Field Practicum Experience

Duties and Population(s) Served: During my foundational year field practicum I worked collaboratively with the judge, trial counsel, and defense counsel providing them with knowledge that takes into consideration how biological, psychological, environmental and social factors can influence client actions. In addition, I conducted psychosocial assessments, providing supportive counseling, mentoring, and coaching; as well as providing short term interventions and crisis interventions that allow clients to utilize resources and personnel available to address maladaptive behavior, which improved the clients’ future trajectory in life. Additionally, I performed individual and group sessions with clients that includes: career, developmental, and

There is a significant level of difficulty involved in negotiating effectively with Federal Magistrate and District Judges, as well as United States Attorneys (Prosecutors), and Public Defenders (Defense counsel) on behalf of the clients where law and precedence has significantly impacted decisions. However, I chose social work because it lines up with my personal set of core values that are rooted in the service of others. It is my personal belief that advocating for the client in this environment sharpened my communication skills. The clientele as a whole, provided me with an amazing opportunity to confront my biases and process the information I received with the personal history of the client in a manner that allowed me to provide the best support for each client regardless of the crime. The guidance and leadership I received from my field instructor empowered me to speak confidently in public settings, as well as motivated me listen attentively and identify problems and develop solutions that are in the best interest of the clients I serve. In my foundational year field practicum placement, I worked with three second year students from another university; each of us was placed into a team of eight

My strengths are my acquired knowledge and skills acquired from my education, work experience, and foundational year field practicum experience. My case conceptualization skills allowed me to gather information, and assess the situation; then, transfer and apply learned social work practices, principles and theories into analytical problem solving utilizing the tenets of Critical Race Studies to offer innovative solutions that are both dynamic and relevant to the population I am serving. Equally important, is my cultural competence and sensitivity through direct interaction with people from diverse backgrounds both as clients and colleagues. In addition, I have established a strong network with my fellow student interns within my cohort that have allowed clients to connect with additional resources through my networking with my cohort. I have also benefitted from working collaboratively with federal judges, trial attorneys and defense attorneys, which enabled me to garner their trust and support, allowing me to further advocate for the clients I serve. Finally, I have a friendly and engaging personality with an empathetic