Problem:
The purpose of this self-reflection is to assist students in exploring and identifying their personal Social Service Worker field practice areas of interest as well as disinterest and begin to identify specific agencies as potential placement sites for their future Fieldwork Practice course SWRK 2090.
Students will also use the tool of 211 learned in class to complete an Agency Profile of a potential placement agency in Social Service Work based on their area of interest.
Submission Requirement: This assignment should be done using an essay format in 1-3 pages in full paragraphs and sentences. No references required unless something is specifically cited, in which case in-text citations and a bibliography should be used.
Note on Generative AI use: Students are not permitted to use generative AI sources/ softwares in this assignment. Use of Generative AI sources/softwares will be considered a breach of academic integrity and George Brown's College's Academic Integrity Policy will be applied.
Please review the College-wide Academic Integrity Statement stated in the course outline below:
Review the course outline/assignment specifications closely to determine where you are permitted to use generative AI. It is your responsibility, as the learner, to be clear on when, where, and how the use of Generative AI is permitted. Generative AI sources are fallible and have been known to produce inaccurate, biased, unethical, and offensive information. In all submissions in which you use Generative AI, you must reference its usage. Failing to disclose the use of Generative AI is academic misconduct. In all other aspects of your work, the use of Generative AI will be considered a breach of academic integrity and George Brown College's Academic Integrity Policy will be applied. If you are uncertain if you have used GenAI and/or referenced it appropriately, please speak with your professor to discuss possible additional uses.
This reflection has 2 Parts:
Part 1: Reflection on Self in Field
Based on your own social location and interests, what is one type of work/population/setting in which you would interested in doing your placement? Why? Need Assignment Help?
What would be the things you could bring to that setting?
What would you hope to gain from this kind of placement? What would the challenges potentially be for you personally?
Based on your own social location and interests, what is one type of work/population/setting in which you would NOT want to do a placement at this time?
What would be challenging to you about this kind of placement?
Name 1-2 concrete steps you could potentially take to start shifting your feelings around this?
Part 2: Agency Profile
Please respond to the following questions in your own words by identifying one agency/ organization of interest based on your responses to Part 1.
For the chosen agency, answer the following questions below:
Name of agency, address (both the specific street address and the general intersection/neighbourhood (eg Yonge & Steeles; if there are several sites, please list the "home office"), website of agency, during what hours are the services offered? Identify the name of person in charge of student placements and their contact information, if listed (if not please indicate that)
What population(s) do they serve? What services are offered at this organization/agency? What, if any, are the eligibility requirements for service?
What kinds of professionals work there and what kinds of work do they do? (e.g. types of professions/roles). What kind of setting is this (eg. Community based, residential, clinic, mixed kinds, etc.)?
Please describe any statements this agency has on: anti-oppressive practice, cultural competence, and working with Indigenous peoples. Provide a brief critique of any statements by identifying what was strong about their statements and what was lacking.
I start with this one
I am interested in working with newcomers for my field placement. This type of work is very important to me because I am also a newcomer to Canada. I understand how difficult it can be to adjust to a new country, especially with language, daily life, and learning how everything works. When I first came to Canada, I faced many challenges. I struggled with the language, finding work, and understanding how to start school. Everything felt confusing, and at times I felt lost and stressed because English is not my first language. I often wondered what I should do and how I could move forward.
When I met my caseworker, she was very kind and helpful. She supported me in finding work and guided me on how to start my education. Her support made a big difference in my life and helped me feel more confident. Because of this experience, I want to work with newcomers and support them the way she supported me.
For this placement, I believe I can bring several strengths. I am patient, empathetic, and motivated because I understand what newcomers are going through. I also speak more than one language. I speak my first language and Amharic, understand some Arabic, and speak a little German. Even though my English is still improving, my language skills can help me connect with newcomers and make them feel understood and supported.