Social workers and social justice

While I generally keep 'private me' and 'educator me' as separate entities, I think this message is an important one to share.

Our code of ethics states, 'Social workers should facilitate informed participation by the public in shaping social policies and institutions', and, 'Social workers should engage in social and political action that seeks to ensure that all people have equal access to the resources, employment, services, and opportunities they require to meet their basic human needs and to develop fully. Social workers should be aware of the impact of the political arena on practice and should advocate for changes in policy and legislation to improve social conditions in order to meet basic human needs and promote social justice.' 
 

So read on if you'd like to see what I've been up to.
I'm sure most of my students, and none of my colleagues have never seen me cry, so I'm putting myself out there a bit, but I think it's important to see that even though we may be afraid, or feel powerless, we can still use our voices to become more powerful.

http://whattodowiththekidsinmontclairnj.blogspot.com/2014/12/a-different-side-of-what-to-do-with.html

some inspiring thoughts on education

Try to make the time to listed to this TED talk if you work with kids, have kids, or ever were a kid.  It will change the way you think about education

http://www.ted.com/talks/ken_robinson_says_schools_kill_creativity?language=en

Upcoming FREE workshops in Warren NJ

November 5 – 10:00 am  “ Labels are for Soup Cans” – We Are People!

This workshop will educate attendees on the negatives of using labels and how to overcome being labeled and bullied. This workshop was created by self-advocates. Presented by Community Access Unlimited, support coordinators DDD approved.

 

November 12 – 8:45 to 12 – “ Life Review” by Lynn Biot-Gordon - 3 CEU’s for Social workers – Life review therapy is a technique of reviewing the events of one’s life as preparation for end of life.  It is an effective way of coping with life’s final stages and means of a therapeutic psychosocial communication process.  It improves self esteem and reduces behavior disturbances.

 

ALL RSVP’S PREFERRED BY EMAIL:  MBUCCI@CSLAL.COM

Michelle Bucci

Web: http://www.mtbethelvillage.com/

NJ helpline for youth 10-24 years old

Here's a great resource for those in NJ- including a free helpline for youth 10-24 years old.

http://www.2ndfloor.org/

Non food rewards in school

Here's a nice handout for teachers on non food rewards, as well as some information on the importance of movement and activity in school.

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/npao/pdf/Tips_for_Teachers_TAG508.pdf

LOOKING FOR WORK? open house at Social Work PRN

Dear Colleague:

Thank you for your interest in Social Work p.r.n.

 

We invite you to connect with us in person by attending a general informational session presented by Social Work p.r.n.  We have designed these sessions as a relaxed way for us to get together with you and other community social workers.  The goals of the sessions are to share information about our company with you, provide details about what work through us may look like, and answer any questions you may have.  You will also have the opportunity to tell us about yourself, you career needs, and desired work opportunities.  Most important, we are interested in beginning to build a relationship with you as a member of the professional social work community.

If you are interested in exploring the fit between your professional needs and what we have to offer, please make plans to attend the following scheduled group meeting:

Wed., Nov. 5^th,  2014 at 3PM

427 Bloomfield Avenue, Suite 202, Montclair, NJ

* In order to work for Social Work prn, we require either an MSW or BSW from an accredited school of social work.

To confirm participation in a group session, call office at 973-509-9300

Make sure to leave your name & telephone number

Sessions take place in a small group format.    

Please bring your resume (even if it’s already been submitted)

how does a disorder get removed from the DSM?

The process of defining and describing 'mental disorders' is an interesting topic.  How does something become labeled as 'normal', or 'abnormal', pathological, or not? 

The DSM (diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders) is the main tool that we use.  Did you know that until relatively recently homosexuality was listed in the DSM?! 

This podcast gives a fascinating peek into the process of how homosexuality was removed from the DSM.  http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/204/81-words

Brain Injury resources

I'm thrilled to find that NJ Brain Injury Alliance has some great free resources online. http://www.bianj.org/brain-injury-training-institute.  Right now I'm learning a lot from their free Brain Injury In Students webinar. 

