LP#3 Agency Systems and Policies

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 I have found this learning plan to be beneficial in helping me to understand the nuances and intricacies of my agency’s system. Studying this learning plan proposed some perspectives to consider which I had previously not given deeper thought to. Gaining a sense of what Pathways To a Better Life is all about has assisted me to “develop adaptive coping strategies” (Corliss & Corliss, 2006, p. 40). What I found very fascinating in this learning plan was applying external and internal analyses using Systems Theory. Applying Systems Theory was very useful to understand interrelationships within the agency and the influence of change on the “system”.

Because I am fond of science and how prominently it has been tied into many aspects of our course work, I sharply grasped and understood systems and their functioning as a whole. Much like many different parts of the human body and how they interact and work together to uphold a state of homeostasis. A sense of balance is crucial and vital.  Apart from that balance, if change is introduced, the system moves into a state of imbalance or disequilibrium.  Our textbook did a fine job of painting this illustrative concept. It helped me to contextually frame how an agency system is healthy and comfortable when operating as it was originally intended and meant to function. I know that Pathways has various parts that interact and cooperatively complement different functions and purposes. I also have experienced and observed firsthand, the strain on individual parts of the agency system when they are in a state of disequilibrium. For us, examples sometimes include an employee's prolonged absence. The introduction of a new procedure. Unclear job task expectations. A lack of operational congruence from one shift to the next. Lack of qualified personnel to meet growth needs. The illustrations could continue. The bottom line is that the agency as a whole becomes less effective and efficient. The task of our director and the management team then becomes how to return the system back to its original state of optimal operation.

Drawing out the organizational structure was very helpful for me to see how the parts react with each other and the underlying dynamics of our agency. This organizational map revealed relationships with the different departments, the associations within the departments and their interaction with each other. It helped me to recognize the overall picture of the agency and its functioning. It additionally assisted me in assessing how an internal change or an external change to the system could affect the interactions between the individual parts. Lastly, it illustratively showed me where there would be the least disruption if change was introduced and how or where change could be most advantageous.

From here, moving forward I believe that I will view my internship agency; Pathways, in a bigger broader context compared to isolating my perspective to only my Peer Support Specialist duties. Additionally, I will begin to view my expectant position of Substance Abuse Counselor as a part of the whole. Previously I had held perspectives of each of these positions in the agency and their related duties and job associated tasks as apart and distinct in nature, without being organizationally interactive and associated to other positions in serving the purpose of the “whole.” I’m appreciative to hold this new attitude and greater understanding. Finally, it has also been very helpful for me being an employee with Pathways before my internship started. I stepped into the internship program with a solid understanding of various parts of the business and some tail-end operational systems. I have had a solid point of reference while working within the organization and learning the interconnections with other parts, or personnel within the agency. It would have taken me much more time and effort to have a true feel of the agency if I was only at the agency 16 hours a week doing my internship.

 

References

Corliss, L. A., & Corliss, R. A. (2006). Human Service Agencies- An Orientation to Fieldwork (2nd ed.). Cengage Learning.

 

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