Category: Social work

  • Comprehensive Bio-Psycho-Social Assessment of a Movie Character: An Integrative Social Work Practice Approach Assessment and Treatment Plan for the Movie “Silver Linings Playbook”

    This assignment will give students an opportunity to integrate their learning from the class and develop social work practice skills. This assignment will focus on conduction of a comprehensive bio-psycho-social assessment using cultural, ecological, transactional, and developmental frameworks and current technologies that focus on needs, strengths, capacities, assets, and resources of an individual client in relation to his/her/their broader environments. Each student will write their assessment based on a movie character. The movie character chosen is up to each student; it can be any movie. You are welcome to reach out to the professor for approval of the movie and character; you should consider the assignment and the need to offer some a diagnosis as a part of the movie selection. Please make sure you watch the movie with the intention of completing this assessment; you may need to watch the movie several times to gather the information needed for the assessment. As you read through the assignment, please do not make up information or assume information. If you cannot find it through viewing the film, say, “the client has not provided the information at this time”. Using one of the movie’s main characters will provide the most information, especially if the movie deals with a social injustice or emotional health issue.
    This paper will be written according to the following outline:
    Part I: Identifying Information, Referring Information, and Presenting Problem This should be a 1 paragraph introduction that offers a brief overview of these issues; they will be explored in more depth later in the assessment.
    Demographic information: date, name, age, sex, race, source of income, marital status, living arrangements, etc.
    What is the presenting issue? What issues does the client want to work with the social worker? What was the client’s attitude towards the assessment? Who referred the client to treatment and why? Part II: Assessment A. Detailed Explanation of the Presenting Problem Explain the reason the client came to see you in detail. Also describe the history of the presenting problem – how did it develop? How long has it been going on? How much is it impacting the client? Is the problem taking place in multiple settings (home, school, work, etc.)? Has the client been to treatment for this problem before? If yes, what was the outcome? If the client has been to therapy for this problem, what did the client like or dislike about the therapy? B. Biological Section Medical History Current physical health medications and doses, are you taking as prescribed, history of surgery, sexual history, allergies?
    C. Psychological Section a. Psychiatric History This includes history of diagnoses, history of therapy or treatment, history of suicidal ideation, history of suicide attempt, history of homicidal ideation and attempts,, history of self-harming behaviors, history of hospitalization, current and past psychiatric medications, is the person taking medication as prescribed, history of abuse. Any history related to suicide or homicide / hospitalization should be detailed. Is there a family history of suicide or psychiatric hospitalization? This section should also include a paragraph about current psychiatric symptoms as well as their frequency and intensity. b. Substance Use History First use, current use, last use, history of treatment, history of detox symptoms to include blackouts, seizures, family history of treatment, do you smoke, physical disabilities. If someone is currently using substances, be sure to ask how much, how often, and if the person has tried anything to stop or cut back / what has happened when they tried. D. Social Section
    a. Family Background Brief summary of childhood, born and raised, were parents married, with whom did you live growing up, who did you feel closest to, extended family relationships, are there family members you avoid or aren’t speaking to, significant relationships, how many times married/divorced, number of children and ages. How does the client view the family? How does the client perceive the family to view him/her/themselves? b. Friendship and Recreation What is the client’s friendship circle like? Does the client participate in activities, clubs, groups in the community? Does the client have hobbies? Interests? Travel? c. Education and Work History This is a summary of the client’s education (did the client graduate high school? Attend college? Graduate with degrees) and summary of relevant employment. Does the client tend to do well in the workplace? Achieve goals? This is also the space to write about a client’s military career, if applicable. If the client has been discharged from the military, it is helpful to note whether that person is eligible for VA Services. d. Spiritual and Religious History Discussion about the client’s current and past religious affiliation and beliefs. How important are these values/ beliefs to the client? How do they influence the client’s decision making? Does the client belong to a faith community? How would the client like these issues to be incorporated in treatment? e. Cultural Functioning Is anything related to culture happening? Languages spoken, immigration status, cultural strengths, an important cultural identity, experiences of discrimination or oppression? f. Legal History Has the client ever been arrested? Give specifics. Facing legal charges? On parole or probation? If so, be sure to get the name of the probation officer. Part II: Mental Status Exam: Appearance Attitude Motor Activity Affect Mood Speech Thought Process Thought Content Perception Orientation Cognitive Function Abstraction Judgment Insight Part IV: Diagnosis DSM-5-TR
    The DSM-5-TR should be used and referenced as a part of this section. You should explain the way the client meets each criterion for the diagnosis. Remember that the client needs to meet every single criterion. You can also explain diagnoses you considered and why the client does not meet criterion. If the client does not meet criteria for any diagnosis, you should explain the diagnoses you considered and why the client does not qualify.
    Part V Case Conceptualization and Prognosis Here, explain your theory of the case and tie the information together. Why do you think the client developed the symptoms and diagnosis you offered? What is happening that has caused the client to seek treatment? How does the client’s environment impact the client? What is your current perspective about the situation? What is the client’s stage of change and motivation for change? Part VI Treatment Recommendations What treatment do you recommend? What skills does the client need to develop, in your professional opinion? Please offer at least one treatment modality and at least three client goals that are informed by your assessment. You should use research to inform your decision making. For example, if you recommend weekly therapy sessions and to use CBT to treat anxiety, you need to use research to back-up that recommendation.
    Guidelines
    Please write the title of the movie in the header of the paper Reference the DSM 5 in the diagnosis section. Explain the way the client meets diagnostic criteria for the disorder they choose for diagnosis. Use at least 2 academic references in the treatment planning section. Follow APA 7 guidelines (citations).
    The recommendation treatment needs to be supported by the literature. For example, if the client is diagnosed with PTSD, the student should use research to describe the treatment recommended in the treatment plan (for example, EMDR might be recommended) 6 to 8 pages of written text, following graduate writing guidelines (see syllabus).

