Professional ‘In-Training Portfolio Assignment Description:

Description
The purpose of the AMHW 310 Professional ‘In-Training Portfolio’ assignment is to provide a comprehensive and organized collection of evidence that showcases the knowledge, skills, and practice experiences gained throughout your AMHW 310 and field placement course. This portfolio serves as a valuable tool to demonstrate competency and readiness for your AMHW 410 Field Placement-2 course, as well as future career opportunities in the field of addiction and mental health.

The Professional ‘In-Training Portfolio’ assignment aims to provide a holistic view of the student’s professional development and growth in this field. It will include a variety of components such as reflections, case studies, case management notes, photos (with signed consent), and assessment tools, among others. Each piece of evidence is carefully selected to highlight the student’s ability to effectively apply theoretical knowledge, critical thinking skills, cultural humility, ethical decision-making, and empathy in real-life scenarios related to addiction and mental health issues.

By completing this portfolio assignment, addiction and mental health professionals in training are encouraged to reflect on their practice, identify areas for further development, and actively engage in continuous learning. Through the process of compiling and organizing their work, students can demonstrate their commitment to professional growth, self-awareness, and the ability to critically analyze their own strengths and areas of improvement.

The Professional ‘In-Training Portfolio’ assignment serves as a valuable tool not only for personal and professional development but also for potential employers to assess the expertise, skills, and dedication of the student in the field of addiction and mental health.

Compiling and Presenting Your Professional ‘In-Training Portfolio’
The tips, checklist, and instructions below provide guidelines for deciding what materials or practice activities to include in the portfolio and how to present the work. Overall, the portfolio documents and showcases one’s growth as a professional Addiction and Mental Health Worker (AMHW) in training.

How to Present Your Professional In-Training Portfolio
You may choose to present your Field Placement Portfolio in the following ways:

• Presentation style with headings: Microsoft PowerPoint or any presentation medium of your choosing

• Here are some options: Prezi, SHOW, PowerPoint, Canva

• If you wish to choose an alternative mode of presentation that is not mentioned above, students will need to discuss and get approval from their CFS. Please note that a verbal-only presentation is not permitted to present your portfolio.

AMHW 310 Professional ‘In-Training’ Portfolio – 20%

Tips and Checklist

• Start early: Begin building your professional portfolio from the very beginning of your field placement. Don’t wait until the end of the semester or field placement to begin your portfolio. This way, you can continuously add to it as you gain experience and knowledge throughout your field placement experiences.

• Include a variety of experiences: Your portfolio should showcase your diverse skill set and experiences in the field of AMHW. For example, include information about any activities, groups, assessments, case management notes, intakes, projects, etc., and any relevant certifications or training you have completed.

• Highlight your contributions: Be sure to highlight the specific contributions or accomplishments you made during your experiences. For example: Did you attend, co-facilitate, or participate in a group or workshop? Did you take part in an intake or assessment? Did you take part in a successful intervention technique? Did you complete a training module for students? Did you make any harm reduction kits? How did you engage with community members? Include evidence that demonstrates your knowledge and skills in action.

• Include examples of documentation: Include assessment forms, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries that you have completed. Ensure that all identifying information is removed or properly anonymized.

• Display a range of skills: Addiction and mental health work requires a wide range of skills, including communication, assessment, case management, crisis intervention, and advocacy, as well as strengths-based, harm reduction, and trauma-informed practice skills. Make sure your portfolio includes examples of how you have developed and utilized these skills throughout your field placement experiences.

• Keep it organized: Organize your portfolio clearly and logically, using sections or headings to separate different components. Make sure that your portfolio is easy to navigate and that all the necessary information is included.

• Seek feedback: Before submitting your final portfolio, seek feedback from your AFS, peers, or other workers in the agency. They can provide valuable insights and suggestions to enhance your portfolio and highlight your strengths.

Portfolio Instructions

• Include slide headings: The slide headings are the products (examples: training practice activities, events, case studies, case notes, etc.) that students have engaged in/produced over the course of their time in AMHW-310 Field Placement-1. A heading ensures that important points made in the portfolio are not lost on your audience/reader (your AFS and CFS).

• Highlight the agency and your role: Provide your CFS with an overview of the agency—what they do, whom they serve, and your role as an AMHW field placement student. This gives context to the subsequent sections of your portfolio.

• AMHW 310 Professional ‘In-Training’ Portfolio – 20%

• Be selective: Big does not always mean best. Think carefully and be intentional about what to include in the portfolio. Select examples that best exemplify knowledge, skills, and AMHW values, and how these connect with your learning contract and professional growth.

• Highlight growth points and semester successes: Include pieces of training or recognitions, or practice situations within your portfolio to showcase to your CFS how much you’ve fine-tuned your skills over the semester. Pick the ones that best show off your professional growth and strengths.

• Give specific examples of student’s work: Reflect on the goals of the AMHW program (or learning contract) and choose samples of work that communicate the quality of practice and your ability to critically reflect on your own practice as an AMHW in training. Demonstrate understanding of harm reduction principles, trauma-informed practices, and anti-oppressive practice. Include snapshots of your work at different times throughout the semester to highlight progressions in thinking and practice.

• Highlight contributions to collaborative work: Integrated practice depends on collaboration with community members, staff, and peers. Include a description of these collaborations, as well as your specific contribution.

• Respect confidentiality and anonymity: Ensure all client, colleague, or community information is anonymized. Include signed consent for photos if applicable, and note any changes made to protect anonymity.

• Address power, diversity, difference, and oppression: Demonstrate understanding of these themes personally and in your practice. Reflect critically on your own development in this area.

• Provide evidence of learning, including personal challenges: Include situations where things did not go well, challenges faced, and how they promoted personal and professional growth. Highlighting what didn’t go as well is as important as successes.

• Demonstrate integration of theory and practice: Illustrate how classroom knowledge informs your field practice. Highlight the linkages between theory (class) and practice (field placement).

• Demonstrate self-evaluation: Provide critical self-appraisal. You are not expected to be a “perfect AMHW,” but rather a compassionately curious practitioner who values self-reflective practice.

• Showcase during evaluation meetings: Students will present their portfolio during mid-term and final evaluation meetings with both their CFS and AFS.

Final Note
Remember: Your portfolio reflects your professional growth and development as an Addiction and Mental Health Worker. Keep it updated throughout your semester, and continuously seek opportunities to expand your experiences and skills. Good luck with your portfolio and field placement!