Field Work Reflection

The client system that is the subject of this essay is associated with a social service agency that provides workforce readiness assistance and adult education classes. The job readiness and certification component of the program provides certification in the following fields: construction, nursing assistant, home health aide and security guard. Another aspect of the program provides adult basic education classes to adults with low literacy and English as a second language to new immigrants. These trainings and classes are provided to residents through the borough of Queens.
For most Americans the ability to read a newspaper, magazine or write a shopping list is a luxury that people often take for granted. For some, performing these simple
During my fieldwork I was able to utilize interview, assessment and critical thinking skills to provide assistance. I was able to use these skills while working with an individual who recently emigrated from Jamaica. I worked with a 45 year old man who I remember quite well. He would often say he was “at his lowest point”. He explained that he was widowed and lived alone. He also talked about having difficulty with applying for his citizenship and finding employment because he was unable to read. My initial responsibility was to complete an interview and assessment of the client to identify their presenting problem. The assessment process included completing required intake forms and administering a Test for Adult Basic Education. This test allowed the client to demonstrate his reading ability and mathematics
After speaking with the client it was concluded that the presenting problem affected several dimensions of the client’s life. Its’ aspects included a biological, psychological, social and emotional spectrum. The biological and psychological manifestation of this problem was that the client had a history of excessive substance and mental illness which affected is ability to process certain information. The social and emotional manifestation of the problem was evident when the client reported feeling inadequate and worthless. I followed up by asking the client to explain why he felt this way. He explained that he was angry because he did not get to finish high school. He also stated that this was a limitation that prevented him from applying for many employment opportunities. He often felt embarrassed by this situation and struggled to find his self of