  • Title: Understanding the Importance of Credible Sources in Academic Writing

    Please use the learning article I have sent and reference the page where you found the answer (just write “page 2”). If you cannot find the answer in the learning resource, you may use websites, but make sure to copy and paste the answer and verify that the websites are correct. Primarily use the learning resource I have provided, as my teacher expects us to use it. Also, try to answer the question in a simple and easy way, but not too simple.; keep it short but effective.

  • “Exploring Potential Allies and Opponents: Interest Groups and their Stances on [Chosen Issue]”

    you will research groups that may be for or against the issue you have chosen.
    Keep in mind that the world is not black and white. So, there are groups who you might generally agree with who might be opposed to this particular change. Or, there might be groups who are not definitely for or against. These groups are potential allies or potential opponents, and you would need to use your interpersonal and coalition-building skills to work with them to get them to your side.
    Who are the interest groups working on this issue who might be good allies? Hint: This will be easier if you name specific organizations or formal groups.
    Who might oppose your perspective on this? What work have both potential allies or opponents done, if any, on this issue? Hint: This will be easier if you name specific organizations or formal groups.

  • Understanding and Treating Trauma: A Case Study Introduction The client in this case study is a 35-year-old female, Jane, who sought therapy for symptoms of anxiety and depression. She is a single mother of two children and works as

    Assignment 3
    Week 7 Assignment – Final Paper
    Paper Guidelines
    Written papers should be 5 to 7 pages in length, with at least one page integrating your ideas. Paper should be sure to sufficiently address all components of the assignment. In addition, your paper should include references, which are not included in the page count. Your paper must include:
    A brief summary introduction of your client—age, gender, context of treatment
    As many scholarly citations (in APA style) as necessary, but more is usually better—at least five is a good goal—these can be from the course reading list or from outside readings
    Evidence of critical thinking; application of concepts we have addressed in class and in your readings; and clear, professional writing
    Explicit discussion of diversity including issues of privilege and oppression, racial/ethnic identity, sexual orientation, and gender
    Assessment
    Consider a client with whom you are working or a client you worked with in the past. This option is a relatively straightforward assessment and diagnosis paper, but please focus on analysis. Discuss the following questions/issues.
    Describe the assessment process.How did you obtain information about your client’s trauma experiences? Include here a brief summary of your client’s current life circumstances, environmental/contextual issues, and cultural factors.
    Discuss diagnosis and differentials/co-morbidities.Does your client carry official diagnoses? Do you agree or disagree with these diagnoses? What are the differentials you might consider?
    Integrate into your discussion considerations of alternate/unofficial diagnostics and how they help you to understand your client.
    Describe the process of engagement with this client.How did you engage with your client? Has your work been collaborative (or not)? How have you created (or not) parameters to maintain safety, pacing, and containment?
    Please discuss issues of difference as they impacted this process.
    Assess client’s affective and behavioral regulation. Give examples.How does your client manage “big” feelings? How automatic are your client’s responses and symptoms? To what degree is your client able to “put on the brakes”?
    Characterize your client’s functioning by examining behavioral regulation. Are there trauma adaptations that have become maladaptive? Do they impact functioning?
    Given your assessment of this client, describe your starting phase for treatment.
    Are there any issues of vicarious traumatization that arose for you in the assessment process?
    Summary formulation—this should be about one page in length, integrating previously introduced information and theory to present your understanding of the client. Additional Info is attached. I have attached a brief description of my client from a previous assingment. This will help you answer the questions. Please also follow proper formatting as listed above. Answer ALL questions

