Kia Ferguson AHS8100 Guided Practicum Wilmington University Spring 2012

Fairfax County Office For Women & Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, in Fairfax, Virginia. www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ofw

I am extremely excited to begin my learning experience with the OFWDSVS. I am especially happy with my placement since I had hoped that my career would lead me in the direction of helping services for women and girls. Since I lack experience in dealing with Domestic and Sexual Violence, I believe the OFWDSVS is the perfect agency to learn about the reality of abuse in Virginia.

Time Management I will have to develop a routine that is comfortable for me to accomplish my hours and also keep up with assignments from this and the research course. Plan my days at the agency in order to accomplish as much as possible in a 4hr day.

Punctuality Work Ethic Likeability Listening Skills Flexibility

Procrastination Lack of Experience Lack of Confidence Failure to Speak Up

Expressing my thoughts and opinions to staff and coworkers Asking for help or clarification when needed Balancing time dedicated to the Learning Map project and the Policies and Procedures project. Allowing staff to get to know me

I was surprised to learn of the racial demographic of Fairfax County. I was aware of a strong Asian and Hispanic cultures, but was unaware how few African Americans lived in Fairfax County 54.6% White 17.4% Asian 15.6% Hispanic 8.9% Black/African American

OFWDSVS is very responsive to the needs of its Hispanic clients. All services provided are available in Spanish. The agency is striving to increase their depth of knowledge in the Asian and Muslim Communities. Staff actively participates in cultural events throughout the county. The OFWDSVS Team is composed of several different cultures and ethnicities.

There was only one instance that I experience where ethical standards may or may not have been compromised. An Admin. Assistant greeted me upon my arrival, and addressed me as Hon. Although I was not offended, she immediately apologized, and stated that although I may not have been offended, she should get in the habit of refraining from using such terms of endearment in case other staff might perceive it as inappropriate.

Kathleen Kelmelis, Program Manager

Since Kathleen is often in various meetings throughout the agency, we have elected to use open and effective communication through weekly supervision and email. The Microsoft Outlook calendar function allows us to view each others calendar and schedule meetings accordingly. Kathleen and I meet every Monday at 9:30am for our weekly supervision.

Kathleen is very effective in communicating to me her expectations for tasks and projects. She makes herself readily available if I have any questions or concerns. She is very truthful in her interactions with me, and effectively coaches any opportunities that I may present. Overall, I feel that Kathleen is genuinely concerned about my experience and my development at OFWDSVS

The Integrated Processing Model

Gathering Data: Most docs are present, but incomplete or outdated. Reflecting: Are my writing skills sufficient? Identifying Relevant Knowledge: Used DFS & Fairfax County policies as models. Examining Dissonance: Overanalyzing my writing skills hinders my ability to complete documents. Articulating Learning: I learned that I should trust in my writing skills, but ask for input. Developing a Plan: Compose documents and submit to Kathleen for review.

Although I rarely interact with clients directly, I enjoy involvement in community education. The position I most admire is our Community Education Specialist, who conducts workshops and discussions at schools and community centers. I seem to prefer communicating Adolescents and young adults. I hope to continue to develop my public speaking skills and become comfortable presenting in front of groups.

Staff of OFWDSVS consists of several different ethnicities. The DC Metro area is rich in different cultures, and services should be available to all of them. Staff that are bi-lingual are especially valued. My skills and experience in dealing with different cultures has helped me in understanding struggles of staff & clients. My goal is to continue learning Spanish and become fluent.

Staff and Supervisors maintain a laid-back, yet professional atmosphere. Employees perform jobs individually, but maintain cohesion within their perspective teams. Agency events that require multiple staff members are successful due to the teams camaraderie. Employees are open to sharing appropriate amounts of their personal lives.

Strengths
I am very comfortable using Microsoft Word and PowerPoint Using Email, and the ability to proofread emails Staying organized using features of Microsoft Outlook I can easily compose updated documents from old ones I am able to engage the group I am presenting to I invite questions or comments Voice projection and clarity

Weaknesses
Sometimes I can be too critical of my work I tend to over think even the simplest email I am unfamiliar with some data collection methods that our agency uses I often forget to breathe I often fidget I tend to rush through presentations

April_M&G_Form.docx
Policies and Procedures\Position_Descriptions_Chart.docx Policies and Procedures\Hiring,_Termination,_and_Recruitm ent.docx

Although working with victims of DV & SV can be unpleasant at times, its important to stay positive External Stressors: Schedule changes, aggressive deadlines, tasks that I lack knowledge in doing Internal Stressors: Setting unrealistic expectations, procrastinating, trouble focusing

Dealing with DV and SV effects how you deal with conflict in your own relationships. Refrain from generalizing isolated incidents. Remember to consider other peoples stressors. Seek to Understand. Choose your Battles Not everything is worth causing conflict. Schedule down time. i.e. bowling, exercise, naps, reading, etc.

I most appreciate the guidance and direction from Kathleen. I regret not being more sociable with coworkers, regardless of the agencys culture. I feel that my placement allowed me to experience tasks and projects required of Human Service Administrators. I would have liked to have more interaction with staff in an administrative capacity. I will need to continue to develop my leadership and motivational skills to maximize staff performance.

I plan to focus my job search in the DC Metro area. I would prefer to find a position within a state or county government. My goal is to continue to learn Spanish and become fluent in order to serve this growing population. I feel I would be most comfortable working in services for women and girls, or DV and SV services.

I expect to hold several different jobs before finding the best fit. As my internship ends, continue networking with local agencies and use Kathleen as a resource. If I cannot find a position immediately, utilize volunteer opportunities to continue to enhance my level of experience.

My experience at OFWDSVS allowed me to expand my depth of knowledge of Domestic and Sexual Violence. Under Kathleens supervision, I was able to use my education and previous management skills to complete administrative tasks. I have developed positive relationships within the agency that will allow me to network in search of a permanent position.