Competency 1: Identify

as a professional social
worker and conduct
oneself accordingly.

Practice Behavior 1.1

Advocate for client access to the services of social work.
Refer clients to other services available in the community.
Many clients that come to the Southeastern Family Violence Center need a
variety of services including housing, legal aid, and guidance after
experiencing domestic violence. If the shelter is overcrowded or clients need
additional services we refer them to affordable housing agencies, homeless
shelters, court, food banks, police, domestic violence shelters, or mental
health services near by.

Practice Behavior 1.2

Practice personal reflection and self correction to assure
continual professional development.
Review personal notes and journals daily to make sure I am acting in a professional
manner and that I understand the many procedures of the agency.
Consulting my supervisor daily to get feedback and ask questions on subjects or
material I am concerned about or need clarity.

Practice Behavior 1.3

Attend to professional roles and boundaries

Not overstepping my boundaries by sharing personal information and upholding

confidentially of clients.
At SFVC it is important to be cautious and not overstep our boundaries with clients.
Often times clients become attached as you are the first person or only person to help
them through their situation. As an intern, I cannot share my personal information or
accept any gifts from clients. Every time I sit in an intake session I have to explain that
I am intern and what my role is during that session. If people come by the office to
ask question about clients, I have to explain that I am an intern and I cannot confirm
that I know such person. I cannot share client information as I signed a confidentially
agreement. The staff and interns are responsible for keeping clients information
confidential as their safety is on the line.

Practice Behavior 1.4

Demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior, appearance,
and communication.
Dress appropriately
Always speak formally and polite with staff and clients
Use body language, change tone of voice, and try to not get emotional
At Southeastern Family Violence Center many of our clients come hurt and scared after
leaving an abusive relationship. I always try to act polite and give them some space. I
either provide them with some water or tissue if they need some. For example, I was
told that I should try not to get emotional while I am with a client as they are coming to
you for help. Although there was a time that I did start to get emotional, I told the client
that I will step out for a moment and that I will be right back. After getting composed, I
came back and continued to observe the session.

Practice Behavior 1.5

Engage
in Career
Long Learning
Become
familiar
with assessment
forms, case management procedures, and legal
procedures and forms
Observe and Analyze staff during intakes to see what social work skill are being
practiced
Always take opportunities to learn
At SFVC there are clients that come to complete a DVPO (Domestic Violence Protective
Orders) or take part in other programs, such as Young Families Connect. Whenever I
have the chance I always ask my supervisor or other staff if I can sit in on a crisis intake
and assessment sessions. If my supervisor is busy I go to the Court Advocate to assist in
DVPOs or asking questions about legal documents for future reference. I also got the
program coordinator to observe classes and learn the intake process for YFC.

Practice Behavior 1.6

Use Supervisor and Consultation
Consult with supervisor or other staff on any concerns I have about clients, intakes, or
referrals.
Have supervisor read journal to ensure I am upholding confidentially
At SFVC there are many clients with different stories and needs. For example, many
people call our crisis line asking for help or not knowing what to do. Before I can make
any decisions or tell them any information, I first have to get confirmation from my
supervisor that what I am telling them is accurate and best for them, considering their
situation.

Competency 2 : Apply
Social Work ethical
principles to guide
professional practice.

Practice Behavior: 2.1

Recognize and manage personal values in a way that allows
professional values to guide practice.

Reflect on personal values and biases and compare it to the values, mission, and practices
of the my agency.
At S.F.V.C, there are many clients come to our agency with their story to tell. When doing
an intake--whether is a male or female, young or old,--we cannot be judgmental. Even if
we suspect that a client is lying we cannot never know for sure and therefore use
professional values to guide our practice. When listening to a client during an intake I try
to base my judgement on the information they give us. If I find a discrepancy I ask for
clarity and never make them feel that I am judging them. Start by saying Can you
clarifyI am not denying that this happened I just need more information..

