Managing Yourself in the Agency Minou Rysiew, LCSW

Confidentiality

The Adventures of Blabby Blabberson Girl, I’m so glad I caught you in the hall! You will never guess how crazy my last intake was! Lord, this lady is really messed up! You know who I’m talking about right? Mrs. Greenleaf, yeah, that’s her leaving the lobby. Ooops! Am I being too loud?! (Whisper) My bad. I found her old file and the last time she was in here was 2 years ago after she got a DUI. Some people shouldn’t be allowed to be parents!

Confidentiality Issues Social Work Interns Face Ensuring that staff consultations/impromptu supervision sessions happen in private Following agency rules about accessing clients’ files Keeping all clients’ information private- no matter how great the temptation to share with co- workers/friends Not allowing clients in a group to discuss group members that aren’t present Maintaining proper boundaries if you happen to see clients outside of the agency

Safety Awareness

Safety Issues Social Work Interns Face Making sure a supervisor or a co-worker is with you on home visits, in certain individual and group settings Be vigilant, mindful and aware of your surroundings- it’s okay to have personal boundaries Learn safety and proper self-defense policies and techniques for your agency Position yourself in the space you are in so that the client isn’t blocking your exit It’s a good policy to avoid touching or hugging co- workers and clients so that your actions don’t get misinterpreted

Maintaining Student/ Intern/ Learner Role

Staying within the realm of your expertise keeps you and the agency safe Even if you have worked in a similar setting- there is always more to learn Take advantage of being an intern- be on the lookout for new learning opportunities You are there to learn- so asking questions (at the appropriate times) is usually viewed positively

Avoiding Dual Relationships

This can be tricky and difficult to avoid in a small town- consult the NASW Code of Ethics and of course discuss the matter with your liaison and supervisor Examine carefully the risk of exploitation or harm to the client Check out your agencies policies about dating co-workers, NEVER date a client, and pass on a case in which you have been familiar with a client

Friendships and Working Relationships Between Student and Staff Making friends is fine- don’t lose site of your learning plan Try to avoid any drama Watch out for dumpers and users

Avoiding Agency/Staff Politics

Decide that Blabby Blabberson ins’t going to be your BFF Pay off- becoming known as trustworthy and an excellent potential employee in the future

Self Care Managing Time Managing Anxiety Setting healthy emotional boundaries for yourself Utilize weekly class time with your liaison and classmates

Good Luck!