PORTFOLIO

The good we preserve for ourselves is precarious and uncertain until it is secured for all of us and incorporated into common life.

Jane Addams (1860-1935)











Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Student Feedback (CQU) 2

Tanya – Brilliant reflective processes. It is evident that this course has been a great catilist for your learning. Interestingly, narrative being mandatory has taken you down a path you perhaps would have never considered. That is something I encourage you to do throughout your practice – keep your mind open to new and different things. Also you have expressed that your confidence has grown and it will grow with reflective practice.


It has been a pleasure to be involved with this course and watch you and the other students progress. All the best with the second half of the year and graduation!



Megan Humphris

Social Worker

BSW, Grad Dip Mental Health.

Student Feedback( CQU) 1

Tanya – Brilliant reflective processes. It is evident that this course has been a great catilist for your learning. Interestingly, narrative being mandatory has taken you down a path you perhaps would have never considered. That is something I encourage you to do throughout your practice – keep your mind open to new and different things. Also you have expressed that your confidence has grown and it will grow with reflective practice.


It has been a pleasure to be involved with this course and watch you and the other students progress. All the best with the second half of the year and graduation!



Megan Humphris

Social Worker

BSW, Grad Dip Mental Health.

Student Feedback

Tanya




That was a great job. What struck me initially is your lovely manner, you were professional but you demonstrated very well empathy. This is quite a skill to develop. This I felt you showed with your use of body language, voice tone and your reframes.



The camera angle could have focused on you somemore. (I do realise this may have been difficult because of facility).



Some great deconstructions. I could see the client had reauthored their story of a person who was dealing and coping with grief and other stressors - which were normal in themselves. Not that she was a 'bad mother' or couldn't cope.



In the first secton she did talk about guilt - I would have like to have seen you externalise it there and then. So she could have taken that away from the first sesson. Help her to map out what impact guilt was having, to assist with deconstruction on dominent narrative.



Overall 83 D+







Megan Humphris

Social Worker

BSW, Grad Dip Mental Health.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

Personal Practice Framework: Head, Heart and Hand

Head, Heart and Hand

A Personal Practice Framework



8/27/2010



Tanya Wallace: c01065218



This album is the ongoing work of my personal practice frame work; it is organic and fluid in its creation, re inventing itself for future practice. The record symbolises a continuous flow of knowledge, skills and values with underlying tracks embedded deeply into each groove of the vinyl itself. Those embedded grooves consist of the Australian Association Social Work practice standards and code of ethics, Social work core values and principles, reflective and reflexive practice, critical analysis, self care, use of self .and awareness of macro, meso, micro practice. These elements are sub conscious layers which are present throughout the entire album. Between tracks there is a break in recording reserved for reflection. The speed of the turntable can be sped up or slowed down as practice requires. The tone arm which represents “me” can drop in and out when needed. This visual represents new and evolving knowledge values and skills.  The flip side of this record incorporates the six methods of change used in social work practice allowing side two to link with the knowledge, values and skills of side one. Practice contexts will allow for many more recordings as my PPF develops. All the while keeping core Social work values, principles and ethics on continuous play. The visual model allows for other recordings to be mixed, cut and sampled creating a contextual framework for practice.

Side one
Track 1:  Knowledge (12’’ remix)
 Theoretical, empirical, procedural, personal and practice wisdom Drury-Hudson (1997) are the types of knowledge used to inform my professional practice frame work The theoretical knowledge that underpins my PPF  consist of the following:
 Strengths based perspective has for me, a solid foundation for social work practice. The principles that define the strengths approach have been described as an essential means to respectful and empowering practice (Mc Cashen, 2005, p1) The belief that all people have strengths and capabilities, and that they are experts in their own situation is a perspective I embrace and aspire to enhance and develop overtime. Systems theory is a practical and holistic approach The strengths of systems theory is the focus on interactions between individuals and systems opposed to concentrating on the pathology of the individual, as well as nurture change between individuals and their social environment (Healy 2005). As a Social Worker, it is imperative for me to comprehend how several multifaceted systems and sub systems (Macro, Meso, and Micro) operate both with regards to their reliance on each other as well as the interface between them in providing best outcomes for the client.  For example, looking at all levels of systems in a clients life help identify areas of growth with the intention of building valuable supports and networks (Payne, 2005). This is essential when working in my current role With Disability Services, as networking and community access provides empowerment, self determination and equity for the clients I support. Anti oppressive practice has been essential part of my frame work Having an awareness of the levels of social and structural oppression within society has provided me with insight and understanding when working with different client groups. For example:
·       In my role as a support worker (Disability Services) working with people who are extremely marginalised and discriminated against
·       community development (Inala Community House) with culturally and linguistically and diverse cultures (CALD) and other minority groups
·         Drug and alcohol treatment with Queensland Magistrates Early Referral into Treatment program (QMERIT) these clients are not only dealing with alcohol and drug dependence, they are also involved with the criminal justice system.
Being critically reflective of the power imbalances between worker and client  is also a important part of my PPF as not to further oppress people ( Healy, 2005)

Using strengths, systems and anti oppressive practice equips me with the knowledge values and skills to advocate and address the power imbalances for people who are extremely marginalized.