Practice Behavior 2.2

Make ethical decisions by applying standards of National Association of Social Workers
Code of Ethics and, as applicable, of International Federation of Social
Workers/International Association of Schools of Social Work Code of Ethics in Social Work,
State of principles

Review and become familiar with the NASW Code of Ethics to assure that the agency and myself are following to the
standards and principles
Always respect clients right to self-determination and
The NASW Code of Ethics are strongly rooting in our agency and guides the practice of all staff members. For example,
all staff members, including myself, have to read the agency manual and familiarize themselves with the NASW Code of
Ethics. When a dilemma arises we use supervision, experts, and go back to review agency procedures and polices
(which NASW core values are a part of) to make sure the best decision is made for the client.
Ex: use of consultation (client with stepchildconsult with other colleagues and legal aid while still upholding
confidentially)

Practice Behavior 2.3

Tolerating ambiguity in resolving ethical conflicts

When ethical dilemmas arise always act in a professional manner and refer back to
agency policies and procedures.

At S.F.V.C we never know how bad a clients situation is regards to safety, suicidal
thoughts, etc. Our doors always open to victims, so client safety and confidentially
are very important. Thus, when ethical conflicts happen I also consult with
supervisor or other staff members to ask for direction and get a different opinion.
Example: Shelter resident compromise

Practice behavior 2.4

Apply strategies of ethical reasoning to arrive at principled decisions.

Observe how others in agency deal with dilemmas and crisis for future reference.
-Analyze and assess what is the root cause of the dilemmaagency policies, lack of services, or laws.
-Role play (practice scenarios)
-Discuss with supervisor ethical dilemmas or possible dilemmas that may happen and how to deal with them
At S.F.V.C deals with crisis and immediate needs of clients so often times decisions have to be made fast, but
always ethical and best for the client. I can use ethical models , supervision, etc.

Competency 3:
Advance Human Rights
and Social, Economic,
and Environmental
Justice

Practice Behavior #9
Apply understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice
to advocate for human rights and individual and system levels.
-Familiarize myself with services available to client both in agency and community to
provide resources or referrals to clients
-Learn how the agency provides social and economic justice
-Court AdvocacyDVPOS, Legal Aid Referrals
-Victim CompensationMedical Bills
-YFC class assistance fees
-Provide Spanish speaking clients bilingual services and help interpret and translate
documents so that they are to transition into shelter or get a protective order.

Practice Behavior #10

Engage in practices that enhance social, economic, and
environmental justice.

-Learn about agency programs and requirements to better assist clients.

-Engage in Court Advocacy by going to court and assisting clients who need interpreters
or have questions about the process.
-As the Latina Advocate at SFVC I engage in victim advocacy by providing clients to the
agency information about services and local partners who can help them. Since I mainly
need to serve Spanish speaking clients I have to provide bilingual services. If a client has
unknown immigration status we still assist them and provide legal services as our
agency does not discriminate against anyone regardless of citizenship status.

Competency 4:
Engage in Practice
Informed Research and
Research-Informed
Practice

Practice Behavior #11

Use practice experience and theory to inform scientific inquiry and research.

-Use experiences in internship and practice with domestic violence victims to inform
future research on practicing with victims of trauma as well as needs that need to be
met.
Through intakes, I get to learn from my clients of what else is needed and the dynamics
of DV agencies. For example with a client I had who was undocumented, I did research
on the rights of battered immigrants and consulted immigration specialist and lawyers
on the matter. I also collected resources to create a fact sheet.

Practice Behavior #12

Apply critical thinking to engage in analysis of quantitative
research methods and research findings.
Collect and review bodies of researchjournals, books, policies, program practicesto
learn about domestic violence
At SFVC, staff are required to do monthly statistical reports and to document every visit,
phone callincluding the services for both YFC and DV programs so that we are able to
analyze them and collect for grant and improvement services. I was able to help with
counting the number of people we service (demographics like gender, age, race) for the
months of Jan 2015 and Feb 2015.
As for agency practice, every intern has to read the manual to learn about best shelter
practice and DV services.

Practice Behavior #13

Use and translate research evidence to inform and improve
practice, policy, and services delivery.
-Research journal articles and other sources for ways to work with domestic violence
victims.
-Use Research to help guide discussion to participate in WAVE program. I always try to
review the packets for the class and research the topic. For example, when we went over
child exposure to domestic violence, I tried to research journal articles to add to or
become for knowledgeable so I could give examples of what it might look like.
-As a Latina Advocate, I have to really be culturally competent because there are many
cultures within the Latino community. I have read journal articles and books from the
library on serving the Latino community and domestic violence with different cultures.

