Running head: BSW INTERVIEW

Tina-La Shawn Banks

Wayne State University
October 09, 2013

BSW INTERVIEW

Introduction
Hello my name is Tina-LaShawn Banks I will be interviewing LaTonya Brown, BSW. I will be
asking her several variety questions in regards of her educational history that led to her BSW
degree, her effectiveness within the agency and the effectiveness of the agency towards the
clients they served.
Ms. Brown graduated from Madonna University July of 2001 with her Bachelor of Social Work
Degree. She works at Small Treasures: maternal and infant health care services and describe
herself as an educator. The population served is pregnant women of all ages that receive
Medicaid. The concerns that are address within her agency is postpartum stress, health issues,
transportation, housing, infant survival of first year and education of child safety. The mission of
the agency is to lower infant mortality rate according to statistics the mortality rate is up to 60%.
Ms. Brown feels her effectiveness within the agency is overseeing 50 employees, enforcing state
policies within agency, having direct contact with Lansing in regards health care programs and
was able to set in on board meetings. The agency impact women and children lives intervening
with mother during their pregnancy to insure the baby is carried full term. They also provide
after care and resources so the child environment is safe and healthy to live in. There different
levels of social work being utilize throughout this agency on the Macro level: the agency makes
sure the home health care policy MIHP program is intact and is in the process of advocating for
the private insurance clients to be served by their agency. Mezzo level: the agency work with
different alternative schools weekly through an outreach program to educate the girls on healthy
pregnancies, birth control, resources of healthy living. They recruit their clients from hospitals if
someone comes in through the ob/gyn emergency room uninsured Micro level: the agency work
with families supplying them with preventive and intervention resources, healthcare,

BSW INTERVIEW

counseling, substance abuse, housing, breastfeeding techniques, plan parenthood methods.

My interview assessment
It was somewhat of a challenge because everyone does not have knowledge how to go about in
accessing a social worker. It took me about ten calls to a few different places to reach a willing
and available social worker. I felt anxious knowing this interview had a deadline. My question to
myself was will I meet it or miss it? I was hoping their schedules were light so that would be
available to meet with me. The few times I had to leave a message I felt weird leaving a message
asking them of a favor without even meeting them. The more messages I left the awkwardness
ease up my goal was to complete my assignment no matter what. I think the consumer will
definitely hesitate about cooperating not knowing if they are going to be judge or taking
seriously. In most cases when someone is in need of help regarding social or personal issues it
seems embarrass receiving a hand out. I am happy to have had the opportunity to get an insight
on social work responsibilities and duties. Being able to view hands on in the field just
encourage me to continue pursuing my BSW degree. I believe if a person decides to allow
students to interview them for assignments there should be one student allowed per interview. I
appreciate the social worker for sharing her time and allowing insight of her job, but it can be a
little distractive when everyone trying to ask question at the same time. Things seem a bit rush
because the time is consumed with answering the same questions over.

Conclusion:
I appreciate how this agency takes their time to educate as well as provide resources to the
women, in regards of prevention and intervention to affect their children and their health. During

BSW INTERVIEW

the interview Ms. Brown went into full descriptive explanations so I could clearly understand the
service they provide their clients.
I have learned the tone of your voice and body language plays a big part when dealing with
clients. If the environment is not welcoming that can easily irritated or distract the client.
Listening to your client with your undivided attention gives them that assurance that you are
really concern, and the right symptoms to generate a plan of resources for them. If they detect
that you are pre-occupied then they just will shut down. Once the clients feel comfortable and
that the person of service is not judging them, but genuinely want to help them and/or family
they will become compliant. I believe social workers are put in a vulnerable position from a
moral perspective and the NASW ethics guidelines were good to be created. Some do astray
from professionalism and become so involved in their clients issues they are side track. My
thoughts or feelings have not change about social work since the interview. However, it just
makes me aware of how many people really needs help in all population of humanity. The more I
learn about social workers and their responsibilities it just amazes me how much of an impact
they have on shaping society in so many areas in humanity. The better access to resources a
person has the healthier decision they can make. My career I have chosen will allow me to show
the people a new path of hope, desire and have a positive impact in their lives. My whole
overview of this interview and a social workers role just really makes me feels appreciative to
be able to be on the giving aspect and take my education serious. Becoming a productive social
worker to motivate and educate people how to improve their lives is a goal of mine. Even though
social work starts in a community the impact stretches so far beyond and it creates the society we
all evolve into so why is it so hard for people to want to help others? I see it as you are really
helping yourself to a healthy society that makes a healthier environment.