Social and Community Work Reflective Practice: ED4041 Coursework

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ED4041 Coursework: Assessment 2:
Social and Community Work
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Introduction
This is a reflective report will develop an understanding of the reflective practices in social and
community work. The report will reflect upon my learning journey and its various components
while working in a social and community setting. The report will describe for theories, policies
and approaches I have learned in the course. The report will subject to issues associated with the
practice of social and community work. I will justify the knowledge and information gained in
the course and will develop a link between the theoretical and practical scenarios in working for
the social and community work. The report will reflect on the skills and abilities I have
developed while working. The report will also demonstrate on principles of informal and social
practice. I will depict my learning about the group work theory, working one to one and working
with young and adult people.
Other parts of the report will work on depicting an understanding of practice of engagement for
young people and local community people. The last part of this report will reflect upon the issues
and challenges I have faced while working on the theories and the practical application of
knowledge gained. The report will evaluate both practical and theoretical aspects of social work
and community. It will construct for understanding for academic study with the practical
knowledge and application of theories and models.
First and foremost objective of my report is to develop a practical and theoretical interpretation
of individual professionalism while working in social and community. The report will
demonstrate personal behaviours, attitudes and the application of professional boundaries while
working with society. I have learned and observed with my previous experiences that it is
essential to maintain the confidentiality of the personal information of the clients (Banks, 2012).
It is also required to communicate in an effective manner with the patients and their families to
ensure for effective understanding of the medical conditions and medical issues faced by the
social workers. The experience I have gained while working has also demonstrated for
maintaining the work ethics and values along with the standards of professionalism.
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Learning Journey
This section of the report will communicate and inform about the principles of informal and
social education, key elements of the group work theory and key elements of working with one
to one with the young and children. The section will provide for these constraints as they are
essential in the practice of social and community work.
Principles of Informal and Social Education
The education systems developed in the current scenarios provides with a systematic and
structured approach towards imparting knowledge to the students. The informal social education
systems are well-organised and developed education systems that aid selected groups in
accomplishing the required needs and demands (Dominelli, 2017). These informal sets of social
education provide with diversity in learning and practical experiences. Informal education
systems explore reading and learning possibilities for certain age groups and sections who desire
to acquire specific learning.
The designing and establishment of these informal education systems have aided me to realise
that contemporary and dynamic business organisation values for the skills and abilities regardless
of the systems these abilities have been developed from. I have observed that there is no age bar
or restriction on the process of learning and acquiring knowledge. It has been identified by me it
is still possible for me to learn new things and practice these concepts into my workplace and
professional settings. Informal learning provides with such skill development that can be
transferred and applied to professional settings.
I have realised that informal education has played a major role in my development in the health
and social care practice. I have acquired attributes and skills such as trust, compassion,
confidence and understanding through my informal learning and education system (Oliver, et.
al., 2012). These attributes and skills are learned and acquired through non formal education
settings and systems. The formal settings only provide with theoretical knowledge that can not
suffice for the practical living experience.
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Group Work Theory
Groups are two or more individuals developing together in order to fulfil individual needs and
requirements. These groups are connected by social bound and relationships that are developed
over certain similar interests and values. Groups are essential parts of society and must be
interpreted in an effective manner to develop strategic deployment of social and community
work. Groups are developed overtime based on community nature and similarity of interests. I
have observed the development of groups in my personal life based on similar feelings and
instances of first time group interactions.
I remember the feeling of insecurity with my group members in the lecturer of ED4042. I had a
feeling of insecurity and developed a sense of lack of adequate knowledge and information
regarding the subject lectures and modules. I developed uncertainties regarding differences
between personalities in my group and fear of lagging behind in my class.
With my past experience, I have analyzed that it is necessary to develop an understanding of
groups and their dynamics to ensure for better development of groups and social relationships
(Payne, 2015). Group dynamics can be referred to as the forces that play a role in the
development and establishment of groups and relationships. These dynamics regulate and denote
for the actions and processes in a group and amongst the members. In groups, individuals work
together to accomplish personal aims and objectives that are pursued as for common goals for
the group members.
With the interpretation of Tuckman’s group development theory, I realised there are various
stages in the development of group and each stage contributes dynamically towards the groups
and its dynamics. The stages identified in group development are forming, storing, norming, and
performing. The initial stage is forming which denotes for uncertainties and unclear group
objectives. This clarifies for my feeling of insecurity and uncertainty due to unclear group goals
and objectives.
The next stage is storming where personal and individual conflicts are observed in the group
regarding the group duties and group norms (Hordern & Simon, 2017). The stage reminds me of
our group meeting regarding the assessments where conflicts were viewed due to personal
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clashes in approaching the tasks and group activities. The stage of norming defines the creation
of sub-groups and assignment of duties and tasks as per the capabilities and abilities of the group
members. The stage also defines for laying down acceptable and unacceptable group behaviours
which are followed by the group members. The last stage is performing where all the members
work together in order to accomplish the required goals and objectives. The last stage is where
all our group members worked effectively and in a coordinated manner to present the final
presentation in front of the class.
Key elements of working ‘one to one’ with young people and adults
I have observed that it is extremely necessary for an individual to communicate and interact in an
effective manner to develop strong working relations with younger generations. I have analyzed
communication is a vital player in such a condition where the mediator between the younger
generation and the others is communication. In the health and social care practices, it has been
witnessed that professionals are required to develop effective communication skills and
techniques to ensure for development of effective relationships. In the field of community and
social work, communication is required in an adequate manner to support the Codes of
Practices in the United Kingdom.
The communication processes and aims must be in line with the interests of all the people who
are involved in social and community work. I remember my experience with a young person was
with my younger sister. I and my sister shared a deep bond of friendship and trust. I recognised
my communication skills played a key role in the development and strengthening of our
relationship and bond (Horevitz, et. al., 2013). My sister trusted with me with her personal life
details and I supported and encouraged her to always strive for her dreams and ambitions. We
lived in different countries but due to our strong communication skills and personal bonding, we
managed to live apart and still be the same over the years.
I observed trust as a key component in working with young people and adults. It is necessary to
develop trust and instil a value of trust in a professional relationship when working and social
and community settings. Trust is essential in every relationship and for considering social works
in community settings trust works as a bridge to build over the gap of differences and develop an
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understanding of common desires. Trust is required to develop security within the turbulent
personal equations and sets up an atmosphere to be open and relaxed in different aspects of life.
Another essential element of working in one to one with young people is empathy and
understanding. Social and community work are seen as professions where individuals work to
develop and resolve the issues and conflicts for individuals. With the younger people, it is
required to develop empathy and understanding for effectively judging their emotions and the
reasons for disruptions in their lives.
Empathy can be defined as an ability of an individual to understand the emotional and mental
mind sets of other and develop an understanding that supports for the rectification of these
emotions. I have analyzed that having empathy and understanding of different emotions and life
events for a social worker aids in developing relations and development of performance (Grinnel
and Unrau, 2011). It aids the social worker to support for working in vulnerable situations and
people. It also supports for development of such decision making that considers for safety,
security, health features and different stages in the lives of an individual. Empathy provides for
developing values in a social worker to respect and comfort vulnerable in different situations and
scenarios of lives.
Engage with young people
It is required for social workers to engage with young people in order to establish a link and
diversity within the different sections of the community. As per my experience and personal
knowledge I have observed that personal and professional values play a major hand in
developing and executing the services of social work and community work. The way in service
users is treated highly depends on the professional values and personal values of the individuals.
There is an inbuilt and prejudice perspective regarding different social practices and social works
performed by the social workers.
Engaging with young people requires setting the right balance and exhibit moral values which
direct and develops the young people towards the right paths. I have observed that any black or
black disabled person is more prone to being lagged behind in personal and professional areas as
compared to any white person in the United Kingdom (Forsyth, 2014). This is due to any social
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preference and personal judgment drawn by society towards this certain section of the society.
The attributes of intelligence and motivation directed by the social workers in such scenarios aid
the underprivileged sections to strive for the perfect accomplishment of goals and objectives.
I have realised that any person with a disability is considered as a stigma to society and is treated
in a differential manner. Such individuals are not quite human and discrimination is practiced
towards them to treat differently. The presence of disability in their lives reduces the chances for
any professional and personal growth. Stigmatised individuals and their sensitivity are not
considered by the society which leads to the development of insensitive judgement by the society
towards them. In such an environment the view of an individual is influenced and developed
according to the viewpoints of others. The prevalence of discrimination and insensitivity in a
society leads to the widespread practice of discrimination. In the cases of a social worker,
performance is also impacted with such stigma and practice of discrimination. The practise of
social worker is impacted by the discrimination of caste, colour, creed, culture ethnicity and
religion etc.
Build working relationships and networks
Throughout the course, my practice of reflective writing and learning has been enhanced by
studying the process and purpose of reflection in others. The whole process has educated me
about the engage theory which has developed for measuring my skills against actions,
experiences, and personal thoughts. In order to develop as a reflective practitioner, it is necessary
to develop understanding and awareness about social work and processes. Reflection is referred
to as the process of working in a thoughtful and systematic manner (Egan, 2013). The social
workers must be well educated and informed about the needs and requirements of the service
users. All the practitioners are required to be educated to inform the service users about the
course of practice and the tasks that will be undertaken during social work. It is the duty of the
social workers to disclose all the details and information regarding social practice and develop a
strategy that fits with the needs of service users. The concept of awareness provides with an
opportunity to help the workers prepare for the interventions and be accountable for the actions
of the social practice.
