learning

Competency 4: Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice

Goal 1 – Integrate Research into Practice

· SMART Goal: By week 6 of my practicum, I will identify one evidence-based intervention relevant to my client population and present a brief summary (1–2 pages) to my field instructor explaining how it could be integrated into agency practice.

Goal 2 – Use Research to Improve Service Delivery

· SMART Goal: Over the course of the semester, I will gather and summarize research from at least three peer-reviewed articles on best practices for working with [insert population, e.g., adolescents with anxiety] and discuss the findings in one supervision session.

Goal 3 – Practice-Informed Research

· SMART Goal: By the end of the semester, I will track trends or challenges that emerge in at least five client cases and use the data to generate a question or area of inquiry that could inform future research or program development.

Goal 4 – Evaluate Intervention Outcomes

· SMART Goal: For three of my clients, I will implement a simple outcome tracking method (e.g., client self-rating scale or progress notes audit) and review results with my supervisor by week 10 to assess intervention effectiveness.

Goal 5 – Participate in Research Activities

· SMART Goal: If available at my practicum site, I will participate in at least one agency-led research or data collection initiative (e.g., client satisfaction survey, program evaluation) and reflect on the experience in my weekly journal.

Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice

Goal 1 – Policy Awareness

· SMART Goal: By the end of the semester, I will attend at least two staff meetings where agency policy or legislative changes are discussed and write a one-page reflection after each to better understand how policy impacts service delivery.

Goal 2 – Policy Research and Advocacy

· SMART Goal: Within the next 8 weeks, I will identify one local or state policy that impacts the population my agency serves, research its implications, and create a brief presentation or fact sheet to share with my supervisor.

Goal 3 – Policy Engagement

· SMART Goal: Before the end of the placement, I will participate in one advocacy activity, such as contacting a legislator or attending a policy forum, and discuss the experience with my field instructor.

Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Goal 1 – Individual Engagement

· SMART Goal: Over the next 6 weeks, I will engage in at least five initial client sessions (individuals) under supervision, using active listening and empathy to build rapport, and will receive feedback from my supervisor after each session.

Goal 2 – Family Engagement

· SMART Goal: By mid-semester, I will co-facilitate at least two family meetings and apply culturally responsive engagement strategies, as observed and discussed in supervision.

Goal 3 – Group Facilitation

· SMART Goal: During my placement, I will assist in the planning and facilitation of at least three support or psychoeducation group sessions, documenting my role and learning in reflective journal entries.

Goal 4 – Community Engagement

· SMART Goal: By the end of the semester, I will attend at least one community outreach event and engage with a minimum of three community stakeholders to learn about their roles and services, then share a summary with my supervisor.