Discussion 1: Program Evaluation: Benefits and Concerns of Stakeholders Dudley (2009) points out that social work practice is usually embedded in programs. While you looked at practice evaluation using single-subject design in Week 3, this week, you shift focus to program evaluation. Program evaluation serves many purposes, including accountability to funders and to the public. Often, funding sources such as government agencies or private foundations requires periodic program evaluations. These evaluations can help provide answers to many different questions, and can contribute to improvement of services. There are a variety of program evaluation models that are appropriate for addressing different questions as well as facilitating the collection and analysis of many different types of data. To prepare for this Discussion, identify a program within an agency with which you are familiar, which could benefit from process evaluation and outcome evaluation. You do not need to identify the agency in your post. Also, review the different evaluation models highlighted in this weeks resources (needs assessment, program monitoring, client satisfaction study, outcome evaluation, or cost benefit study). · · · · Dudley, J. R. (2014). (2nd ed.) Chicago, IL: Lyceum Books. When working with clients, it is important to maintain professional boundaries to safeguard both you and your clients. Legislation such as HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) and the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics are specific in how you as a social worker should protect client information and safeguard confidentiality. Responding ethically in a professional situation may be clear in most situations, but not necessarily in situations. Even though you have established laws and code of ethics to guide your decision-making process, you may still face ethical conflicts. For this Discussion, review the media of the Bradley case and consider how the case relates to social work professional ethics. · · Northouse, P. G. (2018). (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Sage. Laureate Education (Producer). (2014a). (Episode 5 of 42) [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu What does it mean to be an ethical leader? How is ethical leadership demonstrated in social work practice? As a leader in the social work profession, you have to achieve a balance between your professional and personal ethics. At times, these may be aligned with each other, but there may be situations in which they conflict. Because leadership includes value and moral dimensions, your character, actions, and goals as a social work administrator should reflect ethical leadership. For this Discussion, consider the characteristics of ethical leadership and the challenges associated with practicing ethical leadership. · · Northouse, P. G. (2018). (4th ed.). Washington, DC: Sage.