I have gained empirical knowledge from social work literature and research over the past years of study and understand the need to commit to ongoing learning as outlined by the AASW practice standards (2003).

  Practice wisdom for me has been a combination of knowledge and skills surrounding effective communication, respect, rapport building, trust, empathy, empowerment and advocacy. Understanding policy and procedures and making that fit with my social work knowledge, skills and values, are a challenge and requires constant reflection on practice ( Alle-Corliss&  Alle-Corliss, 2006). As has been inspired by the works of O’Connor, Wilson& Setterland, (2003) Acquiring and demonstrating procedural knowledge and skills within an organisational context is vital to understanding my role and responsibilities to clients within an organisational environment.

Track 2: Values ( 12’ remix)
 The values that I possess for practice are a combination of personal (experience and upbringing), academic (AASW code of ethics, 1999) and my years of experience working with families and people with intellectual disabilities. Together these values have enriched and informed the way I work, think and act. I was brought up to believe that all people should be treated equally and with respect. These values are what attracted me to the work I do today as a support worker and in turn what lead me to study social work. The core social work values and principles sit comfortably with my work and personal life.  My sexuality has given me a sense of being part of a minority which has increased my empathy for other minority groups. At an ethical level I believe that making decisions for practice needs to be constantly monitored and scrutinised. As guide for practice we are equipped with the AASW code of ethics (1999) as a navigation tool. However a clear understanding of our own values and ethic base can ethically affect our decision making process. For example I consider virtue based ethics as a base line for decision making in practice as it complements the community well being, having said that doesn’t discount the deontological( duty and rules) and teleological (consequence and moral)  thinking that plays a part in the varying decisions  that I make as a social worker (Mattison, 2000)


Track 3: Skills (12’’ remix)
Skills for practice, like knowledge and values require constant reflection, improvement and development.   The key stages of interaction with clients are a guide whereby various social work skills collaborate with knowledge and values to create a practice framework within the helping phase (Maidment and Egan, 2004),
Core interpersonal micro and macro skills assist with are essential part of building rapport and trust. Active listening combined with effective communication skills have helped me engage with diverse client groups.
The ability to tune in to various styles of communication, whether it be with:
·       non verbal clients ( Disability Services)
·        Cultural awareness and sensitivity within community development ( Inala Community House)
·        Counselling, case management and therapeutic interventions with clients with drug and alcohol dependencies (QMERIT)
  The skills I possess combined with  my knowledge and values create a  visual circular movement of a record that although has been recorded remains an organic and growing production that encompasses the album entitled “Head, Heart and hand : A Personal Practice Framework
SIDE TWO
Track 1: case work and case management
Track 2: social group work
Track3 :Family work
Track 4:Community practice
Track 5: organisational practice
Track 6: Policy practice; and research

References
   Alle-Corliss, L &  Alle-Corliss, R 2006, Human Service Agencies: An Orientation to Fieldwork, Thomson Learning, Belmont, California.
   Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) code of ethics, viewed 20 August 2010, <http://svc037.bne242p.server-web.com/adobe/about/AASW code of ethics-2004.pdf>.
  Australian Association of social Workers (AASW) 2003, practice standards viewed 20 August 2010, <http://scv037.bne242p.server-web.com/about/prof practice stds.htm>.
  Drury-Hudson, J (1997) “A Model of Professional Knowledge for Social Work Practice”, Australian Social Work, 50, 35-44.
   Healy, K 2005 ,Social Work Theories in Context, Palgrave Macmillan Houndsmills Basingstoke, Hampshire.
   Maidment, J & Egan, L 2000 and four, Practice skills In Social Work and Wefare: more than just common sense, Allen And Unwin,
   Mattison, M 2000, Ethical Decision making: The Person in the Process” social work vol45, 3, pp201-212.

   Mc Cashen  , W 2005, The Strengths Approach: a  strengths based resource for sharing  power and creating change, St Lukes innovative resource, Bendigo, Victoria.
   O’connor,I, Wilson 2003, J and Setterland,D 2006, Social Work and Welfare practice, 4th edn, Pearson Longman, Frenchs Forest, NSW. 
   Payne, M 2005,  Modern Social Work theory, 3rd edn, Palgrave Macmillan, Hounds mills Basingstoke, Hampshire

Training

Subjects Completed

Tanya Wallace CV/Resume 2010


Personal Review

ü  I have a strong dedication and commitment to working with clients and families. I feel that I possess excellent communication skills that enable me to connect with a broad cross section of the community.
ü  I recognise and put great significance on the strengths and resiliencies of people and incorporate these principles into practice.
ü  I am passionate about social justice and social change whilst being aware of the requirements of working within a structured organisation. I am respectful of diversity and culture.
ü  I would like to find a position that is compatible to these.



