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Title: Disabling labeling : a social worker's response to attention deficit disorder
Contributors: Brent Douglas Goerz (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) is a childhood psychiatric diagnosis that has exploded within the last decade. The literature written to address this topic is dominated by the medical perspective and for the most part contains few references from a social worker's perspective. The goals of this paper are to question some of the fundamental assumptions of this disorder and explore the treatment strategies utilized in dealing with this problem. I then apply some of these treatment approaches to two separate groups of 6 to 9 year old children diagnosed with ADD. This project looks at how the treatment strategies evolved within my own practice and then provides some radical suggestions that social workers need to consider when working with this population of children.--Page ii.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-04-11T21:18:52.971Z

Title: Representations of social justice in social work blogs and the paradoxes of bridging theory in practice.
Contributors: C. Lee Anne Deegan (author), Dawn Hemingway (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: In this thesis I use feminist content analyses methods to explore thirty-two English speaking social work practitioner blogs for their affinity with social justice aims in social work. Using a poststructural feminist lens, I looked at the potentials and limitations for social work blogs to act as a means to bridge theory and practice in social work for the sake of social justice. I also looked for common understandings in the literature about critical practice to evaluate these commitments within these texts. The findings revealed that many of these bloggers demonstrated their commitment to the principle of social justice throughout their blogs. Further, much of the talk in blogs mirrors concerns found in the literature about the current contexts of social work practice. --Leaf ii.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-03-30T17:12:25.024Z

Title: Walking the maze: The labyrinth between privilege and structural social work practice.
Contributors: Alexandra Mary Ewashen (author), Arlene Herman (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-03-29T17:34:18.189Z

Title: Family Development Response Social Work and Family Service Social Work: From the service provider's perspective.
Contributors: Jennifer Catherine Scott (author), Joanna Pierce (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The purpose of my thesis was to understand a service provider's perception of working with Family Development Response and Family Service Child Protection Social Workers. Service providers participated in face to face interviews where they were asked to share their experiences regarding the strengths and challenges of working with child protection social workers. The service providers told stories of positive working relationships and stories of child protection workers supporting clients in a positive manner. The service providers also expressed a need for increased communication, relationship building, supports and services, as well as a desired change in the child protection system in British Columbia. Finally, the service providers noted program-specific strengths and weaknesses. --Leaf iii.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-03-30T17:12:15.444Z

Title: Northern social work: How are northern social workers creative?
Contributors: Jillien M. Humphrey (author), Si Transken (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: My research focus is twofold. First, I summarize concepts and discussions regarding creativity and its relevance to social work. Second, I explore how these creative concepts are lived out in the practice of six female social workers in northern British Columbia. The findings of the study show that social workers in the north engage in creative social work practice and that a scarcity of resources can create creative opportunities for social work as well as inhibit creativity. The findings also show that northern social workers engage in very creative, metaphoric, transdiscipline, and innovative social work practices. In addition the participants had aha moments of being aware of their own creative practice and the ripple effect that can occur with individual acts of social work. Lastly the findings show that self-disclosure is an important part of social work when working with Aboriginal populations.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-03-30T17:04:59.181Z

Title: Two realities of women in northern social work: Privilege and oppression.
Contributors: Mary-Ann Johnson (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This qualitative study describes the experiences of five White female social workers who work with First Nations people in northern British Columbia. The concepts of culture, gender, and geography were explored by examining the participants' roles as social workers, thoughts about being a woman in northern British Columbia, and experiences working cross-culturally with First Nations people. The research was informed by the critical theory of structural social work and analysis of the interviews was done using thematic analysis. The main implications for social work practice and education include embracing strategies for effective relationship building with First Nations people, and acting as a means or prompt for social workers, educators, and students to reflect on how being oppressed and privileged impacts them both personally and professionally. --P. ii.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-03-30T17:08:37.129Z

Title: A feminist approach to deconstructing the media's image of female social workers.
Contributors: Kristine Henning (author), Si Transken (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-03-30T17:02:37.001Z

Title: Cognitive dissonance in social work - the experiences of social workers who facilitate transracial adoption plans for aboriginal children
Contributors: Susan Burke (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This research study explores the idea of cognitive dissonance in social work, where cognitive dissonance is defined as a state of tension that occurs when a person holds two cognitions (ideas, attitudes, beliefs, behaviours) that are psychologically inconsistent with one another (Tavris & Aronson, 2007). Twenty-one social workers who have worked on teams that facilitate transracial adoption plans for Aboriginal children were interviewed regarding their experiences. Three key questions were explored: 1. Do social workers who facilitate transracial adoption plans for Aboriginal children experience cognitive dissonance and, if so, in what ways? 2. How does that cognitive dissonance impact social workers? 3. In what ways do social workers reconcile a sense of dissonance? The findings from this study suggest that social workers do experience cognitive dissonance, that they are impacted in primarily adverse ways, and that they cognitively reconcile the dissonance to decrease their discomfort/tension. These findings are used to provide suggestions on ways that social workers can reduce dissonance as well as ideas for future research and recommendations for practice. --Leaf i.
Discipline: Health Sciences
Date added: 2017-03-29T17:29:31.716Z

