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Graduation Date

Fall 12-12-2025

Document Type

Portfolio

Degree

Master of Social Work (MSW)

Degree Name

Social Work

School or Department

Social Work

Abstract

This portfolio is the culminating project for the Master of Social Work program at the University of Montana and demonstrates advanced integrated practice through coursework, practicum, and professional experience. It is organized into an introduction, theoretical orientation, and focused sections on trauma‑informed care and rural and Indigenous contexts of practice, followed by a mapping of portfolio artifacts to core elements and competencies, a conclusion, references, and appendices of key graduate assignments. Drawing on artifacts such as positionality work, case studies, diagnostic assessment, group design, program evaluation, policy analysis, and leadership projects, the portfolio illustrates growth in ethical and professional behavior, critical self‑reflection, and an ability to understand people in context using historical, cultural, and political perspectives. It highlights competencies in advancing human rights and social, racial, economic, and environmental justice; engaging in anti‑racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion; integrating direct practice and community work across multiple levels of intervention; and evaluating practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The portfolio also demonstrates the integration of research, policy analysis, and advocacy with practice, as well as leadership aimed at collaborative, interdisciplinary relationships and active community participation in addressing local and broader regional issues. Taken together, these elements document the development of a reflective, justice‑oriented social worker prepared to contribute to trauma‑informed, culturally grounded practice and to ongoing efforts to strengthen programs and policies in rural and Indigenous communities.

Keywords

MSW portfolio, Master of Social Work, University of Montana, advanced integrated practice, trauma‑informed care, rural social work, Indigenous contexts of practice, ethical and professional behavior, critical self‑reflection, person‑in‑environment, historical cultural and political perspectives, oppression and social justice, human rights, social racial economic and environmental justice, anti‑racism, diversity equity and inclusion (ADEI), direct practice, community practice, multi‑level intervention, engagement assessment intervention evaluation, research‑informed practice, practice‑informed research, policy practice, social policy analysis, leadership in social work, collaborative and interdisciplinary practice, community participation, professional development, knowledge skills values, cognitive and affective processes, behavioral health, homelessness and housing, mental health diagnostic assessment, group work, program evaluation, social policy, organizational leadership

Subject Categories

Civic and Community Engagement | Cognitive Science | Community-Based Research | Counseling | Counselor Education | Disability Studies | Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence | Inequality and Stratification | Leadership Studies | Nonprofit Studies | Organization Development | Other Social and Behavioral Sciences | Quantitative, Qualitative, Comparative, and Historical Methodologies | Race and Ethnicity | Social Work

Becoming a Social Worker: A Journey Through Community, Justice, and Recovery

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