E-PORTFOLIO POWERPOINT PRESENTATION

Nyisha Turner
AHS 8100 Guided Practicum in Administration of Human Services
Fall Semester 2016

CHAPTER ONE:
GETTING STARTED
This week I began my journey as an intern at the Somerset County Department of Social Services (DSS). I have a few concerns that
any intern would probably have going into something that will more than likely be a life changing experience for them/me. Some of
my concerns are:
Will I be able to use my little knowledge of human services to get through this process?
Will I gain enough practicum experience to reflect back and tell myself that This was the right organization to intern at. ?
Will I be accepted into the organization and be respected like the current employees?
What problems could other interns have possibly had during their experience at DSS?
Will my supervisor have patience with my learning the job?
Will I just be thrown into the job with little to no direction??
I would like to learn about the operations of DSS. I understand that it is a large organization and that the DSS dispenses services to a
wide range of people in the community. I would like to learn about all the policies and procedures for each individual service offered
through DSS as well as, any new services being implemented in the near future. I would also like to gain more knowledge on the
different partnering agencies that the department works closely with on a day-to-day basis as well as, funding for the organization. I
would also like to learn about the structure of the organization and who controls the different departments within DSS.

STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESS

My Strengths will be that I am open to learn everything about what DSS
has to offer. I do know that DSS is all about making families and
children better by looking out for the best interest of them both. I want
my internship experience to be something that I will be able to use
after I receive my degree. I would like to help make a change in human
service agencies all over the world for the better.
My weaknesses would be that I have very little knowledge when it
comes to human services.

ISSUES AND CHALLENGES

Some of the issues most important to me are issues involving abused children. I am very
interested in the process that you need to go through in order to safely remove a child
from an abused home and also administering the appropriate services to the child for
recovery.
Im excited about learning everything about DSS. DSS is a large organization and I feel like
the learning opportunities are going to be endless. I am looking forward to gaining much
needed knowledge on the different aspects of the social services department and services
that they offer to the community.
I feel like trying to learn all the different policies and procedures will be very challenging
for me. DSS offers so many different services and having a different policy/policies for
each of those services will be demanding and probably very stressful.

CHAPTER 2: GETTING ACQUAINTED

The Somerset Department of Social Services (DSS) serves the citizens of Somerset County, MD through community
outreach,, program planning, and public policy.
Somerset Department of Social Services (DSS) is a human services provider that helps vulnerable residents of
Somerset County, MD buy healthy foods, pay energy bills, and obtain medical assistance. The department also
provides stable environments for at-risk children and adults.
The general character of the community served is 54% Urban and 46% Rural
My view since the beginning of my internship of my agency has slightly changed because now, I am aware of all the
services offered through my agency. Before, I didnt know much about the organization besides the fact that they
helped people with food stamps, child support, and Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA). Working on the inside, I found
that the department has partnerships with a lot of supporting agencies on the outside who also help administer
services needed to the Somerset County residents that Social Services may not be able to help them with.
My agency also deals with a variety of different churches in the surrounding areas as well which I became familiar
with while attending my internship site.

CHAPTER 3: DEVELOPING ETHICAL

COMPETENCE
I noticed that my organization recognized the ethical standards and did a great job at abiding by them majority of
my time spent there so, there werent too many ethical issues encountered during my internship experience.
One ethical experience that I will however discuss would be when, a worker from the Financial Assistance
department came over to talk to one of the workers that I was shadowing for the day in the Services department.
The worker from the Assistance department began to speak negatively about a client that had just applied for the
Food Supplementary program (FS). Apparently, the worker knew the lady that was applying for FS and didnt really
care too much for her. The worker spoke negatively about the lady that had applied for FS and told the other
worker in the Services department all of the ladys personal information. I understand that both workers are
working for the same agency but, I felt as though the ladys personal business and privacy was being violated. I
excused myself from the room with the two workers and the next day I reported the conversation between the two
to a supervisor that was present that day. I explained to the supervisor that I felt as though they were violating the
clients privacy rights by discussing her personal business amongst each other in a negative way.
At first I really didnt want to say anything because I was an intern and didnt want to receive any negative
attention from the other workers. However, I realized that it was the correct thing to do in the situation because a
clients privacy should always be protected and they are guaranteed in the beginning of any interview to the right
of privacy.