Title: Supervision and northern Social Work practice
Contributors: Savita Jaswal (author), Dawn Hemingway (thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia College of Arts, Social, and Health Sciences (Degree granting institution), Glen Schmidt (committee member), Shannon Wagner (committee member)
Abstract: This research explores how practising social service providers view and understand the role of supervision within their organizations, and what their experiences have been in regard to supervision within the social service field while working in Prince George or a neighbouring northern community in British Columbia. Participants were interviewed using a semi-structured approach, revealing the unique perspectives of social service providers within a northern context. Thematic analysis identified three major themes associated with the experiences social service providers have had with supervision: support, availability, and accountability. The recommendations provided by participants, along with the findings of this study, have the potential to influence change in the social service field, as they highlight the importance of and need for supervision.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2019-04-03T00:03:22.857Z

Title: Those who stay: a phenomenological exploration of staying as experienced by social workers in northern communities
Contributors: Dorothy L. Peterson (author), Barbara Herringer (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This thesis examines the reasons why it is difficult to recruit and retain social workers for Northern British Columbia communities. Interviews with social workers who have stayed 5 or or more years are examined in order to determine why these people have stayed for longer periods of time. In general, professional, personal, community and integrated life factors are studied.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-04-11T21:14:58.039Z

Title: Seven white practitioners: how do they understand and work with Aboriginal trauma?
Contributors: Janice C. Forde (author), Si Transken (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This thesis lays out the historical and social sources of trauma in the lives of Aboriginal people and juxtaposes them against dominant culture's understanding of trauma and treatment as primarily pertaining to the individual. Concepts like historical trauma are presented and explored, leading to a critique of the DSM (The Diagnostic Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) as unhelpful, and possibly harmful, in its focus on individual pathology. It is argued that without reference to systemic and structural sources of genocidal oppression, standard trauma treatment may prove more damaging than helpful. Interviews were conducted with seven non-Aboriginal women counselors to determine if and how their approaches to trauma treatment reflected an appreciation of colonialism as a source of historical and current trauma. Interview transcripts were subjected to thematic analysis, revealing a pronounced understanding of the traumatic impacts of social injustice on Aboriginal people and the limitations of western counseling approaches. --Leaf ii.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-03-29T17:27:47.459Z

Title: Me, you, God, and the clock: my experience in spiritual social work and counselling
Contributors: Christopher M. Vogelsang (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This report describes the activities of one student completing the final practicum course towards a Master's of Social Work from the University of Northern British Columbia. The report takes an experiential hermeneutics approach to examine the student's process of change from a content-focus to a process-focus in his interactions with clients. The theoretical bases of social work and counselling in outreach care, spiritual care, and counselling practice are discussed. The similarities and differences the author found between these modes are discussed. --Leaf i.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-03-29T17:24:40.528Z

Title: Resiliency: learning from Indigenous women in social work
Contributors: Sonya Rowland (author), Joanna Pierce (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: This exploratory study was undertaken to gain a greater understanding of the experiences of resiliency among Indigenous women practicing social work in child welfare. Aspects of Linda Tuhiwai Smith's (1999) and Margaret Kovach's (2009) Indigenous research approaches were used to guide this research, and the method of analysis used was thematic analysis. The experiences shared by the Indigenous women who participated in this study revealed that personal attributes and work environment can hinder or promote resiliency. These women found that having a strong sense of identity and being grounded in culture and spirituality, along with striving to create work-life balance and practicing self-care were important to maintaining a healthy well-being. Other factors identified as promoting resiliency included: flexibility in the workplace, and being able to practice social work in a way that is reflective of Indigenous worldviews. Having access to resources and supports, such as clinical supervision, and creating space where genuine relationships can be built with colleagues and clients were also identified as significant. Recommendations to better support social workers were derived from the interviews, and further directions for research were also discussed. --Leaf ii.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-03-29T17:28:07.816Z

Title: Becoming authentic allies with First Nations people
Contributors: Charles Alexander Fraser (author), Si Transken (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-04-10T22:10:39.106Z

Title: Journeys of disorientation & dislocation: Women/invisible dis/ability in and out of social work. A transdisciplinary exploration.
Contributors: Jorge Mai Kelly (author), Si Transken (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Research question: Please describe your experience of invisible illness/ dis/ ability and what this has meant to you both professionally and personally. This is a qualitative, exploratory study in which six women (including myself) who work/have worked within the social work profession, responded to the research question employing an online-email method. I developed a variety of self-monitoring questions to assist the process. These questions were designed to be used as conversational prompts only if necessary, and to make up for absence of face-to-face contact. The participants were found using a snowball sample. This research is an exploration of female social workers' experiences with invisible illness/dis/abilty. Specifically, the study explores the intersections and subjectivity of a variety of women's oppressions, including socialization, media/body image, sexual identity, and aging in relation to the effects of gender violence and women's health, sense of well being, and social worker retention in rural, isolated, and northern communities. Gender violence will be understood to include a continuum of violence extending from economic coercion to outright physical abuse. I explored the possibilities (and potential linkages) that there may or may not be a relationship between women's previous experiences of marginalization and oppression, including trauma, abuse, neglect, poverty, and abandonment, which might increase the likelihood of further such experiences within a social work setting, and that gender violence is contrary to social worker retention, specifically in rural, isolated, and northern communities ...This may include that women position or allow themselves to be positioned in social work environments paradoxically to re-encounter such situations that would not likely be experienced in other non-caring, or traditionally male professions. Our choices are shaped by our structural contexts and vice versa. Our choices are also influenced by subconscious and subtle dynamics. More specifically, in
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-03-30T17:07:05.592Z

