Interview Paper Michelle Oliver SW 3010 Practice Methods 1 February 7, 2014

In an effort to pursue my career in social work, and as a course assignment I had the pleasure of interviewing a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) graduate. As I search for someone who possess these credentials along with other professional qualities, it was challenging, yet rewarding. The considerably large amount of phone calls placed in search of finding someone that would fit a particular classification, was altogether intense. Once I begin my search, I carefully examined the areas in which I would benefit in regards to diverse population of norms, values, language and cultures. I started with the agencies located in downtown Detroit, and moved to Southwest Detroit. The list of agencies was vast. I started with Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Cass Community Social Services, Detroit Rescue Mission, Coffer Adult Foster Care Hoe, Cots and the list goes on. In totaled there were sixteen calls made to different agencies. I was nervous in my approach, but later became relaxed. Once they answered, I simply introduce myself by saying, Hi, my name is Michelle Oliver and I am a student at Wayne State University School of Social Work. I am working on an assignment that requires me to interview a

Social Worker who has a Bachelors Degree. May I speak with someone who handles social services in your establishment? The wait for a response was quite stressful. Asking for help seemed annoying to the person who was in receipt of the call, however I maintained a position of professionalism and proceeded with my assigned task. I left several messages in hopes of a return call. Time was of the essence and the promptness of a return call was strongly desired. The probability of a delayed response was great. After waiting for hours, which seems like days, I finally received a return call from American Indian Health and Family Services. In my pursuit, I spoke with Ms. Harvey who was the perfect candidate to interview. Ms. Harvey holds a Bachelors Degree in Social Work from Michigan State University. She graduated in May of 2013. Ms. Harvey was extremely helpful and was willing to assist me as needed. She serves as a Mental Health Intern who works specifically with children, youth and families. Most of the clients that she counsels have experience some form of trauma and/or experiencing a sense of anxiety and depression. The social and personal problems that evolved this population are financial hardships, lack of cultural support (for, but not limited to Native Americans and Alaskan Indian populations),
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suicidal thoughts and attempts, domestic violence, substance abuse, alcoholism, poverty, neglect, affordable health care etc. Ms. Harvey effectiveness within the agency is contributed to the fact she provides the agency with specialized training and techniques in methods to better serve her clients and assist in meeting their immediate and longterm needs. The knowledge and skills that she has gained while obtaining her BSW degree, has prepared her to support each individual mentally, emotionally and psychologically. It is essential that Ms. Harvey provides beneficial resources, and actively exercises all of the components of the NASW Code of Ethics. Cultural competency awareness and the act of promoting social justice are important to each clients ability to advocate for themselves. The indications on the micro level are individual therapy, assisting individuals in finding appropriate health care, housing and social services. The mezzo level is to improve positive communication within the family systems, schools and neighborhoods. The macro level indicates culture, educational system and social policy changes. The experience was a great tool in preparing me for a career in social work. One of the most important components in the field of social work is to emphasize on the strengths of each client, not to be
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judgmental, but to understand the theory of practice, the theory for practice, and the theory of caring. In closing, the interview was very informative and enlightening. The knowledge from a BSW worker was useful in understanding the position of a professional Social Worker. I consider Human Services as a ministry, and honorable to all who can enable change, and to serve others is to live on purpose.

Reference Harvey, B. (2014, January). Personal Interview