There are those who want to pigeonhole social workers but…we are needed everywhere. Politics is one arena where we can make the most impact. This level of social work practice is macro.
I AM A SOCIAL WORKER AND TRAINED TO PRACTICE ON THE MACRO LEVEL
Macro-level social work is a practice method that is considered something other than social work. However, it is very much the practice of social work.
The theoretical foundation of the social work profession is Systems Theory. Just to make it plain, it is how the individual and their environment interact and impact one another. So, that means social workers belong in politics to change the ecosystem of governance. Most think otherwise, even some social workers.
Social workers are mostly only considered to serve in a direct practice capacity, that is with individuals. I guess some think if they change the individual, they can change the system. However, time has proven no man is an island because changing systems is not done solo. And…changing systems is a process that most are unwilling to undertake because of the vigor and tediousness.
Well, social workers can make such a difference as change agents on the macro level. Their involvement in politics, policy, and community is what changes lives on the micro level.
In 2001, I received my BSW degree from Ramapo College of New Jersey with a double minor in Public Policy and African American Studies afterwards I entered the MSW program with Advanced Standing at Yeshiva University. In 2004, I received my Master's in Social Work degree and my PhD in Social Welfare in 2022 from Yeshiva University-Wurzweiler School of Social Work. The research study topic was "The Phenomenological Exploration of Academic Re-engagement for High School Completion" The qualitative method was used to examine students who leave high school before graduation and choose service-learning for high school completion.
Professionally, I have credentials as a School Social Worker, Supervision in Field Instruction (SIFI), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC), Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) and Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS).
My practice experience has been in the areas of substance abuse with/without medication assistance, mental health, and education/special education. Currently, I am a Program Coordinator, Adjunct Professor, and Community Advocate, Activist, and Organizer, Founder/Executive Director of Balm In Gilead Community Services, Inc, a non-profit organization in the City of Newark, and Chief Executive Officer of Making Connections Professional Services LLC.
My professional goal is to formulate and implement policy to address the systemic issues related to racism, poverty, education, violence, and health care. Also, advocate and articulate the negative effect of those issues to decision-makers for providing a better understanding of the impact/outcome of those decisions upon individuals, families, and communities that are underserved, under-resourced, marginalized, and disenfranchised. I am a member of the finest organization, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
#advocate #activist #organizer who talks about #love #wellness #antiviolence #wellbeing #socialwork #mentalhealth #education #health #antiracism #poverty
View more posts
sistateacher 