5 tips from Temple Grandin-free ebook

Click here http://presencelearning.com/resources/library/temple-grandin-5-tips-working-with-children-autism/ to get a free e book with Temple Grandin's tips for working with children with autism.

looking for work in NJ? Social Work PRN jobs

NJ JOBS AS OF FRIDAY, AUGUST 8, 2014

 

LSW or LCSW with supervisory experience for LGBT youth organization in Newark.  Requires LGBT experience in addition to experience working in Essex County- PERM FULL TIME 

 

LCSW only for Bergen County outpatient counseling center

Must be on several insurance panels & have 3 evenings per week of availability

PERM PART TIME

 

LCSW to provide outpatient counseling & case management in Hudson County.  Experience working in urban setting, homeless population -  Full time , possible temp to perm 

 

LSW or LCSW for Full time permanent position in Bergen County

Clinical  Director for child welfare agency- Supervise social workers who

Go into homes and work with high risk children/ families

 

 

Contact Linda@socialworkprn.com along with name, resume and contact info

No phone calls

Only those with most appropriate experience will be contacted due to high volume of

Expected responses

 

more evidence for Sensory Processing Disorder

http://www.biosciencetechnology.com/articles/2013/07/special-processing-disorder-study-wows-many


Great article about new evidence for brain differences in kids with sensory processing disorder.

expert tips and info on parenting toddlers and preschoolers

http://www.cdc.gov/parents/essentials/index.html

Excellent new resource from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention on parenting toddlers and preschoolers.  I really appreciate the 'how to' videos.  Please share this valuable website with caregivers, parents, and teachers.

you can prevent child sexual abuse

Yes, you can.  Log on and register for this excellent program.  It's free if you report New Jersey as your residence.  It's a high quality program that arms you with valuable information on keeping kids safe. 
http://www.d2l.org/site/c.4dICIJOkGcISE/b.6143709/k.3D5F/Child_Sexual_Abuse_Prevention_Training_ONLINE.htm

The Mother and the Sexually Abused Child; Full Day workshop this Friday in Paramus

It's not too late to register for my full day (5 c.e.h.) workshop in Paramus on Friday.

http://socialwork.rutgers.edu/Events/14-05-06/The_Mother_and_the_Sexually_Abused_Child.aspx

Funny and informative video, check it out!

This video about play therapy is so well done.  Please check it out and share it with your colleagues, friends, and family. 

Concerns about the Common Core Curriculum

This film provides a  critical view of the common core curriculum.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjxBClx01jc#t=20
Very important for parents, educators, social workers, and all those who care about kids to watch.

Happy for Derrick Gordon

I certainly am not a sports fan, and I have never heard the name Derrick Gordon before today, but I think this is an awesome story to share.  http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/10754694/derrick-gordon-umass-basketball-player-becomes-first-openly-gay-ncaa-division-player
What a tremendous relief he must feel to not have to hide anymore, and to know that he is supported by many.  His coach's reaction to his coming out is what every coming out person should hear, "we are here for you, we love you, and we will continue to support you."

Should I tell the client their diagnosis?

This is a question that my students ask me all of the time.  I answer from the empowerment and the ethical perspectives:  Of course clients should know their diagnosis!  They should also be involved in determining their correct diagnosis, and determining which treatments they prefer.  Who knows what the client is experiencing better than the client?

Students and clinicians often worry that knowing they meet the criteria for a diagnosis will feel like a burden to a client, a label they can never remove from themselves.  For me, I look at it this way:  If I go to a medical doctor for a cough, I should absolutely know if I have bronchitis or lung cancer.  This information will help us (me and my doctor) decide together what is the best course of treatment.  I can also gather more information about my diagnosis as well. I become empowered, not burdened.

The reason I'm thinking of this today is I read this interesting article http://commonhealth.wbur.org/2014/04/psychiatrist-open-mental-health-notes on a study examining the impact of psychiatric clients having access to their psychiatry notes.  The idea that in 2014 there are providers that do not discuss diagnosis with their client is surprising, and I hope research like this makes an impact.

Fantastic resource for autism related information

Check out Autism Research Institute's YouTube channel for many free lectures on autism and related issues.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCewrICyE_Pl9LiyCHp6GnRQ

Children and media

Are you concerned about the impact of media on children?  Check out these excellent resources.

