Social Work Student Association
Issue 7: February 11, 2013
A student led organization focused on developing an environment that fosters positive relationships between students, faculty, and staff of the College of Social Work at USC within the broader South Carolina community.
Notable…Publication
Students Speak Licensure!
Sarah Renema nd
2 Year MSW Student Micro Concentration from Michigan
Internships? Last year I was a school social worker at Windsor Elementary School and this year I’m at Counseling Consultants. What is your issue of interest? I love counseling adolescents and emerging adults. I am starting to enjoy working in addictions and with couples. I also have a special place in my heart for children and youth in foster care. How did you get involved in writing an article for a peerreview journal? I got involved through my graduate assistant position working with Dr. Monique Mitchell at the Center for Child and Family Studies on campus. The article is called “Will I Make It On My Own? Engaging and Empowering the Voices and Visions of 17-Year-Old Youth in Transition” and it is currently under review by Child & Family Social Work Journal. The article highlights a current research study that addresses the needs of youth transitioning out of foster care. Did you ever think about contributing to an article for publication? With a psychology background, I have had a lot of experience with research but never imagined being part of a study that allowed me to contribute to a publication. I am so thankful for the opportunities that I have been presented with through this program. What was the best part of the process? I think the best part of the process was researching other studies and seeing the emerging research in the field of social work. I also really enjoyed working alongside Dr. Mitchell and Toni Jones (first and second authors). What was the hardest part of the process? The hardest part of this process was definitely the editing. This process has taken over 9 months! Would you do it again? I would definitely take part in writing another article for publication. It was a lot of work but even if it doesn’t get published, it is something I can look at and be proud of. If you have the opportunity to be a part of a research project, I would highly recommend it. I never thought I would enjoy doing research but it’s become the backbone of all of my work!
By: Matthew Wilkie 2nd Year MSW Student Micro Concentration
Greetings, MSW Candidates! I know we’re all busy with classes and field, but do not forget about scheduling to take the licensure exam. The process can seem a bit difficult, but it is not impossible. The Process To begin the process you must contact Ms. Spann, and Ms. Spann will provide you additional information. You will then need to request an official copy of your transcript to be mailed to the licensing board; however, Ms. Spann will provide you with the address. Once the board is in receipt of two things (letter from the Dean and transcript) you will receive a letter stating you are eligible to register for the test. After you register and pay the fee, you will receive an email with instructions on how to select a test date. Study Tips When preparing for the test, I strongly encourage you to purchase the practice test for an additional $75. It is extremely helpful, and worth your time and money. I would also encourage everyone to access online resources via the COSW website, make flashcards, and memorize the following acronyms: The first acronym is “FAREAFI” (in this order) and it is most useful for FIRST/NEXT type test questions: FAREAFI F: Feelings of the client be acknowledged first above all. Begin building rapport. A: Assess R: Refer E: Educate A: Advocate F: Facilitate I: Intervene The second acronym is "AASPIRINS" and it most helpful for questions that ask what is the BEST (or MOST reasonable) option/plan of action: AASPIRINS A: Acknowledge client/patient. Begin building rapport. A: Assess S: Start where the patient is at P: Protect life (of the individual and community…this one is about determining/preventing danger to self and others) I: Intoxicated do not treat. Refer R: Rule out medical issue I: Informed consent N: Non-judgmental stance S: Support patient self-determination
Issue 7: February 11, 2013
February is Black History & Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month Important Dates:
2/12 & 2/14 – Phi Alpha SUM 338
EITC Legislation Representative Gilda CobbHunter seeks to provide financial assistance to a
Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter H. 3107 Check it out at: www.scstatehouse.gov
In short, the statewide EITC initiative is a refundable tax credit for low and moderate-income working families that is based on a percentage of the federal EITC for which they are already eligible.
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2/25- SWSA Meeting 4:30pm @ SUM 339
In the Field
Candance Phillips
1st Year MSW Student
portion of South Carolina’s citizens through the Earned Income Tax Credit legislative bill (EITC) of which she is the primary sponsor. If passed, the bill will be equivalent to the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit program that is said to be the nation’s most effective anti-poverty program for working families.
