Key Lessons in Social Work: Ethics, Justice, and Cultural
School
University of the Cumberlands**We aren't endorsed by this school
Course
PSYOL 334
Subject
Sociology
Date
Dec 12, 2024
Pages
3
Uploaded by MateRhinoceros3359
Introduction. (Something like this)Hello, my name is Vivian Cheptoo. I am pursuing a master’s degree in social work at the Australian College of Applied Professions. Today, I will reflect on three key learnings from this unit, discuss their importance in shaping my values and practice, and outline how I plan to apply them in my studies and fieldwork.Key takeaways.1.A significant lesson I learnt from this unit is the importance of human rights and social justice in social work practice.I now see how these values serve as the foundation for all aspects of the work, including shaping direct intervention, policy, and advocacy. Supporting individuals is simply one aspect of social work; another is removing structural obstacles to inclusion and equality.2.The need for cultural humility and competence is the second important lesson. A sophisticated awareness of many historical, social, and cultural contexts is essential for social work. This entails developing inclusive, person-centred therapies that honour each client's distinct lived experiences while critically recognising my own prejudices.3.The third highlight is gaining a deeper understanding on ethical and reflective aspects of social work. Difficult decisions, such as striking a balance between client autonomy and safety or standing up for underfunded services while upholding professional integrity, are all part of ethical practice. This unit alsoemphasises that reflection is essential to making sure that choices are well-informed, considerate, and consistent with the fundamental principles of social work.What makes these learnings important to me. These lessons have a strong connection to my goals and experiences. As a child growing up in Kenya, I saw directly how access to fundamental services, such as mental health care, is impacted by structural imbalances and cultural stigmas. I inherited the qualities of empathy and collective action from my cultural background, which is based on collectivism and communal responsibility. These values are consistent with the principles of social work and I will leverage them to help my clients.Furthermore, I've been exposed to the difficulties experienced by those with special needs and mental illnesses through my current job as a part-time social worker in Australia. My ability to traverse these
complexities more skilfully and make sure my interventions are both professional and compassionate is enhanced by my understanding of cultural competency and ethical practice.How I will put these learnings into action.To incorporate these realisations into my future work, I shall use a critical reflective method. This entails regularly assessing my interventions to make sure they uphold the principles of inclusion, social justice, and moral rectitude. For example, where necessary, I will push for systemic changes and critically examine how power relationships and structural obstacles affect client outcomes.I intend to use a cooperative, strengths-based approach during my placement. This entails collaborating closely with clients to co-create solutions that respect their lived experiences and autonomy while removing systemic obstacles. Additionally, I shall operate under the tenet of cultural humility, especially when assisting customers from under-represented or marginalised backgrounds.I'll also make a commitment to self-awareness and lifelong learning. This include asking supervisors for their opinions, participating in research to support evidence-based practice, and remaining aware of new issues in the field. Conclusion.In conclusion, this unit has helped me better understand social work as a transformative profession that is rooted in ethical reflection, cultural competency, and social justice. My determination to support systemic change while delivering client-centered care has been strengthened by these lessons. As I progress through this degree, complete my placement, and make a significant contribution to the social work profession, they will surely direct my path. Thank you.ReferencesAnastasov, B., & Kochoska, J. (2020). Respecting the person's dignity-basis of the code of ethics in social work. International Journal of Education-TEACHER, 10(20), 56-61.Atteberry-Ash, B. E. (2022). Social Work and Social Justice: A Conceptual Review. Social Work, 68(1). https://doi.org/10.1093/sw/swac042 Germain, C., & Knight, C. (2020). The life model of social work practice: Advances in theory and practice. Columbia University Press. https://doi.org/10.7312/gitt18748 Ife, J., Soldatić, K., & Briskman, L. (2022). Human rights and social work. Cambridge University Press.University at Buffalo. (2022). Social Work Core Values and Code of Ethics. Socialwork.buffalo.edu. https://socialwork.buffalo.edu/admissions/is-social-work-right-career-for-me/values-ethics.html Gould, N. (2022). Mental health social work in context. Routledge.
McAuliffe, D. (2023). An Ethic of Care: Contributions to Social Work Practice. In Social Work Theory and Ethics: Ideas in Practice (pp. 349-366). Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore.