Due February 5, 2026

Part 1: Futuristic Perspective in the Social Work Profession

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Based upon your acquired knowledge of the administrative structure and internship experience with your practicum agency:

•Identify an actual position (within your area of specialized practice) for which you would like to qualify for a job upon graduation.

•Identify responsibilities and qualifications of that actual position.

•List key points for a professional reference letter about yourself that could originate with a professor.

•List key points for a professional reference letter about yourself that could originate from a Site Supervisor.

•Evaluate your readiness to assume this position. State areas in which you need to grow.

•Integrate knowledge of the following in answering this question:

1.making ethical decisions using the various codes of ethics in social work.

2.issues of diversity, social, economic and environmental justice.

3.managing personal and professional values in practice;

4.advocating for individuals, groups, communities that have no voice;

5.knowledge of social work with individuals, groups, families, organizations, and communities; evidenced based research.

6.serving people with addictive behaviors in urban communities remaining professional by consistently assessing, reflecting and attending to the personal biases that impact treatment and recovery experiences and influence practice with people with addictive behaviors.

•What does competency in urban social work mean as it relates to the position you are applying for?

•How does this exercise impact your confidence level as an urban Social Work Professional?

Class members will provide constructive feedback to each other as they demonstrate mastery of social work skills, knowledge and experience.

Paper 1 Rubric: (Attached)

Part 2: What it Means to Take the Torch From a Current African American Social Work Pioneer (by ASP) Analysis Paper

•Identify a Current African American Social Work Pioneer and discuss his/her contribution to the advancement of social, economic, and environmental justice for urban African Americans.

•Think of the factors that influence the prevention, treatment, and recovery experience of people with addictive behaviors in urban communities and describe any connections you can make to the mission, goals, and services provided by your practicum placement.

•Review two conceptual (not empirical research) articles or a book chapter you read in your Area of Specialized Practice concerning African Americans. Use the articles or book chapter to discuss your “takeaway” from an African American trail blazer as you run with the torch. Your discussion must include the following concepts: social, economic, and

environmental justice; inequitable opportunities; societal disengagement, for African Americans and other individuals; housing; health; classism; sexism; disability; violence, and other social problems and issues.  “take away” refers to:

•“Knowledge – what is learned, understood or aware of. “

•“Values – service, social justice, the dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationships, integrity, competence, human rights, and scientific inquiry are among the core values of the profession. These values underpin the explicit and implicit curriculum and frame the profession’s commitment to respect all people and the quest for social and economic justice.”

•“Skills-the ability, coming from one’s knowledge, practice, aptitude, etc., to do something well.”

•Cognitive/Affective Processes – include demonstration of strong critical thinking skills, professional reaction and judgment.

•What does taking the torch and running with it mean for you in your practicum placement?

** (NOTE: Other Parts will be sent later but not due on February 5, 2026)

Required Reading for this class:

•Wolfer, T. A., Franklin, L. D., & Gray, K. A. (2013). Decision Cases for Advanced Social Work Practice: Confronting Complexity (3rd). New York, NY, Columbia University Press.

•Journal articles already in your possession from MSW courses that are specific to Area of Specialized Practice (ASP).

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