Title: Professional burnout: a conceptual model
Contributors: Lynda Monk-Cross (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: Professional burnout is a circumstance that can result from accumulated occupational stress among those who do caregiving work. The effects of burnout tend to be physiological, behavioral, psychological, spiritual and clinical in nature thus impacting individuals and human service systems. The term burnout was first coined by Dr. Herbert Freudenberger in the early 1970's and since that time burnout has been discussed extensively. The goal of this project was to develop my understanding of professional burnout, using my own experience as a social worker as the foundation for my inquiry. This project presents a conceptual model of burnout, resulting from the integration of the available literature on this topic, with my own professional experience. This model conceptualized the individual factors, including organizational and client variables, that can contribute to the risk for burnout among social workers, or other helping professionals. This project highlighted the interplay between individual and systemic variables pertinent to burnout and it suggested that there are both risk factors and protective factors that can be explored when assessing burnout. The conceptual model and the assessment tool illustrated in this project, provides social workers with a framework for discussing, preventing, assessing, and/or treating professional burnout.--Page ii.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-04-11T21:16:51.044Z

Title: What helps you to stay? A phenomenological description of the personal attributes of Yukon regional social workers.
Contributors: Laverne Mackenzie (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: No abstract available.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-03-30T17:00:59.338Z

Title: Vicarious traumatization: The danger of the unknown for transition house workers.
Contributors: Sheri Bishop (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The current literature on vicarious traumatization identifies some of the negative effects experienced by professionals who do trauma work. The purpose of this mixed-methods exploratory study is to examine transition house support workers' knowledge of vicarious traumatization. Without understanding what is known about the topic and currently being done within agencies it is difficult to implement the changes needed to protect support workers on the front lines. Participants in this study consisted of support workers from seven transition houses located in Northwestern communities along Highway 16 from Prince Rupert, British Columbia to Prince George, BC. This research was carried out between February 2008 and July 2008 through three phases of data collection: questionnaires, face-to-face interviews, and one focus group. Descriptive statistics are calculated and content analysis applied to the qualitative data. Research findings indicate the following main themes: vulnerability, impacts, knowledge base, agency response, and strategies for change. Recommendations for policy and practice are also identified. Based on the findings, transition house workers are vulnerable to vicarious traumatization and while their knowledge is limited, what they do know can serve as a baseline to guide the development of effective training programs. --P.ii.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-03-30T17:07:32.811Z

Title: Examining the challenges faced by social work supervisors in Northwestern British Columbia.
Contributors: Irlanda Gonzalez-Price (author), Glen Schmidt (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: The purpose of this qualitative and exploratory study was to describe the experiences of social workers working in supervisory capacities throughout Northwest British Columbia, with a focus on the challenges they experience working in rural and remote communities. Five participants were involved in this study four female and one male. Individual interviews were used to collect data. The interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, then reviewed and coded based on emerging themes, using thematic analysis. This study identified four major, over-arching themes and a cluster of sub themes. The major themes were: recruitment and retention challenges, a northern context, budget implications, and areas for further consideration. An extensive literature review supported this research, however, this study revealed an interesting finding that has not been identified in the literature reviews, succession planning in social work. --Leaf II.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-04-11T21:12:38.127Z

Title: Social workers: does class matter
Contributors: Lana Lee Coldwell (author), Barbara Isaac (Thesis advisor), University of Northern British Columbia (Degree granting institution)
Abstract: In the social work literature, class issues have been described within the context of persons who are currently poor and or poor working class. However, this literature is silent on class issues relating to the experience of poverty. This was particularly evident with regard to women who grew up in poor, working class homes and chose social work as a profession, which was my research interest. This descriptive phenomenological study using a feminist epistemology explores the lived experience of five social workers who grew up in poor, working class homes. Descriptive information was generated through face to face audio taped interviews. All of the women held either a Masters or Bachelor of Social Work degree and worked and lived in northern British Columbia. From the analysis of the descriptive data, six significant themes were identified: women social workers from poor, working class backgrounds learned how to fit into the middle class by being very good observers of behaviour; they felt a sense of alienation from family and friends because of their current class position; conversely, they still did not feel that they belonged to the middle class; they did not quite believe that they deserved what they have accomplished; they felt that they have had to work extra hard to achieve their current status; and they recognized at least one person as a significant role model who influenced their lives. This study did not generalize to all social workers who grew up in poor, working class backgrounds. However, it did give voice to the experiences of the women in this study and may resonate for other women who have shared the experience of crossing class borders.
Discipline: Social Work
Date added: 2017-04-11T21:17:28.067Z

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