I gained much knowledge at Family Services of the Piedmont as an intern while obtaining my Associates degree in Human Services specializing in substance abuse. I enjoyed facilitating substance abuse and co-facilitating dual diagnosis groups at Family Services of the Piedmont under supervision of the therapist. I learned how to use the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) manual, research evidence-based interventions relevant to client’s stage of change. On a multicultural perspective, I learned how to use interventions with a diverse population. I worked closely with both of my supervisors in Greensboro and High Point.
When I entered the BSW program an North Carolina Agricultural & State University I never thought I would work with people experiencing homelessness. However, this is where I began to grow a passion for serving this population. I learned people who experience homelessness have so many barriers and challenges to make it through one day. I as a social worker learned how to navigate many systems to get as much assistance as possible for each person served. I worked with an integrated team of nurses who had much medical and personal gained knowledge I learned how to use with clients. I also filed Medicaid fraud for an agency that was possibly taking advantage of an already oppressed population. I grew to learn the difficulties and resilience this population has and look forward to serving this population in the near future.
As an advanced standing JMSW intern, in my graduate internship I was placed at an opioid medication detox assistance program that uses Suboxone, Subutex, and Zubsolv. I facilitated weekly groups with clients to help them maintain recovery during their stabilization, maintenance, and continuing care process as well as addressing mental disorder issues. I also assessed using the ASAM and DSM-V during the Bio-psycho-social assessment process and developed treatment plans with client pertaining to their current stage of change. I am gaining many clinical skills, such as CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, treatment team meetings, and building relationships with clients.
My experiences with people experiencing homelessness and people who have substance use disorder and mental disorders have helped me to identify that I am certainly working with the right populations.