?
III. Describe programs offered, target population
IV. Address barriers to participation.
V. What best practices are presented in peer-reviewed journals?
i. Are there advocacy and research organizations that advocate solutions or strategies to address barriers or promote best practices?
ii. What solutions does the interviewee offer? What does the literature as well as class materials suggest can be done to make systems more responsive?
VI. Discuss if solutions and best practices are feasible. Why or why not? Discuss issues related to cost, staff to client ratios, public perception, etc.
VII. Discuss implications for social work practice.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
i) The answer should be typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), double spaced, with one-inch margins on all sides.
ii) The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
iii) Also include a reference page. The Citations and references must follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.