Week 8

As social workers, we are called upon to lead change at various levels. Creating a change plan for an organization, community, or any problem involves understanding the interconnectedness of various elements within a system, in other words, how changes in one part can affect the whole. For this assignment you will choose a specific systems theory and use its primary concepts to create a plan with a goal and SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) objectives. Examples of SMART objectives are: Specific: Reduce the time spent on administrative tasks by 20%. Measurable: Track time spent on administrative tasks for a baseline and after implementing changes. Achievable: Implement a new project management tool to streamline administrative tasks. Relevant: Reducing administrative tasks will free up more time for core work, improving productivity. Time-bound: Achieve this reduction within the next quarter. Because systems theories focus on the interconnections between systems, they frame change well and can help to ensure your change plan is effective and sustainable. Instructions Create a plan for change using the Change Plan Template [DOCX] ( ). Define an area of social work practice that needs improvement. Choose one of the systems theories and define concepts that can be used to address this area of practice. Determine how those concepts can be operationalized and used to create positive change in social work practice. Create 35 SMART objectives that will determine if the plan for change is successful. Additional Requirements To achieve a successful assignment outcome, you are also expected to meet the following requirements. References: You must support your statements with at least 57 scholarly sources (which may include your text and required readings). The Social Work Doctoral Program Library Guide Links to an external site. ( )can help you get started on this research. APA Style: Use current APA style in-text and in the reference list at the end of the paper. Use Academic Writer Links to an external site. ( )for guidance in citing sources in proper APA style. See the Writing Center Links to an external site. ( )for more APA resources specific to your degree level. Competencies Measured By successfully completing this assignment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the following course competencies and rubric criteria: Competency 2: Appraise theories, perspectives, and models for relevance and evaluate the strengths and barriers related to their application to practice. Discuss the overall goal. Develop three SMART objectives to accomplish the goal. Competency 3: Critically self-reflect and identify with a specific theoretical orientation related to practice, as well as recognize and respect others choice of theoretical orientation. Define the problem using scholarly support. Competency 4: Evaluate leadership theories and models and justify their application to social work practice. Provide a summary overview of the chosen systems theory, using scholarly support. Describe, using scholarly support, 35 concepts from the chosen systems theory. Competency 5: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with the e xpectations for members of the social work profession. Convey purpose in an appropriate tone and style, incorporating supporting evidence and adhering to organizational, professional, and scholarly writing standards.