Competency 5: Engage
in Policy Practice

Practice Behavior 14:

Identify social policy at the local, state, and federal level that
impacts well-being, service delivery, and access to social services.
-Research policies that pertain to Domestic violence
-Become familiar with local and state policies that help provide access to services
-Become familiar with North Carolina Coalition against domestic violence website and
review past and current legislative policies in the state
When I had my first battered immigrant client, I knew that there was gap or lack of
knowledge in our agency of how DVPOS etc could effect them. I research policies by
looking the NC Coalition against DV, I talked to people in the Coalition, attended the
Latina Advocate training where we discussed policies such as conflicting roles as
advocates and interpreting for clients. Etc.

Practice Behavior #15

Assess how social welfare and economic policies impact the
delivery of and access to social services.

Ask questions to staff members about barriers to services

such as transportation, furniture, clothes.
As an intern, I talked to various staff members to see
what they thought was needed. The shelter coordinator
pointed out furniture. Referrals are made to Rob. Co.
Church and Community center, but it is limited. Also
through observing or doing intakes I learned from the
clients what is needed when they ask for clothes etc

Apply critical thinking to analyze, formulate, and advocate

for policies that advance human rights and social,
economic, and environmental justice
Search legislative policies to insuring that I stay updated on current policies to always treat clients
with dignity and respect by keeping them informed as well.
As an intern and Latina Advocate I have read the manual and read the policies of the agency as well
as those of the state that allow our agency to exist such as the Violence Against Women Act that was
reauthorized recently. As far as being the Latina Advocate I have read and gone to training to keep
up to date of how policies impact our agency. For example, if any agency receives federal funding
we are required to provide language access services---whether it is using the language access line or
hiring an interpreter. In addition, I have to have knowledge of policies that impact our
immigrant/undocumented clients such as U. Visas etc.

Competency 6:
Engage with
Individuals, Families,
Groups, Organizations,
and Communities

Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment,

person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical
frameworks to engage with clients and constituencies.

Understand and learn about the many barriers faced by domestic

violence victims such as financial, physical, emotional challenges

Many of the clients that come by the office may be emotionally

distress when they come by and sometimes we have to be a
listening ear. They are sometimes economically abuse by their
partners and have not money or shelter.

Use empathy, reflection, and interpersonal skills to

effectively engage diverse clients and constituencies.

Use social work skills such as active listening, paraphrasing, summarizing, and
empowering strategies while working with clients intakes

At the agency, during support groups, DVPOS, or sometimes in the shelter we

constantly use social work skills to engage wit the clients. We are always
professional but also empathize with clients and help them become the experts
of their own lives. We understand that it is up to them to decide what they
want to do. For example, at the shelter we provide case management where we
help them apply to housing and set goals for themselves. However, they are not
obligated to apply to housing during their stay, but it is recommended.

Competency 7: Assess
Individuals and
families, Groups,
Organizations, and
Communities

Behavior #19
Collect and organize data, and apply critical thinking to
interpret
information from clients and constituencies.
Take notes and document client data during intake and assessment.

Since the agency deals crisis, I have to make decisions quickly that will best
help the client. During phone intakes, some client may not know what to do. As
advocates we can give them options and let them decide. We always ask are
you safe first to assess what is needed. We have to collect and apply our
critical thinking to interpret information during assessment and then provide
them with alternative solutions such as DVPOS, shelter, relocation, referrals,
etc.

Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment,

person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical
frameworks in interventions with clients and constituencies

Review material of WAVE and participate in classes.

Each class has unit packet that discusses different aspect of
Domestic Violence. I have been able to co-facilitate the sessions
and have to review the material and participate in group
discussion when some have questions or the talk is not going to so
well.
Learn about the YFC and the practices that guide group activities.
YFC is part of support services section of the agency. Although
I am really at the DV section, I have sat in for half sessions to learn
more about group discussions of birth control, job hunting, etc.

Develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and

objectives based on the critical assessment of strengths,
needs, and challenges within clients and constituencies;

Complete an intake to see what services we can provide

for clients (DVPOs, shelter, YFC, WAVE, referrals) and let
the client decide what is best for them.
At our agency we strong support the empowerment model where we let the clients have control as
many victims of DV lose the power to make decision to their abusers. As an intern, I do intake and
assessments and tell the clients about what possible services or referrals we have, BUT ALWAYS,
ask the client what would they like to do. We have to recognize that some clients may not know
what they want to do as they never had to think about it. It is at this point if a client asks what we
think they should do, that we do not tell them what we think is best but talk and explore their needs
and priorities and work from them. We can only guide them through the process until they are
ready to do it on their own.

