Social Work Internship Blog

Social workers need to constantly keep abreast of new techniques and practices in the field. In the field of habilitation, new methods of teaching clients how to learn daily living skills assist our workers in doing a more effective job. Our clients benefit by being able to master new skills quickly so that they can move on to skills that can benefit independent living. In my research of practices that can benefit our workers and clients in learning living skills, I came across research that studied point of view modeling with video prompting and error correction. Many studies have been done in using such techniques to teach skills to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities with success. This particular method uses videos that break a skill into smaller portions. Once a particular portion is mastered, a subsequent portion is learned until the entire skill can be done independently. The videos are filmed using a point-of-view method as though through the eyes of

Acting as a habilitation professional conjures particular situations that call into question one's ethical and personal values. On a recent occasion, we had a visit to the office by a young woman who had injured her leg. Upon asking what had happened, our client replied she had hurt herself while out with a guy friend. After more discussion, she divulged she was doing drugs with a friend. While my first reaction would be to wrap her in bubble wrap and never allow her to leave the home, the NASW Code of Ethics has other standards that must be followed. For example, self-determination. While it may not be our choice to engage in such activities, we must consider that this young woman, who is fairly high functioning, is her own guardian. She has the legal right to make choices regarding what she does, with whom, and where she chooses to do it. Yes, it is our responsibility to stress the consequences of such behavior, ultimately we cannot restrict her activities. Upon conversation with