Everyone is expected to do one classroom presentation on a case or an issue (s) pertaining to their agency setting at the micro, mezzo, or macro level. You are not graded on the presentation since classroom participation is generally expected in the practicum seminars, however, five points are deducted from the final quarter grade of those who never presented. Students may earn two extra credit points (during the quarter of their presentation by applying specific textbook knowledge (other than the code of ethics) to their assessments or interventions. An extra credit presentation (worth two points) may be allowed (on a standby, first-come basis) if time permits. The presentations are aimed at providing an opportunity for you to discuss practicum-related topics of your interest; process your practicum experiences; secure feedback on handling cases/issues; enhance your critical thinking skills; demonstrate and raise questions about interventions at various levels; and discuss the application of social work knowledge (including the NASW Code of Ethics & research findings/techniques). Range of Presentation Topics: 1. Management of specific agency cases (at the individual, couple, family, or group level). 2. General practice issues relevant to your agency setting (applying social work knowledge to practice, appropriate vs. inappropriate self-disclosure, cultural competency, sensitivity to diversity, conflicts of interest, boundary issues, confidentiality dilemmas, handling involuntary or difficult clients, record keeping concerns, time management, advocacy versus empowerment, scope of practice, safety issues, mandated reporting, etc.). 3. Programming/organizational issues concerning your agency setting (rationing resources, managed care issues, sensitivity to diversity, conflicts of interest, maximizing use of supervision, interagency collaboration, worker burnout, need for change, etc.). 4. Community/societal issues relevant to your agency setting (access to services, attitude toward agency setting/clientele/location, networking, outreach, duplication of services, community support, government & regulatory entities, current events, etc.). Format: 1. Describe the case (including any relevant demographic & background information) or issue (s)(including those involved or affected). 2. Discuss areas needing change or intervention and reasons why (according to consumer (s), staff, other relevant entities, and/or based on your own analysis). 3. Illustrate how you've intervened thus far in addressing the case or issue (s). 4. Present questions to the class about areas you'd like feedback. The questions may pertain to lingering concerns surrounding assessment, application of specific social work knowledge (including social work ethics: i.e., informed consent, client self-determination), communication, choice of intervention, resources, etcetera.
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