22. Select appropriate intervention strategies based on the

assessment, research knowledge, and values and
preferences of clients and constituencies.

Use information from intake, agency policies, and research to

assess client situation and provide alternative options and services
that best fit their needs

Competency 8:
Intervene with
individuals, Families,
Groups, and
Communities

23. Critically choose and implement interventions to

achieve practice goals and enhance capacities of clients and
constituencies.
Choose interventions that are best suited for the clients and their goals by assessing resources and
getting clients input.

At our agency we strong support the empowerment model where we let the clients have control as
many victims of DV lose the power to make decision to their abusers. As an intern, I do intake and
assessments and tell the clients about what possible services or referrals we have, BUT ALWAYS,
ask the client what would they like to do. We have to recognize that some clients may not know
what they want to do as they never had to think about it. It is at this point if a client asks what we
think they should do, that we do not tell them what we think is best but talk and explore their needs
and priorities and work from them. We can only guide them through the process until they are
ready to do it on their own.

Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment,

person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical
frameworks in interventions with clients and constituencies.

Apply knowledge of human behavior to participate in W.A.V.E

classes.
As advocates we have to recognize that some victims of domestic
can be triggered by a word or touch and we have to be careful
with our words. A intervention that is used is WAVE classes
where victims of domestic violence come together to talk about a
particular topic for that session. In WAVE we have to look at
clients as a person in their environmentsome client grew up
homes where DV was accepted or where they stay for the
children.

25. Use inter-professional collaboration as appropriate to

Working
with administrative
staff, program director, and court
achieve
beneficial
practice outcomes.
and victim advocate when needed to help clients or improve
agency services
-Asking DV clients if they would like to participate in YFC
program or WAVE to provide client.
Since I am intern and fairly new at this position and area, I always
work with support service staff and DV to see if a client may
benefit from such as WAVE, DVPOS, etc.

Negotiate, mediate, and advocate with and on behalf of

diverse clients and constituencies.

Engage in Court advocacy

-Handle disputes between clients by talking with them about the
conflict and letting clients arrive to a decision that is within the
agency capacity
This can be done through DVPOS and intakes that I do with
clients

Facilitate effective transitions and endings that advance

mutually agreed-on goals.

Help client transition into shelter by consulting

and working with shelter staff or referring them
to shelters.
I have been able to do phone intakes of clients
seeking shelter and helped them transition into
the shelter by reading them the handbook and
showing them around the house. I also tend to go
and check on them to see if they are adjusting
well.

Competency 9: Evaluate Practice

with Individuals, Families,
Groups, Organizations, and
Communities

28. Select and use appropriate methods for evaluation of

outcomes.
Give WAVE clients evaluations survey after they complete the
program.
- Do follow-ups and ask clients how they felt about services and
improvements
When clients are about to graduate or in other words complete
WAVE program, we give them an survey for them to add any
comments on how the improve the program.

29. Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social

environment, person-in-environment, and other theoretical
frameworks to evaluations

-Do follow-ups with clients to see if they met their goals

(housing, safety) and see what other goals are yet to be
met.

30. Critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate intervention

and program processes and outcomes.

Assess any issues or accomplishments of clients during

and after intervention such as WAVE/ DVOPOs,
housing, etc .

I am constantly evaluating any issues clients face during the DVPO process or Wave class. For
instance, when dealing with referrals to legal aid there was problem where two clients was seeking
help and they were from the same case (opposing each other). There is a conflict of interest that was
resolved when I made it known about to the court advocate who was able to have more information
on how to avoid this in the future.

31. Apply evaluation findings to improve practice

effectiveness at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.

Use evaluation tools to discuss with supervisor and see

what can be done to improve practice effectiveness.
For my case presentation and when I did tried to assess
the agency gaps in services, I was able to talk to my
supervisor on what is needed and how it could be
improved.
After evaluating the outcome of my first immigrant client and their decision not to do
DVPO dur to fear of deportation, I assess what needed to help better serve them in the
future. I decide to talk to supervisor and decide to get a meeting with an immigration
lawyer to come and discuss what we could do and what is best for undocumented
clients.