Reference no: EM133586061

Homework: Professional Identity Statement

You have likely entered Walden with many different identities-for example, parent, sibling, graduate student. Throughout your master's program, you will make strides toward a professional practitioner identity, as well. Developing a professional identity requires three important steps: (A) gaining knowledge, skills, and values held by other practitioners in the chosen profession; (B) differentiating oneself from those who are not part of the chosen profession; and (C) identifying with the chosen profession. One way in which students can begin to develop a professional identity is through critical self-reflection (Trede, Macklin, & Bridges, 2012).

For this Homework, you write an initial draft of your professional identity statement as a leader in the human services profession. In doing so, you reflect on your values and beliefs, how you define yourself as a practitioner, and your special interests (e.g., specific issues and populations of interest to you, including those that speak to a social justice passion) in the context of leading change efforts in the human services profession. In Weeks 5 and 11, you will revisit your professional identity statement, integrating what you have learned in this course about the various roles of advanced human services professional practitioners.

To Prepare

1. Review the Learning Resources on professional identity. Consider why it is important to develop a professional identity and how to write a professional identity statement.

2. Visit the websites in this Learning Resources to identify special interests (e.g., specific issues and populations of interest to you, including those that speak to a social justice passion) to include in the initial draft of your professional identity statement.

Task

Submit a 1-page initial draft of an advanced human services practitioner professional identity statement. In your statement, be sure to address the following:

Question 1. Describe the values and beliefs that influence you as an advanced human services professional practitioner concerned with leading change efforts to benefit individuals and communities and create a more just society.

Question 2. Explain how you define yourself as a practitioner working in a leadership position.

Question 3. Describe your special interests (e.g., specific issues and populations of interest to you, including those that speak to a social justice passion).