The fundamental objective of the mission of social work profession is to advocate for equity and fairness to the neglected part of the society with the goal of empowering them to better their lives. In a social context, the mission concentrates on both the society and individual’s well-being. The social worker is expected to promote social justice to all persons to bring change in the universe. The social workers will strive to oppose discrimination or any other form of oppression with the society members (Reamer, 2006). On the other hand, cultural competence is a set of consistent behaviors, attitudes and beliefs that are put in unison to promote effectiveness and efficiency in cross-cultural situations. It helps to reduce the disparities existing in relationships between workers and their clients. In the paper below, I will address how the topics of mission of social work profession and cultural competence helped me to develop professional self and self-awareness in my line of duty.
The information associated with the mission of social work profession plays a major role in developing a professional self. The information presented helped me to be sensitive on the integrity of my profession as a social worker. I was made to believe that I am responsible to maintain and promote the high standards of practice in the social setting (Popple, Philip and Leslie, 2008). A social worker is also expected to devote his or her time to activities that promote values and competence in the professional areas. The array of these activities may include education, consultation, research, legislative testimonies, service, and presentations in the community and active participation in the professional practice.
Detailed information on the mission work profession comprehensively raises the significance of evaluation and research in social work. As a devoted social worker, I will be held accountable in monitoring and evaluation of policies, implementing programs and practice of interventions. Since information is power, the insight provided during the lecture will guide me in making evidence based decisions that will contribute towards the realization of professional goals and standards. I will be in the frontline to promote research since it helps to develop knowledge that helps an individual to uphold high standards of intelligence to offer the best in his assigned roles and tasks as a social worker (Reamer, 2006).
Another great opportunity regarding lessons learnt from mission of social work profession is the development of self-awareness. The information will improve my knowledge and skills in supervision and consultation of my areas of jurisdiction. I will be sensitive in judging different instances and always come up with a solution that will benefit both the organization and the clients. Self-awareness will also be developed to guide me in becoming more responsible and set clear and appropriate measures set to benefit the people seeking for help from our organization. As a social worker, I will also learn the best way to evaluate my support staff in a fair and respectful way (Popple, Philip and Leslie, 2008).
Professional ethics does not allow any form of prejudice or discrimination in the work area. The social worker is responsible strongly to oppose practices of discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, color, sex, marital status, sex orientation, religion, political belief, age, or mental and physical disability. Discrimination should be condemned since it interferes with smooth operations in the job area and makes the victims remain unattended and in isolation (Reamer, 2006). Additionally, the information presented helped me to put into consideration that I am not allowed to permit my private conduct to distract the roles and responsibilities of my career. However, a social worker should keep away from dishonesty, fraud and dishonesty to ensure that transparency and accountability is carefully observed. When the issues are practiced, unfairness and social inequalities affect the operations and treatment of clients by the social worker.
Cultural Competence is another imperative topic studied during the 2nd week. Through the topic, I learnt that the essential elucidation of culturally competent social work is dissimilar for every social worker. The difference in interpretation makes social work one of the most palpable, flamboyant, soul stimulating, and enriching career. Being culturally competent intrinsically implies that, upon graduation, I would be able to cooperate with individuals from divergent social, racial, ethnic, economic, political, and educational backgrounds ethically and efficiently (Blunt-Williams et al., 2010). For instance, I would be able to embrace the similarities and differences that each customer brings to my workplace and stay open-minded and enthusiastic to learn new things about humanity while serving the clients. Fundamentally, after years of interacting with clients and associates, my training philosophy will change, evolve, and shift to the better side.
Evidently, my proficiency and competence as a social worker will be amazing and my actions with the client will shift from being competent to being compassionate. The society acknowledges individuals who have a greater sense of responsibility, competent, and have an inordinate ability to interrelate generously with people of diverse origins and backgrounds (Lum, 2009). I have a strong sentiment that lack of cultural competency can unsympathetically affect clients and the overall productivity of a social worker. Evidently, a successful social worker must appreciate the current diversity if they are to succeed in the profession and live happily.
Additionally, as a result of studying and comprehending the topic, my self-awareness inordinately improved. It dawned on me that people hold various prejudices that affect their social interactions and eventually threaten the peaceful coexistence in the society (Lum, 2009). I recognized that I am just one part of the diversity and that all cultures are relevant, equal, and vital to the particular people concerned with it. It changed how I interact with my family, friends, and made me more committed to helping humanity and save them from the many social problems that are threatening to engulf the contemporary society (Blunt-Williams et al., 2010). Various prejudices that I previously held about some cultures were jettisoned and I learnt to value all people and/or clients notwithstanding their cultural, political, educational, or economic background. Evidently, with such information and knowledge, I will be able to act and perform with conscientiousness, diligence, and impartiality, a factor that will be of utter significance in making me successful and helpful social worker.
Moreover, I grasped the fact that compassion is much bigger and significant than culture. Apparently, this understanding and the ultimate transformation occurred because I was yearning for a deeper connection with my profession and feel the sentiment of a “calling” that many social workers regularly allude when discussing their successes in the profession (Blunt-Williams et al., 2010).
The above explications substantially indicate that gaining cultural competence and understanding the mission of Social work profession are important factors that affect the success of a social worker. Social workers are entrusted with the responsibility of carrying out important functions with the society; functions that fundamentally define and determine the wellbeing of the society. A study and comprehension of the aforementioned topics evidently contribute to professional and self-awareness. They go a long way in producing competent and compassionate social worker capable of handling the stipulated ethical standards and cultural diversity. It helps an individual realize the importance of being a social worker and the society’s agile expectations.
Reference
Blunt-Williams, K., Meshelemiah, J. C., & Venable, V. M. (2010). An Examination of College Students' Perceptions of Transformative and Culturally Competent Educators: Are Social Work Students Unique? Social Work Education. doi:10.1080/02615479.2010.508089
Lum, D. (2009). Culturally competent practice: A framework for growth and action. Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Popple, Philip R. and Leslie Leighninger (2008). The Policy-Based Profession: An Introduction to Social Welfare Policy Analysis for Social Workers (4th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson/Allyn and Bacon. ISBN 0-205-48592-8. OCLC 70708056
Reamer, Frederic G. (2006). Ethical Standards in Social Work: A Review of the NASW Code of Ethics (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: NASW Press. ISBN 978-0-87101-371-2. OCLC 63187493
