DONNESHA MCKENZIE

SWK 4910-001
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT PEMBROKE

COMPETENCY 1
IDENTIFYING AS A PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKER
AND CONDUCT ONESELF ACCORDINGLY.
1.1: Advocate for client access to the service of social work
Using the knowledge I have gained about programs and services for the surrounding
communities, I will provide information to clients in need.
1.2: Practice personal reflection and self-correlation to assure continual professional
development

I will revisit journal entries weekly that reflect on my actions while working in the agency. I will
also speak with my supervisor regurlarly to recieve criticism whether positive or negative. If any
negative critisicm is present, I will think critically on how to grow effectively in the poor
performing area.

1.3: Attend to professional roles and boundaries

I will study and abide by the NASW Code of Ethics to ensure that I am working professionally
as possible. As an intern I will adhere to the goals as stated in the learning contract.

COMPETENCY 1
IDENTIFYING AS A PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKER AND CONDUCT
ONESELF ACCORDINGLY.
1.4: Demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior

I will conduct myself professionally by speaking in a professional tone. I will be mindful of body
language and how it could affect the client. I will also keep a willingness to assist the client.

1.5: Appearance and Communication

I will dress accordingly and professionally to meet the standards of my agency.
1.6: Engage in career-long learning and use supervision and consultation

I will consistently meet with my supervisor to discuss growth on my behalf and how I can assist
the agency in reaching growth. I will learn effectively by attending any educational classes that
are available.

COMPETENCY 2
APPLY SOCIAL WORK ETHICAL PRINCIPLES TO GUIDE PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE.
2.1: Recognize and manage personal values in a way that allows professional values to guide
practice.
I will make decisions only when they are in rhythm with the code of ethics. I will not allow my
personal experiences and thoughts to interfere with my professional thinking.
2.2: Make ethical decisions by applying standards of the NASW Code of Ethics.
Under supervision, my decisions will be professional and within the context of the NASW code of
ethics.
2.3: Tolerate ambiguity in resolving ethical conflicts.
I will be confident in addressing ethical dilemmas. If unsure of how to handle the situation, I will
first refer back to my code of ethics. Second, seek help from my supervisor/colleague.

2.4: Apply strategies of ethical reasoning to arrive at principled decisions.

I will continue to read and learn from the code of ethics so that the decisions made by me will
be professional and ethically guided. I will critically think how to address strategies and first
discuss them with my supervisor.

COMPETENCY 3
APPLY CRITICAL THINKING TO INFORM AND COMMUNICATE
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
3.1: Distinguish, appraise, and integrate multiple sources of knowledge,
including research-based knowledge, and practice wisdom.
I will use my colleagues as tools for knowledge. I will use personal knowledge as
well to ensure that my practice is effective and capable of client growth.
3.2: Analyze models of assessment, prevention, interventions, and evaluation.
I will refer to my Academic Resource handbook to evaluate the most effective
strategy to meeting the individual clients needs. I will use credible internet sources
to gain knowledge on learning exercises and other related topics such as time
management, study habits, etc.
3.2: Demonstrate effective oral and written communication in working with
individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and colleagues.

I will communicate with my client, making sure that he/she is clear in

understanding what has been shared by myself. Effectiveness will be determined
by evidence of academic success.

COMPETENCY 4
APPLY CRITICAL THINKING TO INFORM AND COMMUNICATE
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE
4.1: Recognize the extent to which a cultures structures and values may oppress,
marginalize, alienate, or create or enhancing privilege and power.
When interacting with clients/students of a different culture, I will remain to conduct
myself in a professional manner. Conducting oneself in a professional manner should
prevent any dilemmas that may be offensive to that client/student.
4.2: Gain sufficient self-awareness to eliminate the influence of personal biases and
values in working with diverse groups.

I will speak with my direct supervisor about any potential conflicting issues that may
arise regarding culture and personal beliefs. I will continue to respect the
student/client regardless of their differences.

COMPETENCY 4
APPLY CRITICAL THINKING TO INFORM AND COMMUNICATE
PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE

4.3: Recognize and communicate their understanding of the

importance of difference in shaping life experiences.
I will converse with my students and colleagues about experiences. I will respect and
listen to others while they share those experiences. I will not act as though those
experiences are not important or of interest to me. I will strive to discover a common
ground in compliance when ideas conflict.

4.4: View themselves as learners and engage those with whom they
work as informants.
I understand that I am a student and an individual who is constantly learning through
effective practice. While working with others, I will continue to accept criticism and
ideas so that they can be used to the best of my ability.

COMPETENCY 5
ADVANCE HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL AND
ECONOMIC JUSTICE
5.1: Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination.
I will not tolerate any forms of oppression or discrimination. I will find the correct
resources for students in order to deal with these issues. I will refer to the NASW code
of ethics for guidance if I encounter any barriers.
5.2: Advocate for human rights and social and economic justice.
I will be alert about issues involving human rights and justice. I will be
knowledgeable of any resources that may be connected to these topics.
5.3: Engage in practices that advance social and economic justice.
I will be involved in practices that is effective socially and economically to ensure
client growth.

COMPETENCY 6
ENGAGE IN RESEARCH-INFORMED PRACTICE AND
PRACTICE-INFORMED RESEARCH

6.1: Use practice experience to inform scientific inquiry.

Research will be completed to ensure effective practice. I
will search for evidence based practice cases
6.2: Use research evidence to inform practice.
Research found will be used for practice

COMPETENCY 7
APPLY KNOWLEDGE OF HUMAN BEHAVIOR AND THE SOCIAL
ENVIRONMENT
7.1: Utilize conceptual frameworks to guide the processes of assessment,
intervention, and evaluation.

I will search and use frameworks that are best fitting for assessments. To ensure
student growth in academics I will use past strategies and intervene when necessary
to assist in solving issues.

7.2: Critique and apply knowledge to understand person and environment.

I will evaluate students individually in order to understand them. I will apply

knowledge on cultural differences.

COMPETENCY 8
ENGAGE IN POLICY PRACTICE TO ADVANCE SOCIAL AND
ECONOMIC WELL-BEING AND TO DELIVER EFFECTIVE SOCIAL
WORK SERVICES
8.1: Analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies and advance
social well-being.
I will ensure the safety of clients regarding policies and procedures. I will
educate them in order to lessen/prevent the possibility of social issues.

8.2: Collaborate with colleagues and clients for effective policy

action.
I will ask colleagues for assistance to ensure that I am delivering effective
practice.

Competency 9
Respond to contexts that shape practice

9.1: Continuously discover, appraise, and attend to changing locales,

populations, scientific and technological developments, and emerging
societal trends to provide relevant services.
During practice in the future and at my internship, I understand that
procedures and techniques will change in order to accommodate the
environmental changes. I will continue to be flexible and open to change to
ensure effective practice.

9.2: Provide leadership in promoting sustainable changes in service

delivery and practice to improve the quality of social services.
I will help my colleagues by presenting new information that is relevant to our
population. I will take a leadership role by researching on my own first.

COMPETENCY 10
ENGAGE, ASSESS, INTERVENE, AND EVALUATE WITH
INDIVIDUALS, FAMILIES, GROUPS, ORGANIZATIONS, AND
COMMUNITIES.
10.12: Facilitate transitions and endings.
-I will facilitate transitions and endings. I will refer back to my manual when I
am uncertain of techniques.
10.13: Social workers critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate
interventions.
-I will analyze, monitor, and evaluate interventions in order to ensure
effective practice on my behalf.