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This research practice has educated and enlightened me about the importance of knowing the
details about the service users and clients on a personal level. It is extremely essential to
establish connect a personal level which supports the development of effective networks and
relationships. The social workers and service users are referred to as the heart of social work.
Relationship between the social worker and the service users are identified as an integral part of
the social work interventions and social work practice. The attributes of trust and empathy are
required in social work practice to develop honest relationships.
I have observed difficulties in establishing trust within my professional relations. With my
personal relations as with my sister, my trust relationship was strong. This was also due to the
family bond we shared together. But in my professional relations, it was difficult for me to
develop trust relations. I observed issues in determining the technique or approach which could
aid me in establishing trust with the service users. I had a family background where things were
discussed and communicated openly and my parents would provide us with the liberty to
communicate clearly on different aspects of lives.
But in social work, I observed building trust and empathy is a difficult task and requires the right
sense of communication to further develop trust and empathy. Trust plays a major role in the
relationship of a doctor and patient. It is necessary for a doctor to develop a sense of trust with
the patient and assure them of undertaking effective care. It is necessary for the relationship of a
doctor and a patient to develop trust so as the patient sticks towards the recommendations and
approaches provided by the doctors (Forsyth, 2014). Different approaches and strategies
provided by the doctors require high level of motivation and dedication to adhere to the
recommendations. Mutual trust and understanding are required in the relationship to support for
the conditions and equations going on the personal and professional lives.
My struggle of developing this trust with my service users, clients or patients was sorted with
more practice and increased number of cases I was involved in. The manner in which doctors
treats the patients, medications are undertaken and the complex situations are handled builds the
base for development of trust. It is required mutually by the doctor and the patient to resort for
trusting and understanding each other for further course of actions and medical journey.
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Challenges
The one challenge that may impact my future course of actions and consultation is negotiation
with the service users. I believe it is necessary to engage in a healthy discussion with the young
people, their care takers, families or social representatives before developing any medical course
of action. It is required by the service providers to discuss effectively with the clients and the
representatives to develop a lasting relationship (Egan, 2013). My difficulties lie in the aspects of
judging the influence care takers, family members and social representatives makes on the
consultation process.
The child or younger forms the responses and answers as per the opinions and suggestions of the
family members. The time at which the parent or the care taker interjects diverts the original
response of the patient. Currently, as a student, I am not able to deal with such scenarios and
develop a strategic response. But in future, I hope to deal with such conditions in a manner
which supports for revealing the original information and details. It is necessary for a doctor to
be acknowledged about the details and information regarding the needs and requirements of the
service users.
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Conclusion
Next year I intend to take on a social work which challenges my personal and professional
aspects. I will undertake a social work wherein I will work with the individuals having a learning
disability and are suffering from the conditions of obesity. I will help these individuals getting
support for changing their lifestyles and altering the medical courses which have not helped them
to cover up for the conditions of obesity.
I will also work towards developing trust and empathy in professional relationships to support
effective doctor patient relationship. I am determined to structure my thoughts and proceed with
the research in this particular sector. This module has provided me with the required level of
knowledge and information to develop my confidence and communication skills. The module
has aided me to interact in an effective manner and as provided to share my thoughts and
viewpoints in front of my classmates. This has enhanced my performance and understanding of
social and community work.
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References
 Banks, S. (2012). Ethics and values in social work. Macmillan International Higher
Education.
 Dominelli, L. (2017). Anti-racist social work. Macmillan International Higher Education.
 Egan, G. (2013) The skilled helper: a problem-management and opportunity-
development approach to helping. Cengage Learning
 Forsyth, D. R. (2014). Group dynamics. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Cengage Learning
 Grinnel, R. M. and Unrau, Y. A. (2011) Social Work Research and Evaluation: New
York: Oxford University Press
 Hordern & Simon (2017) ‘placements and work-based learning in education studies An
introduction for students’ London, Routledge
 Horevitz, E, Lawson J. & Chow J.C.C. (2013) Examining Cultural Competence in Health
Care: Implications for Social Workers. Health & Social Work, 38(3), p 135-145
 Oliver, M., Sapey, B., & Thomas, P. (2012). Social work with disabled people.
 Payne, M. (2015). Modern social work theory. Oxford University Press.
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