Interview a Social Worker Assignment PDF

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Assignment about interviewing a social worker for Professor Brown's class....

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Amanda Scheuer Professor Brown Methods of Social Work Research I 2/25/2019 Interview a Social Worker 1. What role does research play in his or her work? My field supervisor at Jewish Family Services, Maris, explained to me that research plays a vital role in her work. Specifically, she stated that, “We do not conduct formal research at JFS,” but that, “we do collect data from our clients that helps us assess the quality and effectiveness of our services.” Aside from collecting data, research informs her practice in that she utilizes interventions and treatment plans that are supported by evidence that shows they are effective. 2. How does he or she apply that research to practice? Maris explained that she and the other social workers at JFS “utilize evidence-based research in [their] practice.” For example, many of the therapists at JFS use aspects of cognitivebehavioral therapy, which is supported by research that helps inform their practice. With regards to this intervention, Maris said that “CBT and other treatments for anxiety and depression are based on the success of research that determined their effectiveness.” 3. What value does he or she think research brings to social work? The value that research brings to Maris’s work is that it forms her “ability to be successful in social work practice.” She also said, “we learn from researching new trends and developments in the field that can impact the interventions and programs we choose to implement at our agency.” 4. How has this interview influenced your perception of the role of research in social work practice? This interview made it clear to me that there is truth and importance to the statement, “research informs practice and practice informs research,” in all areas of social work. Maris made it clear that “it takes effort, concentration, [and] discipline to incorporate research outcomes into our practice.” I found this to be a significant reflection of how, even in clinical and micro roles, research is just as valid and influential as it is in macro levels of social work....