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Advocate Interview Project.
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Advocate Interview Project
Name: David Robinson
University: Miami
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Tutor:
Date:
Advocate Interview Project
In this advocate interview project paper, it is significant to indicate that the researcher chose to carryout an in-depth interview with a social worker who deals only with the veterans. The interview was carried out at the office of chemical dependency at the Dayton Ohio Veterans Hospital. The social worker that the researcher interviewed wanted to remain anonymous fearing that some of the sentiments she would make might come back to haunt her. She has been in the V.A hospital for over ten years and is from the school of thought that more can be done for the veterans. Furthermore, the interviewee had worked in two other hospitals in different states. Moreover, she stated that since V.A had devised a plan that is used in hospitals globally, there is minimal leeway on the use of different plans fixed to help individuals rather than large groups.
During the interview, the interviewee was happy that more veterans were becoming interested in social work. This was due to the fact that her veterans have some connection within their group that eventually help them extend to the other veterans. The interviewee stated that the groups are further aimed at making a positive difference on the lives of the veterans who had fallen into dependency on drugs and alcohol since majority were not receiving any help. The information gathered from the groups is applied by the veterans to help better their lives. Further, the interviewee stated that the veterans sometimes try self-medication with absolutely no positive result. Therefore, large programs should be developed in order to help the population on issues related to dependency. Indeed, it is significant to note that the veterans are not just a diverse group but also disproportionate with several issues twined in their lives. Consequently, in the context of challenges faced, the interviewee stated that they have a huge amount of paper work required by V.A. such as keeping daily logs and several other forms that are required to be completed accurately. Moreover, since the program keeps on changing, there are several trainings that often require paper work.
The social worker interviewed indicated that despite the fact that they do recommend for changes that should be initiated, the implementations process is very slow in cases where they actually take place. The V.A. system that is used is that which was put in place by the Congress. The veterans are also recommended to join smaller groups with openings and are consequently assisted with filling the forms. The interviewee indicated that the forms are reviewed since they are often used in the compensation claims of the veterans. The forms are recorded electronically for preservation and future retrieval. Furthermore, the interviewee indicated that the local representatives are also involved through writing regarding the process that can be adopted to ensure the promises made to the veterans are fulfilled.
Further, the interviewee stated that as a result of the huge amount of veterans that are attended to by an individual social worker, it has not been easy to actually communicate with each other. Indeed, the social worker finds it difficult to remember the veterans at a personal level. The interviewee was from the school of thought that the process should be adopted when asking a specific question. Nonetheless, it can lead to increased problem whenever the question is not answered correctly and therefore does not use the process in such cases. In this process, even the very little changes in documentation or wording can cause delays in benefits or compensations that the veterans are entitled to.
The other challenges include the fact that working with many physicians within the system is often straining and learning the concern of each one of them is difficult. This is coupled with the need to meet every need of the veterans and consequently obtaining the best outcomes. Filling of the forms is detailed and the wording is then checked by the superiors. The interviewee stated that she often indicated to her superiors that the wording can have a poor reflection on the system and the treatment of the veterans. Indeed, it usually does not reflect the actual needs of the veterans and therefore delivery of the best treatment to them is likely to be hindered. Nevertheless, the interviewee stated that the process is not applied all the time since some of the areas she has worked have different ways of completing the reports. In such instances, the documents are kept as close as possible and are able to indicate what the social worker does.
Further, the researcher asked the interviewee about the job and responsibilities where she indicated her happiness in serving both men and women within the country. Indeed, she finds a sense of accomplishment whenever she helps a veteran find help and the need met. She made a reflection and stated, When I look at a veteran I have no idea what they have been through in their time. To me they are not just another client to deal with. It is my honor to help with all the resources I have at my disposal. The interviewee indicated that she receives different set of problems daily in her office and each of the problems does not have a specific solution. It is therefore significant to listen to the person with the problem or need. The interviewee ensures that what the client says is repeated severally to help get the exact need of the client in order to provide the best solution. This gives her a personal satisfaction that the need of the veteran is met. Nonetheless, the rules could be modified depending on the circumstances. However, such circumstances must be presented to the supervisor before any modification is done.
The interviewee made some recommendations aimed at helping the veterans with the problems not covered by the V.A. She stated that they would be happy to see the expansion of the healthcare and the dependency care in particular. This will help the homeless veterans as well as keep them away from drugs and alcohol. Further, teams should be launched for the veterans within the rural areas. This is because veterans within the rural areas fall into the cracks of those not receiving any care thereby creating a great concern within the social workers role of being unable to help the veterans. Coming up with a new role within the V.A. is not easy due to the processes involved and may take years before it perfectly works for the veterans. This is likely to create a feeling within the veterans that they are not cared for. Despite the fact that this is not true, it becomes difficult to actually explain to them since they believe V.A. cares for them. Indeed, the social worker indicated that they are often put on the spot to explain the process that is put in place by the Congress that are unrealistic.
The policies often change within different levels creating problems for the staff while handling cases. Nevertheless, some of the changes enhance the process while others do not. The social workers are usually asked about the whole process in the context of outcome. The personal feelings of the social workers sometimes make them not to actually speak out. The disappointment with the system is of great concern to the social workers who would want to help. There is a general feeling among the social workers that their hands are tied with regard to helping the veterans.
The interviewee indicted that building a strong relationship with individuals who have very little trust is not easy. She stated categorically that the veterans are only possessed with the memories of the promises made to them regarding care after the military service and not the obstacles involved in achieving the best care. This makes it difficult for the veterans to develop patient and trust in waiting for the processes involved in meeting their need. Despite the fact that the social workers interested in waiting for the help, they often get disappointed with the system and as a result loose interest. The interviewee therefore wished the process would be faster or simply come up with temporary measures to help the veterans as they wait for the whole process. Indeed, the process should not prevent the veterans from seeking help whenever they need it. Since there is increased prevalence of PTSD among the veterans, they should not be left without any adequate care. In a nutshell, the social worker indicated that any little help accorded to the veterans that may seem insignificant, is of great importance to them.
The interviewee stated that the policies recommended should include fast tracking. The social workers require a latitudinal movement whenever the veterans come for help. Moreover, separating environmental concerns is not easy when the needs are immediate and putting oneself into the life of a veteran is not easy. However, the researcher found it difficult to actually understand her mention that social workers should not get involved with the personal life of the veterans during care. Nevertheless, the veterans should not be seen as being the same as the general population since they go through different hardships with increased pressure.
In conclusion, the interviewee stated that ideas and policies should be developed to ensure the system is efficient. There should be increased collaborations and a focus on the lives of the veterans not on the numbers and cost involved. In a nutshell, the interviewee was optimistic that in the next ten years things will change with the policy making extending more help and subsequently providing flexibility for the social workers to make independent decisions.
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