International Table Tennis Federation

On August 28, 2016, I interviewed Mindy Saalfeld. This interview was done via email. Mindy graduated from Kearney State College in 1983 with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work and minor in Sociology. She was then required to take a Merit Test within 180 days of graduation. In order to obtain certification, you had to do so by becoming an accepted member of the NSWA. Once a member, you were required to complete continuing education hours to retain your certification every 2 years. She continued…

The role of a social worker has many interpretations, but I believe a social worker is someone who provides vulnerable people a sense of support and understanding, while supplying them with a safe environment that promotes openness. A social worker promotes this sense of openness and support with individuals that are in need of assistance by, not only developing a personal connection, but also approaching each situation empathetically. These approaches are important because as a professional…

Individuals are diverse; this concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. While working in the field of social work, as a social worker, it is important in understanding each individual’s character with respect to behavior, attitude, tolerance level and approach. When working with the League City Police Department Crime Victim Advocate, I have learned to recognize and respect each victim’s differences. The important aspect is understanding each colleague and clients and moving…

Whenever people use to ask me, “why do you want to be a social worker?” I would always reply with, “because I want to help people.” This then lead to the next infamous question, “well, what do social workers do?” and this was a question that stumped me. I always knew social workers were there to help other individuals in need but I never really knew exactly what they did. All people every really know of social workers are their stereotypes. I would constantly get asked, “are you going to be the…

Assessment interviewing with client’s real presenting problem was definitely a great experience. Dealing with client’s real personal case was not only a creative method to enhance initial assessment skills but also an effective practice to reconsider about individual’s performance. Unlike SWRK 325, where ethical dilemma case situations were given and directed to record the interview, this class’s interview approach contained more authenticity of a social worker. Students who were social workers…

Imagine floating through the galaxy, in the center of the system you see the sun, a luminous and powerful light. Revolving around this brilliant ball of light are celestial bodies orbiting and interacting with this sun. The bodies that are closest to the sun are affected the most, and the farther away the orbiting bodies are the less of an impact they have. Now, this metaphor might seem insignificant, but it illustrates the systems perspective perfectly: it shows people’s personal systems and…

Everyone is different and unique in his or her own way. Few people grow up the same and share similar experiences in their lifetime. We are who we are based on the experiences of our past, and our future is determined by the decisions that we make in the present. Our backgrounds, qualities, and experiences all play a part in determining who we are. I have had a good life so far. Like everyone though, I have had my ups and downs, but I would not change a thing because it has made me the person I…

Considering the power of words, describe social workers’ responsibility for and influence over those vulnerable clients we work with. Please incorporate the NASW Code of Ethics in your discussion. The power of words can be uplifting, encouraging, and empowering for our clients so we need to be aware of our words and actions when helping clients are job is to be helpful not to do harm. The NASW Code of Ethics states our ethical responsibilities to clients which include the following listed…

Social work is a regulated profession used to promote social change, protecting the wellbeing of children, adults, families and the further surrounding communities. Social workers are uniquely educated to support every individuals needs when overcoming some of life’s challenges. In Wales, social work is under the legislation of the Care Council for Wales. “People of Wales can count on social services being provided by a professional, skilled and confident workforce” (Care Council of Wales).…

Opportunities that I could have done something more about Networking with other social and community services in the community I appreciate that the PNWHC gave me a lot of learning opportunities during my placement. I enjoyed attending monthly members meetings hosted by Community Service Council (CSC), and Manawatu Abuse Intervention Network (MAIN) because I was able to meet social workers and key workers from a wide range of social and community service agencies in Palmerston North. Listening…