Behavior: use and translate research evidence to inform and improve practice, policy, and service delivery.

For this assignment complete the following:

Using the competencies from your learning agreement, you will create a 10-15-page PowerPoint presentation (recorded) with narration for each slide, and notes for each slide.

Background and Instructions

Analysis of COVID-19 Through the Lens of the 9 Social Work Competencies
The situation with COVID-19 is extremely dynamic.  Many agencies/communities continue to monitor the spread of the virus in order to make proactive decisions necessary to protect community members.  The purpose of this assignment is for social work students to demonstrate integration of the nice (9) social work competencies to analyze the impact of COVID-19. 
Directions:  Using either your agency or community placement setting, discuss the following: 
1.    Where applicable include what you know about the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g. properties, spread, incubation, duration, fatality, etc.) and CDC guidelines for best practice during a pandemic (these must be cited within the PowerPoint and in the reference page of the presentation using APA guidelines).
2.    Use the nine (9) social work competencies to analyze the impact across systems (micro-macro) for each competency as specified below.  Full descriptions of the competencies for your field course are available at: https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/c.php?g=81877&p=3937468
3.    Summarize findings and recommendations for your agency and community.  Describe how this assignment impacted your understanding or beliefs about the role of the profession in responding to a pandemic.
Students completing this assignment will receive 20-hours of field credit.  Students should notify their field coordinator and field liaison if they choose to complete this assignment.  This project should be 10-15 slides (not including title or reference page) and adhere to APA format.  Students should submit the final project to their field instructor for review and to your field professor for approval. 
Tips:
1.    This is a professional presentation and will be evaluated from both factual analysis and practical application to your field experience.
2.    Please see this webpage for formatting tips: https://www.casdonline.org/cms/lib/PA02217736/Centricity/Domain/372/Tips_for_Effective_PowerPoint_Presentations.pdf
3.    Please do not read from the slide
4.    Please review for standard writing expectations and use of current APA guidelines
5.    Each competency will need to be represented on a separate slide (minimum of nine- you may need more to avoid overcrowding) addressing the following:
Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior

Examine and apply an ethical decision-making model to the steps being taken to mitigate the spread of the virus at the individual, local (agency), community, and State levels.  In addition, students should consider the following:
a.    Policies and laws
b.    Personal and professional values
c.    Relevant standards in the Code of Ethics
d.    Role of other professionals involved
e.    Ethical use of technology, etc.

Note:  here is one resource- there are many
https://nlasw.ca/sites/default/files/inline-files/Ethical_Decision_Making_Framework.pdf

Competency 2: Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice

Discuss cultural structures and values that marginalize, discriminate, oppress, alienate and/or create power and privilege.  Responses should also include a thoughtful analysis of:
a.    Diversity, culture, equity, and inclusion
b.    Intersectionality of those involved 

Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice

Discuss local and global interconnections that impact social justice and strategies that promote social and economic justice and human rights.  List three (3) strategies to eliminate structural barriers to ensure equity.

Competency 4: Engage In Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice

Based on a literature review, describe 2 evidence-based approaches that informs practice relevant in this situation.

Note: This is where you would use a minimum of three (3) sources for your analysis

Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice
Identify 1 local, state or federal policy and 1 public health policy and their role in services provided by the agency or community.  Create evaluative analysis table of the effectiveness of these policies (who benefitted and who didnt).

Example:
Policy type    Role in Services    Who Benefited    Who did not benefit
State/Federal           
Public Health            

Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Identify 2 HBSE theories and discuss how they apply in this situation.  Describe your engagement approaches across systems based on these theoretical frameworks and constituencies strengths and needs. 

Note: Again, a table would work here (you can not use this example, but you can use the format):

Theory    Application    Engagement across systems
    Strengths     Needs
1.    #1
2.    Social Learning Theory    Individuals learn how to respond to a crisis through the observation    Micro- Talk to clients directly and provide them w/facts    Builds trust and allows questions to be answered    Cant reach everyone
        Macro- provide schools with handouts and tips    Reaches families with resources    Some (like the elderly) dont have school age children
        Mezzo- update webpage with accurate resources    Allows individuals a reliable source of facts and empowers individuals to reason    Competing with larger media and misinformation
3.    #2         Micro       
        Macro       
        Mezzo       

Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Identify 2 theories and discuss how you would use them in assessing your agencys or communitys strengths and needs.  Reflect on your personal experiences and reactions that affect your assessment and decision-making.

Note: Remember this would be application of assessment

Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Describe 2 evidence-informed interventions you would use to achieve identified goals.  Discuss how you would collaborate and communicate in interventions.

Note: you will need to identify two advanced interventions (not theories)

Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

How would you evaluate the effectiveness of your interventions?  Identify 2 evaluation approaches you would use.
Note: This will need at least two (2) separate evaluation methods
 
Reference
The assignment was shared by and adapted from a field director, Julie Navarre (Michigan State University), to assist students in the critical analysis and application of policy from a social work perspective.