Personal Statement for Entry Into Master of Social Work Graduate Program

Paper details:

Provide a 2, double-spaced, typewritten statement discussing the following points.

1) Having read our mission statement, please describe how your career goals align with our mission and commitment to social justice and human rights.MISSION STATEMENT: The Graduate Social Work Department provides a quality, affordable and accessible Master of Social Work degree in preparation for a career in an evolving, complex, technological, and global society. It prepares graduates who can think critically, communicate effectively, embrace diversity, practice ethically, respond to the needs of vulnerable and oppressed populations, are committed to human rights and social and economic justice, and are competent to practice with individuals and families.

2) What do you consider to be your personal strengths and areas of growth in relation to your development as a professional social worker?

3) Please describe how a graduate social work education would improve your practice at your current job,[I work as a Discharge Planner in an Adult Psychiatric Unit in a hospital. I work with patients to get the proper after care plan ie therapist, psychiatrist, outpatient providers, support groups] especially in terms of approaching your work from a recovery, resiliency, and capacity-building frame. HERE ARE THE DEFINITIONS OF THE ABOVE TERMS:

Recovery: “A process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.” 1

Guiding principles of recovery:

Recovery emerges from hope.

Recovery is person-driven.

Recovery occurs via many pathways.

Recovery is holistic.

Recovery is supported by peers and allies.

Recovery is supported through relationship and social networks.

Recovery is culturally-biased and influenced.

Recovery is supported by addressing trauma.

Recovery involves individual, family, and community strengths and responsibility.

Recovery is based on respect.

Resiliency: “Resilience, as a concept and construct, is the context-specific ability to respond to stress, anxiety, trauma, crisis, or disaster. Resilience develops over time and is the culmination of multiple internal and external factors.”

Capacity Building: “Capacity refers to the various types and levels of resources available to establish and maintain a community prevention system that can identify and respond to community needs.” 3

Students graduate with training in the most cutting-edge, evidence-based practices in social work, including:

Integrative treatment of complex trauma for adolescents

Cognitive Processing Therapy

Motivational Interviewing

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Mind/body integrative health approaches

Mindfulness and self-care

Community-based interventions

Policy advocacy and analysis