Daily BSW Placement Log
This student attended our Social Work Practicum Semester (BSW major) and kept daily logs at her placement site. Here’s a typical entry for her day working with ex-offenders:
“I arrived at work shortly after 8:30 this morning. After talking briefly with Mr. S, I began to meet with a group of new clients enrolling in the program. Mr. S met with a man who was cranky like the new clients yesterday – and after talking with Ms. J, decided to leave because the program wasn’t for him. I met separately with Mr. T – a new client – and with Mr. C.
With Mr. C, we discussed the Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund again, because he will be submitting it to a potential building on 81st and South Shore. I also spoke with Mr. B about legalities of expungement – I currently have his paperwork which I hope to review with Mr. Averette to see if any legal charges of discrimination are relevant. I gave Mr. B information about a meeting next weekend at the Bessie Coleman library for free legal advice.
Before class, I received a call from a woman I had met last weekend at the Green Festival, with Prarie Onion co-housing who had some information for some couples who are interested in living in an intentional community on the southside of Chicago. She would not give me the contact information, but is (supposedly) going to pass along my personal information to give to the couple.
During class, we did formal introductions of clients in order to work on their speaking skills. Then Ms. J came to speak to the class – and directed them in an activity that required them to paint a sign for their own business. I worked with clients one-on-one during this period to help them apply via email for janitorial jobs that would provide some extra income on the side, mainly part-time positions or 1x/weekly jobs.
After class, I met again with Mr. C, as well as completed another intake. I looked for more job opportunities in the area of interest of the clients – jobs that might not be full time but would allow them to make some cash. This weekend I am planning on compiling a comprehensive list of subsidized housing on the South Side in order to make some calls next week to find out which buildings have openings and rent-levels.
Right now my list is 258 buildings long – yikes.
I left the office at 5:30pm.”