Assignment 1: Spirituality and Social Work Practice

Being culturally sensitive by respecting your clients' spirituality and religious traditions, in general, is an important professional competence (Furness & Gilligan, 2010).

Applying your spiritual awareness to a specific client case, however, may require even greater skill. In this assignment, you consider how you might address a client's crisis that includes a spiritual or religious component.

To prepare for this Assignment, review this week's media about Eboni Logan's visit with her school social worker.

Submit a 2 page paper that answers the following questions:

• As Eboni's social worker, would you include spirituality and religion in your initial assessment? Why or why not?

• What strategies can you use to ensure that your personal values will not influence your practice with Eboni?

• How would you address the crisis that Eboni is experiencing?

Support your Assignment with specific references to the resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references. Should have at least 4 sources and 4 citations.

Assignment 2: Position Paper

Sometimes, during heated discussions and debates about social policy, the underlying reasons for the policy go unnoticed. Advocates and policymakers may become so committed to their perspectives and to winning the debates that they lose focus on the larger context surrounding an issue.

The purpose of policy is to improve the lives and well-being of individuals and groups in our society. As you assume the role of a social work policymaker, consider the importance of keeping the needs and experiences of vulnerable populations at the forefront of your mind in your advocacy efforts. This can help to assure effective policy practice.

For this Assignment, you will analyze a state, federal, or global social welfare policy that affects an at-risk, marginalized, oppressed, underrepresented, or over looked group population. Finally, consider the impact of social policy from the perspective of the group you selected.

Assignment (5 double-spaced pages, APA format). In addition to a minimum of eight scholarly references, which may include electronic government documents and reputable websites, your paper should include:

• A description of the current policy approach for addressing the social issue you selected

• A description of the current policy goals for addressing the social issue you selected

• A description of the population the current policy approach covers

• An explanation of the funding levels for the current policy approach and whether they are sufficient to address the issue

• An explanation of how this policy may affect at-risk, marginalized, underrepresented, overlooked, or oppressed populations. Identify a specific at-risk population.

• An analysis of whether or not the policy meets the needs of the population groups most affected by the policy.

• Recommendations for alternative policies that would address the gaps identified in the policy. Please be specific in recommendations.