As you further develop your career in clinical social work, you may not be aware of all the types of leadership roles and opportunities available in human services organizations. Executive leadership positions are not the only leadership positions available. For example, you may fulfill a supervisory role as a social work supervisor and or as a clinical program director. As you conclude this course, you analyze how your career goals relate to leadership and management and reflect on your experience in the course. 

Discussion 1: Future Career Goals

What are your short- and long-term professional goals? Do they include moving into a leadership and management position? Transitioning from clinical to administrative roles is not uncommon in social work practice. It is useful, however, to think about relevant skills, knowledge, and professional experiences that will prepare you for the transition. In addition, you should consider the personal benefits and challenges of assuming a leadership role.

Post your thoughts about your future career goals, your interest in moving into leadership or management positions, and the benefits and challenges of a social work administrators role.

Support your post with specific references to the resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references.

Discussion 2: Perspectives on Leadership

What is a leader? This may seem like a simple question, but an individuals response to the question may depend on the individual and his or her situation. Leadership contains elements of personality, personal characteristics, skills, and knowledge. Leadership can be demonstrated within human services organizations as well as in the organizations interactions with stakeholders in the community.

As you consider all you have explored about leadership in this course, what new perspectives have you gained regarding this topic? Consider how you might apply your discoveries to your career planning and development.

Post an analysis of how your personal definition of leadership has changed or expanded since you began this course. Explain at least one significant idea or experience from this course that may be of value in preparing you for a future supervisory or administrative role.

Support your post with specific references to the resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references.