Data on media use in 0-8 year olds. http://cdn2-d7.ec.commonsensemedia.org/sites/default/files/uploads/about_us/zero-to-eight-20131.pdf

More data on children and media use. http://www.preventtogether.org/Resources/Documents/NationalPlanFactsheetTechFINAL508.pdf

These days I am very concerned about the impact of violent video gaming on young children.  Read here for good advice on kids and video games. https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/impact-of-media-violence-tips

Sharing a podcast: the experience of male sexual abuse

This podcast http://mentalpod.com/Dr-David-Lisak is disturbing and upsetting, but it provides valuable insights into the child victim's experience of sexual abuse. It particularly focuses on males who have been abused.

Preschool is an evolutionary novelty- Sharing an excellent article

For anyone who is struggling through the decision to send their child to preschool or not, here is an excellent article that reviews the relevant research.  http://www.parentingscience.com/preschool-stress.html

Sharing a resource: free podcasts on parenting young children

Zero to Three is an amazing resource for all kinds of information on children birth to 3 years.  It's my go-to website when I'm looking for good quality research and practical advice.

I was thrilled to just find their podcast series "Little kids, big questions."  Check out all of the great titles that are available for your listening pleasure.
A valuable resource for parents and professionals.
http://www.zerotothree.org/about-us/funded-projects/parenting-resources/podcast

Sharing: Save the Date & Call for Presentations

Save the Date & Call for Presentations

The New Jersey Department of Children and Families and Rutgers School of Social Work will be hosting a Statewide Adolescent Networking Conference on May 8, 2014.  Entitled “Voices United for Youth: Visions of a Better Tomorrow,” the conference will focus on promoting successful and sustainable relationships and partnerships between youth involved in the child welfare system and the adults that serve them. The conference will be held at the NJ Department of Children and Families Professional Center: 30 Van Dyke Avenue, New Brunswick, NJ 08901

The conference is open to adolescents (ages 14 to 23) currently or formerly served by DCF, as well as DCF staff and contracted providers.

DCF and Rutgers School of Social Work are seeking proposals from individuals that are interested in presenting workshops at the conference. Please see the attached “Call for Presentations” for more information. The deadline for workshop presentation proposals is February 10, 2014.

Please submit all proposals and/or questions to: anconference@ssw.rutgers.edu

 

New job postings 1/10/14

Social Work prn NJ Office is placing for the following positions:

 

1.   BSW ONLY  (No exceptions)  Must have at least 1 year of residential Experience and be comfortable  working with clients with a forensic background.

This is  a per diem position requiring a day here and a day there…. Usually on weekends for coverage in Monmouth County area  

      

2.   MSW with LCADC for temporary full time opportunity in a Middlesex County Substance Abuse Program

 

 

3.   CADC  for perm full time counselor position in Bergen County outpatient addictions program  

 

 

4.   BILINGUAL LCSWs needed both for part time and full time permanent outpatient counseling positions in Newark and Hudson Counties

 

 

5.   PERM FULL TIME- Cumberland County (Delmont) Clinical Supervisor for Alcohol Drug Program in Correctional Facility- MUST MEET EITHER OF THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS

a. MSW with LCADC     or     b. LCSW with CCS (Supervisory Certificate)

 

If you meet the requirements & experience needed, send resume along with name and contact information to Linda@socialworkprn.com

For immediate consideration.  

 

Sharing a resource: Free webinar on sexual abuse and disabilities: Register now!

From Prevent Connect, an excellent source of information on abuse prevention,

Thursday, January 16, 2014
11am Pacific Time, 2pm Eastern Time
"Although children with disabilities are three times more likely to be sexually abused, these children have not garnered the same attention of policy makers, the media or community organization. There is also an alarming lack of primary prevention programs available to this population. In this important web conference, the speakers will provide insights into this emerging issue as well as some innovative programs and collaborations."

http://www.preventconnect.org/2014/01/child-sexual-abuse-and-disabilities/

Sharing a podcast on love

I'm so grateful to the colleague that shared this podcast. 

http://www.thisamericanlife.org/radio-archives/episode/317/unconditional-love

It's from This American Life, on the topic of love.  It brings many of my professional interests together in a compelling and emotional hour.  From Harry Harlow's research on attachment, to treating and parenting a child with an attachment disorder, to making the decision to place a child who has autism in residential treatment, it powerfully conveys the primacy of love in parent/child relationships.

I hope that you can find the time to listen to it.