CHAPTER 4: LEARNING TO LEARN FROM

EXPERIENCE: UNDERSTANDING LEARNING STYLES
AND THE INTEGRATIVE PROCESSING MODEL
Using the Integrative ProcessingModel (IPM), I will reflect back on last week when I attended a Family InvestmentMeeting (FIM). In this
meeting, there was a 19-year old girl who was currently in Foster Care. Within the last 6 months she has been in and out of multiple
homes. The purpose of the meeting was to figure out what it was that she was currently doing that was positive, focus on the negatives,
and also to suggest things to change those negatives. The meeting was also for a possible placementinto another home with a
different family then she currently resided in. As the meeting began, each side spoke. The 19 year-old expressed her feelings toward
moving to a different location and how she didn'twant to move because she was comfortable with where she already was. She pointed
out to the agency that she was getting along with her foster parent and that she wasnow working since she had been at her new home,
she had a car with insurance that she paid on her own, and also that she had saved money in her savings account. The social workers
concerns were that the 19- year olds current placement was too close to her sister who was also in foster care, it was causing problems
between the sisters, the 19-year old had only been working 3 weeks, she wasn't motivated to go to school or anything, she didn'thave
a plan for her situation after she left foster care, she would always have a "honeymoon period" at a placement and then when things
didn'tgo her way she would contact the agency asking for a change. The agencies suggestions were that the 19-year old move to
anotherhomeaway from her sister and with someone that would help motivate her to want to go to school and also help her in the
process of doing what she needed to so in order to make those changes. The worker and the 19-year old went back and forth with each
other and the 19-year old expressed that if she had to move to another home she would just sign herself out of foster care. The
department was worried that if they did move her, then she would purposely disrupt the new placement. By the end of the meeting
there was no type of decision made because the 19-year old walked out of the meeting upset.

 Based on the IPM I would have to say that, I observed a young girlthat satbefore me in a work uniform and expressed how
she felt as though the whole room was going to be against her at that moment.Reflecting back on the meeting, I felt as
though the 19-year old was just over moving from place to place and that she felt like if she could show the agency that she
was at least trying to do better than, they would just leave her alone and let her be. I felt like the agency on the other hand,
wanted what was best for the 19-year old and felt as though her current placement was not good for her. With the knowledge
that I gained from the meeting, I would have to say that the reason behind the move wasbecause it was causing conflict
between her and her sister who was inanother fosterhome in close proximity. The sister had complained to the worker that
the 19-year old was trying to take her boyfriend, had stolenmoney from her, and also had walked into her home without
knocking. I felt uncomfortable in this situation because I kind of felt bad for the 19-year old. I was just like okay she has a job
now, she saved a little bit of money, she is doing good in her home, the sister situation is basically hearsay, and the agency
hasn't really had any problems brought to them by the other foster parent. So with all that being said, I was just like why
would they move her? What I learned from this experience is that you have to look at all aspects of a case before making a
decision based off one persons point of view. After listening to all sides I felt as though she would be better off in another
location away from her sister. Because of this experience I will now go into a meeting prepared to listen to all the facts and
not jump to a conclusion. I will understand that there are many steps and factors that take place when you think about
placinga child in a foster home.

CHAPTER 5: USING SUPERVISION

From my experience as an intern at the Somerset Department of Social Services (DSS), I
have learned that I would appreciate a little more attentiveness and time in my
supervisory experience. I have handled my responsibilities as an intern very well. I have
had the challenges of fully understanding what is expected of me in my position at the
department. It seems as though my supervisor just gives me small things to do in an
effort to get me out of the way so that she can focus on what she has to do. When I am
given a job to complete I always make sure that it is done correctly. I wish that my
supervisor would explain the purpose for some of the projects that she has given me to
complete more thoroughly. My supervisor can be very vague at times so I am sometimes
left to figure things out on my own. I will handle these situations by simply walking to her
office and asking for clarification and avoiding any disturbances at the same time.
Based on this internship experience I expect for my supervisor to be very informative and
have the time to explain the task that are expected of me so that I am able to perform
my job duties to the best of my abilities.

