Exploring policies and budgets at the agency, local, state and federal levels provides a context for how systems affect agency operations. This objective should demonstrate understanding of the agency mission statement, under-served populations and need for the agency's services by incorporating course material with learning opportunities in field placement.
Incorporating theoretical frameworks learned from course content provides a basis for beginning a career as a professional social worker. This objective should demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively and demonstrate understanding of social work theories, perspectives and approaches for intervention strategies to engage clients to facilitate change.
Developing skills of cultural sensitivity shows an ability to match appropriate intervention strategies with appropriate populations, allowing the social worker to understand and intervene as an advocate. This objective should include material learned from diversity training, local coalitions and advocacy initiatives within an agency and around the student's area of study.
Understanding how the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics informs practice plays a role in making sound decisions. This objective should make clear how professional values guide practice and inform the decision-making process. The student should draw upon best practices, evidence-based practices and research-informed practices to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention strategies.
Articulating an individual philosophy and approach to leadership will help a social worker to understand how to engage others in organizational change and transition. Understanding the process and procedures of working in groups, and skills such as presenting and developing therapeutic curriculum, will help the student define leadership. Each student should be able to define what makes a social worker leader different from other professions within a field placement.