Professional Experience

1993 - present:

Disability Services Queensland (Mt Gravatt):
·         Residential Care Officer.
  • Provides support for people with a disability in all life areas in group housing or government housing and/or children in respite with a disability
·         Team Facilitator
·         The facilitator is a team leader. I had to facilitate the implementation of any philosophies and techniques used with teams using individuals different skills. Facilitators have to be competent in the following areas:
  • Techniques/tools to use
  • Analysis
  • Managing meetings
  • Time keeping
  • Administration, logistics  &
  • Communications


2009:

     Inala Community House
·         Practicum 14 weeks
·         Focus on cross generational and multicultural themes with regards to seniors, families, immigrants and communities.
·         Training
·         Directly involved in the organisation and development of community project around seniors week.
·         Involvement in interagency meetings, inaugural inters region meetings, and workshops.
·         Finalised an online resource book regarding services and agencies in the local area.
·         Organisation and attendance of a family camp for families in the local area to spend quality time together and re establish family and community links.


2005 – 2007:

Wooloowin Community Centre: 
·         Childcare Assistant (part time)
·         Assisted in the provision of a developmentally appropriate program for children aged between birth and four years, within the child care centre, which maximises opportunities for them to develop to their full potential.


August 2001 – January 2002:

West London Mental Health:
·         Occupational Therapy Aide.
  • Occupational Therapist Assistants help clients with activities and exercises specified in a treatment plan developed with an occupational therapist.
  • OT Aides prepare materials and equipment used during treatment. They also perform clerical duties.

Tertiary Education


2001 – Present:

Bachelor of Social Work: Central Queensland University.
·         The BA in Social Work teaches individuals to understand and analyse the circumstances of people facing a variety of difficulties and challenges in their social environment.

Additional:

2002:
Group Facilitator Disability Services Queensland
·         A facilitator is a process person.
·         As this person I assisted groups/teams to enhance their effectiveness by improving a process.
·         I was acceptable to all members of the group and had no decision-making authority.
·         As the facilitator I helped the group improve the way it identified problems, solved problems and made decisions.
·         As facilitator, I worked with teams on a short-term basis to resolve a substantive predicament or to develop a long-range plan (i.e. strategic planning).

Skills and Training


2009:
Managing conflict and protective action in the workplace


2005:

Communication and leadership skills training


2004:

A Minimum Lift Approach to the Manual Handling of People with Disabilities.


2003:

Managing Clients Financial Affairs Training


2002:

Leadership and skills development


2001:

Certificate IV in Community Services (Disability Work)


2001:

Makaton Basic Workshop
2000:

A deliberate skills approach to conflict management


2000:

Introduction to PC’s and Lotus Notes

                   _____________________________


WORK SKILLS MATRIX

SKILL
LEVEL
EXPERIENCE
Behaviour Management
High
I have frequently beenj involved with monitoring and putting in place actions to augment opportunities for individuals/groups to elect to choose behaviours which are fulfilling and socially acceptable. Working with a multidisciplinary team frequently has included working with psychologists and programs around behaviour management and service users.
Communication and Interpersonal
High
My communication skills in the form of reading, writing, speaking and listening enables me to transfer information and share and negotiate feeling and  meaning, is used in both professional and casual environments including group work, team meetings and work reports, client and family work, uni online work and role play. Communication in terms of relationships with others involves my abilities to act wisely in human relationships and consider social awareness and social facility. I use this habitually with work colleagues, families, service users, personal friendships and across a variety of cultures, ages, genders and working styles.
Time management skills
High
Employment within Disability Services; putting into place programs and routines across a large service user group. Prioritising tasks across all aspects of the role. Balancing time between study, work, and family obligations over last 4 years.
Networking experience
High
A large function of my work role includes interconnecting with other individuals and groups, agencies, community groups, medical staff and therapists. University study has also increased my networking experience with uni staff and other students, practicum agencies and others through that arena.
Community Focused Learning
Competent
University study; use within the context of all group work. Encourages networking and resourcefulness, refines communication skills and interpersonal skills, enhances critical thinking and evaluation and autonomous work.
Microsoft  Office (Excel, Word, & Power Point)
Competent
Work training and University study.
Internet Explorer & Email
Competent
Work training, University study and personal use.
Cultural sensitivity
Competent
 Personal, University Study, all previous employment.
Report writing and research
Competent
Work requirement for Disability Services and University study.
Understanding the Australian legal system.
Understanding
University study (Unit of Law subject).
Use of Social Work theories to analyse and critically evaluate society and social issues.
Understanding
University Study.


Personal Details


Name: Tanya Wallace

: 23 Chaucer Street, MOOROOKA QLD 4105


': (07) 3700 4793 or 0408 755 244


Current:

·        Drivers Licence: Class A
·        Australian Passport
·        Senior First Aid
·        Blue card



Referees:

Helen O’Reilly

Social Worker
Inala Community House
34 Sitella St
Inala 4077 Qld
Ph: 33721711

Judy Ashyer

Service Manager
Disability Services
Garden Square
Kessels Rd
Mt Gravatt 4122 Qld
Ph: 38980245






Journal entry # 1

Feedback Summary