CHAPTER 6: COMMUNICATING IN YOUR

INTERNSHIP
My experiences so farinworking withindividuals, families,groups, andcommunities at my placement site is fairly
vague when it comes to families.I have worked alone in an office setting completing various assignments for my
supervisor. This week I was assigned to contact a large number of local ministries that have a respectful
relationship with the SomersetCountyDepartment of Social Services (DSS) one by one via telephone to verify
that the agency had the correct contact information on file for each ministry. While doing this assignment, I had to
make sure that my communication skills were effective and I also had to make sure that I used the proper
etiquette. I was in fact, representing the organization by making these personal phone calls to each pastor of
each ministry so I was sure to practice the proper policy and procedures of the department when
communicatingand making contact with the public..I have also worked with the community and groupsto a
great extent while being at my placement site. Each week there is some sort of meeting that my supervisor has
to attend that include;ContinuousQuality Improvement (CQI) meetings Multi-Disciplinary meetings, Investigative
team meetings at the Child Advocacy Center (CAC), etc. Each meeting consists of different partnering agencies
coming together to discuss issues and concerns with services offered and the public being served. By attending
the meetings, I have been able to use my communication skills effectivelyas well as my listening skills. I make
sure that I record as much information as possible from the meetings and ask questions accordingly.

 If I were employed at my internship, I would expand my work by finding some type of solution that would allow
more family involvement. So far, I have seen my Administrator deal with the community, groups, and individuals
but, I haven't had the opportunity to work with any families yet. My strengths are that I can basically gravitate to
anyone and anything. I have a positive attitude and always willing to listen. Areas where I lack and could improve,
would definitely have to be public speaking and making suggestions on things that I feel could change when I'm
around a large group of people. I usually become shy and distant when it comes to speaking publicly or in front of
people and, I realize that being an administrator is all about public speaking.
Throughout the course of my experience I have realized that I am able to listenmore effectively and I am not
constantly interrupting someone when they are trying to speak. I have a huge problem with not allowing people to
finish talking before I speak. I realize that this behavior is unacceptable and I can honestly say that working at my
internship site has increased my ability to just sit back and listen before speaking.
The area of intervention that will be the most satisfying to me would morethanlikely be working with individuals
because I would rather deal with people one on one than, speak amongst a large group. I really don't believe that I
will ever be comfortable speaking in front of people.

CHAPTER 7: DEVELOPING CULTURAL

COMPETENCE
During my time at my internship, I have tried to learn as much as possible about the differentcultures that I have come into
contact with. I have found that I am very different from a lotof people who visit the department for services. I am in a Social
Services department and have noticed that a large amount of the clients they serve are suffering from severe drug abuse
and mental health issues which is a culture that I have very little experience with. The department also serves a wide range
of the foster youth culture which I have very little experience with as well. Through this internship experience I have learned
that the culture that I am from varies a lot from other cultures. I tend to value myself and my well being more than some of
the cultures I have come in contact with. I have learned that there are numerous amounts of people in the area who abuse
drugs and abandoned their children because of their addictions which, results in thechildren ending up in foster care. My
greatest cultural challenge would have to be the fact that I have seen so many young children in the foster care system due
to the parents inability to take care of them. I think that it is very sad for the children to have to be removed from their
homes where they are comfortable at, and be placed with total strangers because their parents would rather abuse drugs.
I assess my level of skills when dealing with culturally different people by continuing to be open-minded and accept the fact
that everyone will not be like me or believe in the same things that I believe in. My goals are to continue to learn more
about other cultures so that I am aware of the differences in the cultures. By doing this, it will prevent any negativity when I
become a Human Service administrator because I will understand how to handle the beliefs and views of other cultures that
aren't the same as my own.

CHAPTER 8: WRITING AND REPORTING

WITHIN YOUR FIELD AGENCY
I created an In-Home Services brochure on my own. I took the policy and procedure
for the In-home services department for Somerset County Department of Social
Services, and I compiled all the information together with pictures from the internet
to create a brochure for my supervisor to review and eventually approve.
I was also able to format a letter that needed to be sent out to all participants who
had been chosen for a Continuous Quality Improvement Assessment (CQI) that was
being conducted at my internship site.
Copies of both of these documents are submitted in my E-portfolio under Materials
and Products that I have worked on.