  • “The Impact of Social Class on Educational Attainment: A Sociological Analysis”

    Writing sample. Applicants must submit an individually authored research paper or literature review written for any class in their undergraduate studies, preferably one that is related to social work. Group papers will not be accepted. The paper should be 5-10 pages in length, contain citations, and a reference list in APA format, and will be used to evaluate the applicant’s ability to write professionally. The applicant must be the sole author of this paper. Submissions of papers where the applicant is a co-author will not be considered. Interviews, book reviews, movie reviews, case notes, client assessments, and case studies will not be considered. If the applicant does not have an academic paper, then they must write a 5-10 page paper in APA format that addresses any social issue related to social work.
    The class for my undergraduate study of choice is Exploring Society: An Introduction to Sociology please incorporate the assignment in this class  
    Important note 
    The applicant must be the sole author of this paper. Submissions of papers where the applicant is a co-author will not be considered. Interviews, book reviews, movie reviews, case notes, client assessments, and case studies will not be considered. 

  • Assessing and Addressing Jimmy’s Behaviors: A Child Welfare Worker’s Perspective

    Instructions
    For this CTE, let’s explore the Barnes Family Timeline from 2003-2011, focusing on Jimmy.
    Review the following scenario, then complete your third and final CTE. Answer all of the requests noted in the scenario, and be sure to discuss the brain, learning, and behavior in your CTE.
    You are a child welfare worker and you have been contacted by a local school guidance counselor who has expressed concern that something might be wrong at home. You are informed that shortly after the school year started, Jimmy’s teacher referred him to the guidance counselor, who contacted dad because Jimmy had been behaving oddly in class. Jimmy still doesn’t have friends and is combative with peers. The guidance counselor shares that she is concerned that Jimmy might be depressed or having a hard time at home. At school, Jimmy’s acting apathetic. Jimmy doesn’t seem to care and has told the guidance counselor and teacher repeatedly that it doesn’t bother him if he gets bad grades. You are asked to assess the situation and determine which intervention will help Jimmy while preserving the family, if possible.
    Write your assessment using no more than 250 words. Include the following:
    Identify the suspected causes of Jimmy’s behaviors.
    Explain what the treatment goals are for Jimmy.
    Identify an evidence-based intervention to be implemented.
    Explain how this intervention will help address Jimmy’s needs.
    Requirements
    The CTE has a specific format you need to follow:
    The maximum word count is 250, not including citations and reference list.
    Use APA format for your in-text citations and reference list.
    Use the following source: Perry, B., & Azalavitz, M. (2017). The boy who was raised as a dog: And other stories from a child psychiatrist’s notebook (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Basic Books.
    Chapter 11: Healing communities

  • Title: Understanding and Addressing Social Justice Problems: A Presentation on [Selected Social Problem]

    For this assignment, use the Social Justice Problem Essay and Literature Review to complete the presentation:
    Imagine you are tasked with explaining your selected social problem to your coworkers at an agency. 
    In a PowerPoint or 12-15 slides (including the title and reference slides), present about your selected social problem by citing four to six scholarly sources to address the following (Include speaker notes – 75-100 words per slide):
    Introduction: 
    Explain your selected social justice problem. 
    Timeline:
    Create a historical timeline of your chosen social justice issue. Include in the timeline:
    Policies
    Effects of key policies on vulnerable populations
    Christian Worldview:
    After reading the GCU Statement on the Integration of Faith and Work, explain how a social worker with the Christian worldview might advocate for the population affected by your selected social problem.
    Summary:
    Refer to your agency visit, briefly summarize your site visit experience and explain any other local resources you found in your area that deal with your selected social problem. (Phoenix, AZ)
    Proposals: 
    Lastly, make proposals for future change related to your selected social problem. Refer to Social Work Disposition #2: Value: Social Justice; Ethical Principle: Social workers’ challenge social injustice when responding to this prompt.

  • Title: Reflection on Leadership Style in Field Placement Setting and Among Peers Summary: The scholarly article chosen for this assignment is “Transformational Leadership: A Concept Analysis” by Havaei et al. (2017). The article discusses the

    Provide a summary of the scholarly article that you have chosen reflecting your leadership style (300 words)
    Provide examples of ways you exhibit the leadership style that you have identified in your field placement  setting and among your peers (300 words)