inSocialWork - The Podcast Series of the University at Buffalo School of Social Work

In this episode, Professor Marion Bogo discusses research she has conducted on innovative methods for educational outcomes assessment in social work. She describes a program of research that looks at conceptualizing and assessing social work students’ competence. She also reviews some of the challenges in assessing students in their field experience. Finally, Professor Bogo discusses the development and testing of two innovative assessment methods: 1) an online tool for use in field evaluation and 2) the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) adapted for social work student assessment.

In this episode, Dr. Kathryn Chernack discusses the common ethical issues and dilemmas encountered by social workers when using social media. Dr. Chernack describes the opportunities and challenges for social workers as the profession responds to the widespread use of social media in our private and professional lives, as well as the increasing presence on social media sites of the organizations for which we work.

The Living Proof Podcast Series is taking a break for the holidays. This short message introduces our new co-host Charles Syms, offers holiday wishes on behalf of our team, and provides a taste of what's in store for our listeners in the new year. The biggest change in 2013 will be our podcast's new name, coming soon!

In this episode, Dr. Luke Shaefer discusses the effects of the U.S.'s largest means-tested income support program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as the Food Stamp Program. Recent breakthroughs in research methods have allowed us to better measure these effects, and results suggest that SNAP improves food security among participant households as well as non-food material well-being.

In this episode, Dr. Allan Barsky focuses on ethical issues in end-of-life decision making. In order to assist clients and families with end-of-life choices, Dr. Barsky argues that social workers need to be aware of ethical issues that may arise in relation to self-determination, informed consent, mental capacity, and principles such as the sanctity of life, client autonomy, and judicious management of resources. He discusses a model for engaging clients, family members, and co-professionals in discussions and problem-solving processes when conflict about end-of-life decision making arises.

In this episode, Dr. Allan Barsky focuses on ethical issues in end-of-life decision making. In order to assist clients and families with end-of-life choices, Dr. Barsky argues that social workers need to be aware of ethical issues that may arise in relation to self-determination, informed consent, mental capacity, and principles such as the sanctity of life, client autonomy, and judicious management of resources. He discusses a model for engaging clients, family members, and co-professionals in discussions and problem-solving processes when conflict about end-of-life decision making arises.

In this episode, Dr. Yunju Nam describes her research in Asset-Based Policy, an alternative to our current income maintenance policies that attempt to respond to the needs of social welfare recipients. She describes how this new paradigm addresses the long term needs of persons living in or near poverty. In addition, Dr. Nam discusses the psychological benefit that asset ownership has on a person's hope, motivation, and quality of life.

In this episode, Drs. Hodge and Sun discuss their study examining the effects of spirituality and the positive aspects of caregiving among Latino family caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.

In this episode, Dr. Rachel Fusco describes her work with Universal Screening that involves an examination of the developmental and mental health needs of young children involved in the child welfare system. After sharing what she is learning from this research, she discusses the implications for child welfare-involved children and families in rural communities.

In this episode, Dr. Reginald York discusses the emerging controversy in clinical practice about how best to use evidence to inform psychotherapy. Dr. York describes two perspectives, evidence-based practice and practice-based evidence, noting their similarities and differences, and examines the evidence in support of each.

In this episode, Bruce Nisbet discusses Spectrum Human Services' involvement with Health Homes, a Medicaid health program providing integrated and coordinated services to people in the community who have serious and persistent mental illness or two or more physical health conditions. Mr. Nisbet discusses the inception of the program, services offered, the program's relevance, and implications for social work practice and education.

In this episode, Ms. Tecle discusses her current research on the experiences of immigrant youth participating in youth programs. She examines the complexities of identity formation among Horn of Africa immigrant youth and how those youth create place and space in a larger sociocultural structure that often labels difference as "misfitness."

Hot town, summer in the city ... The backs of our necks were getting dirty and gritty, so we're taking a short break, replenishing and getting ready to continue our series tan, ready, and rested on August 20. Join our hosts as they quickly check in to share a little more about summertime life in Buffalo, the "City of No Illusions." Trust us, you’d love to live here!

Summertime, and the livin' is easy ... Well, at least it's easy at the Living Proof Podcast Series this year. We're taking a short break, replenishing and getting ready to continue our series tan, ready, and rested in August. Join our hosts as they discuss summer in Buffalo, the "City of No Illusions." Trust us, you’d love to live here!

It's our 100th episode, and we have invited our Dean, Dr. Nancy Smyth, to reflect on our long, sometimes strange trip as we've found our way in producing years of compelling podcasts and sharing the work of our tremendous guests. Dr. Smyth discusses the early days of our series, our impact so far, and her thoughts about the future as Social Work and Social Work Education comes to grips with the risks and opportunities in the digital age.