CHAPTER 9: TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF

This internship has taught me that stress is a powerful factor in my life.
There have been so many things that I have been affected by during
this internship that I cannot believe that I am still sane. I have dealt
with stress within the workplace, family, school, and at my internship
site. Trying to get certain task done in an allotted time frame has been
very stressful to me considering everything that I have going on in my
life.
External Stressors (Relationships, Deaths in Family, my job from not
getting paid)
Internal Stressors (Worrying, Anger, Disappointments, Emotional wellbeing, Lack of sleep, Improper Nutrition)

 In an effort to deal with these stressors I have learned patience and

acceptance. I have learned that I should manage time more effectively
so that I am not placed in a position that will bring stress upon. I am
learning to not expect so much out of people because it sometimes
leaves to disappointments that will initiate stress. I have also learned
to not think so much because eventually I will upset myself over
something that is irrelevant.
I have learned to leave my home stressors at home and not bring them
into the work place with me. Ive realized that I am not able to perform
my duties as effectively when I am focusing on factors that are
affecting me at home.

CHAPTER 10: ENDING YOUR INTERNSHIP

Sincemy internship is coming to an end, I would have to say that I am most appreciative of the opportunity that the
Somerset County Department of SocialServices (DSS) offered me andallowed me to experience. I am glad that I was able to
get an inside look at the operations of the department. I was able to familiarize myself with the different services and
programs offered to the community on a daily basis. This experience really has opened my eyes to the overall needs and
wants of the citizens in the surrounding areas of Somerset County. Because SomersetCounty is one of the poorest counties in
MD, they aren't as fortunate to receive some of the services that areoffered through other Social Service agencies.
My regret about the internship experience would be that I wish that I could have experienced more time with my site
supervisor and could have communicated with her more on a regular basis. I wish I could have had the opportunity to really
experience everything that an Administrator does. Unfortunately, because my supervisor was performing multiple jobs at
once; she was unable to give me the attention that I know she was hoping to give me when she signed me up for the
internship.
My feelings as I leave this internship will be to obtain employment in a Human Service agency so that I am able to become
familiar with all policies and procedures that I may not have gotten the chance to familiarize myself with at my internship
site. I would like to get the experience that I need to eventually be able to hold the position as an Administrator and perform
the duties to the best of my ability. In order for me to personally grow in this field, I will need to be attentive and push myself
to accomplish the goals that I have set for myself in the future. I will need to make sure that I follow the Ethical Standards for
Human Service professionals (NOHS) and apply my learning skills to whatever job it is that I am doing. By following these
steps, I believe that I will be a great Human Service Administrator one day with an organization to call my own.

CHAPTER 11: PLANNING YOUR CAREER

My career goals in the next few months will be to hopefully obtain my Master's degree in Administration of Human
Services. I am currently applying to positions that will allow me to gain the knowledge in the human service field and
ultimatelybecome more familiar withthe services that are offered through human services. My short term goals are to
obtain employment in an agency that primarily focuses on the well-being of children andtheir safety.I would like to
work for an agency thatadvocates for abused children. I am very interested in being a part of a system that fights for
children who have been victims of abuseand dedicates itself on making offenders of abuse pay for their crimes. My
long term goals are to be able to open up my own child abuse center in about 10-15 years. My program will focus on
providing different services and programs to children in an effort to help them cope with their abuse while they are
still young. Hopefully my organization will be able to help these children out by offering after school programs,
assistance with school work, coping activities like music therapy and exercise therapy, etc. I would like to be able to
change lives because many children suffer from some type of mental illness because they have previously been
victims of abuse. Children living with a mental illness, learning disability, or physical disability are more than twice as
likely to report childhood sexual abuse as their peers (HeretoHelp, 2016).
In order to accomplish these goals, I feel as though I will need to be active in the child abuse movement. I think that I
should go out and volunteer to agencies that focus on ChildAbuse. By doing this, I will be able to familiarize myself
with the system and how it operates. I will continuously research different child abuse cases throughout the U.S. so
that I am able to learn from a variety of child experiences in an effort to prepare myself for anything and everything.