Choose a theory or model that helps convey an understanding of the health behavior (several theories are available from the book. They fall within either the intrapersonal level, interpersonal level, or population and community level).

1. This week’s discussion board will allow you the opportunity to put theory and practice into action. Social workers are often at the forefront of major issues and problems in society and can address these issues at the micro, mezzo, and/or macro levels. Below you will be given a scenario to address as a social worker.

Choose a theory or model that helps convey an understanding of the health behavior (several theories are available from the book. They fall within either the intrapersonal level, interpersonal level, or population and community level).

In choosing a theory, identify the health issue or problem and the population affected; gather information about the issue, population or both; identify possible reasons or causes for the problem; identify the level of interaction (intrapersonal, interpersonal, or community) under which the reasons or causes logically fits your theory. Next plan an approach/application to address the issue using your chosen theory. You can use either a social marketing and/or PRECEDE-PROCEED framework to lay out your interventions. Any intervention or practice in social work requires evaluation to determine whether it is successful or not, describe a means to evaluate your intervention/s.

Scenario:

You are a school social worker employed in a suburban high school (grades 9-12) in a large school district. The school principal scheduled a meeting with you to address concerns that she is having about students within the school. At the meeting, she expresses concern with an increasing amount of school suspensions related to students vaping/using e-cigarettes on school property. She reports the students are saying to her: “it’s not a big deal, they are way safer than cigarettes” and “It’s water vapor not smoke, so its not bothering anyone.” Additionally, she reports that a recent health survey of 9th graders found that over 50% of them did not think vaping was a health concern and that it is a healthy alternative to smoking tobacco cigarettes. You are asked to work on an anti-vaping public health campaign for the school. If your campaign is successful, it will be used in other schools within the district and may draw interest at the State level.

For those unfamiliar with the role of a school social worker, according to the School Social Worker Association of America: “School Social Workers are trained mental health professionals who can assist with mental health concerns, behavioral concerns, positive behavioral support, academic, and classroom support, consultation with teachers, parents, and administrators as well as provide individual and group counseling/therapy. School social workers are instrumental in furthering the mission of the schools which is to provide a setting for teaching, learning, and for the attainment of competence and confidence. School social workers are hired by school districts to enhance the district’s ability to meet its academic mission, especially where home, school and community collaboration is the key to achieving student success.”

2. Consider all of the information you read (and viewed) in this module regarding compassion, burnout, self-care, and navigating difficult issues and situations. Synthesize this knowledge with information you gained from past courses and personal and field experiences this semester related to these topics. Areas to consider and reflect on, should be: Signs of burnout, have you encountered staff or administrators at your agency demonstrating some of the signs of burnout? (describe); does your agency have special policies or practices in place to reduce burnout? (describe) Strategies for navigating difficult issues and situations in practice (and specific examples of difficult situations or conversations you have navigated, or anticipate navigating, in field this semester). Describe your self-care plan for this semester and a plan for self-care after graduation

Requirements: 600