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2/18 – President’s Day
Families could apply for it when filing their income tax returns to receive their cash benefit. A working family with two or more children could receive a total federal and state EITC maximum of $4,824.
South Carolina is not alone in its efforts; to date, twentyfour other states have already enacted a statewide EITC legislative bill including North Carolina and Virginia. This semester, my group members and I will be advocating for this bill to continue to move through the legislative process. We believe that with the extra funds South Carolina’s working families will be better able to provide the basic needs for their families, and help fight food insecurity issues; the group’s main focus.
Farrah Willett 2nd Year MSW Student Micro Concentration from North Carolina
Field placement: The CARE Clinic - it's within the USC School of Medicine, Center for Disability Resources Major tasks: Assessing people of all ages (but mostly children) for autism and then, based on their scores, determining what kinds of resources they're eligible for. Farrah has the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with the client while doing behavior observations, and then observes the formal assessment. The CARE Clinic receives many referrals every day so she is always busy! Micro or Macro: The CARE Clinic is probably best suited for someone who is micro. You don't have to know anything about autism to take part in this placement - just be willing to learn! Experiences Gained: “I feel like I definitely have a better perspective of how important proper documentation is and what resources are available in SC for people with disabilities. I also think I'm better at making clients feel at ease when they come to the clinic - we only see clients once so it's important to make a good impression.” The best part about working at the CARE Clinic: “I'm constantly learning about autism spectrum disorders and intellectual disabilities - there is so much to know! No two days at placement look exactly the same. I also have a fantastic supervisor who is flexible and amenable to any experience that I want to take part in.” Post-grad Goals: Farrah will be heading back to NC and trying to find a job! She is hoping to find one that incorporates working with people with disabilities. Questions? Feel free to email Farrah at willettf@email.sc.edu.
Issue 7: February 11, 2013
Get out in the community!…and build your resume…. Mentors Needed at Goodwill
Join the Social Work Striders! §
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Strides for Autism is SC Autism Society’s (SCAS) signature fundraising and awareness walk. SCAS is the only statewide agency advocating for children and adults with autism spectrum disorders and their families, while also providing assistance and resources. The COSW team is the "Social Work Striders. You can pay the registration fee ($25) and walk or collect donations. The walk takes place on May 4, 2013 at the Riverfront Park in West Columbia. T-shirt, food, live music are included. Click here for more information!
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Goodwill recently received a grant to help non-violent exoffenders find employment. Part of this grant requirement is to find mentors for the clients we serve. Goodwill is looking for individuals (21 years & older) to help with this. It would be a great resume builder for students and a great way to help individuals overcome barriers to become members of society again.
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Please contact Robin Ebert to register or for more information: rebert@goodwillsc.org
Transitions Homeless Shelter §
2/14/13 - Afternoon of service at Transitions Homeless Shelter from 47:30pm.
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Help decorate, help serve dinner to residents of the center for a Valentine’s Day Celebration.
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Sign up at here!
What’s going on in Columbia? FEBRUARY is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month: §
2/14/13
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Sexual Assault and Violence Intervention & Prevention and Sexual Health are partnering with Campus Wellness to provide condoms and candy for Valentine’s Day.
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This event will promote healthy relationships and safe sexual encounters. The event will generate an open dialogue about healthy relationships. We will be on Greene Street Middle on February 14, 2013 to celebrate healthy relationships.
Lexington Interfaith Community Services:
St. Andrews Kids Cafe:
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2/15/13 from 11am–1pm!
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We will be doing a variety of things such as sorting food, compiling pantry bags, replenishing stock, and organizing stock.
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Sign up to volunteer here!
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2/19/13 from 4-6pm
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We will be working with St. Andrew’s Kids Cafe, which is an afterschool program, where we will help tutor and read to elementary school students.
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Sign up to volunteer here!
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Nominate your hero here!
We hope you enjoy your newsletter! Please feel free to submit YOUR thoughts, for the next issue! –Teresa Chimienti, Dan Krantz, Lauren Williams, Stephanie Clone & Amber Schrenkel