The Master of Social Work (MSW) is the second highest and most common degree attainable for the field of social work, with the Ph.D. being the highest. The Council on Social Work Education is the organization in the United States responsible for approving schools and courses where those who have an interest in social work can study and receive valid certification and degrees. To reach the master's level, students must graduate from an accredited graduate school with at least two years of education there, coupled with two years of actual field experience most likely through an internship. Surprisingly, undergraduate majors and minors are unnecessary in order to obtain your master's degree in this field. The "prerequisite" instead is a thorough background and knowledge in behavioral and social sciences, which can be acquired through internships, foundational courses, actual work experience, volunteer work, etc.

Those who enroll in MSW programs must, at some point, decide the specific area of social work they will focus on and the specific group they will cater to in their career, be it specific types of individuals, groups or agencies. According to the Department of Labor, the most common areas to work in are health care and the government. Jobs in these field are expected to grow quite a bit in the coming years, especially for social workers who specialize in working with senior citizens and in rural areas.

Admission into graduate school to obtain your master's degree in social work may also have some additional requirements, such as letters of reference, scores above 450 on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) General Test, at least a 2.5 GPA, completion of an essay, and of course your prior college education transcripts. Your desire to practice social work should be evident by your other experience, service and volunteer work.

If you desire to enter in this field at the master's level, that's means you are indeed serious about becoming a licensed social worker. You will likely have taken time to research the requirements of the job, but there are other qualities you should have that will make you successful in this career, including qualities such as patience, compassion, social awareness, good listening skills, problem solving abilities and the ability to work with difficult cases.

If you have the heart, the passion, and all that it takes to make your mark as a social worker, then by all means go after it. The world needs dedicated, selfless people like you to make a difference in this world, and there's nothing more rewarding than that.

Learn more about social work programs and scholarships for social workers.

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Visit http://socialworkprocesses.co.uk/ for social worker training

Mind Mapping is a really useful technique in the initial stages of planning any kind of project related to social care services.  Often there are a lot of different factors to take into consideration and its hard to know where to start.

For example, you've received funding for a new project so you need to look at how this fits with existing services and what new elements need to be put in place.  Or you're introducing a new policy or procedure, and you'd like to see how this might impact in different ways, what changes will be needed, what resistance might be encountered.

By using Mind Maps you can quickly identify seemingly random issues and create a visual structure which helps you move forward with the project.  You can see how pieces of information fit together or how unexpected links can be made.

Another benefit of Mind Maps is that they can be effective mnemonics. Remembering the shape and structure of a Mind Map can give you the visual cues you need to remember the information within it - much more effective than taking notes.  Doing a Mind Map can be a  group exercise too, leading to a shared way of working which values everyone's contribution and assumptions.

Here's how to draw a Mind Map of your project:
o Write the title of the project in the centre of the page, and draw a circle around it.
o Draw lines out to subheadings related to the project
o For each sub heading, think about further issues and draw lines out from the subheading lines
o Finally for individual facts or ideas, draw lines out from the relevant heading line and label them

These are some suggestions to help develop your Mind Map:
o Use single words or simple phrases for information
o Print words so they are easy to read
o Use colour to separate different ideas
o Use symbols and images - a picture is worth a thousand words
o Use cross-linkages to show where one issue relates to another

Useful reading:
Buzan, T. (2005), The Ultimate Book of Mind Maps, Imago, Thailand

Carolyn Barber, Bsc (Hons), CQSW, is the founder of Wayfinder Associates, a social care training and consultancy business specialising in research, team development and management skills. Carolyn has over 25 years experience in social care as practitioner, trainer, researcher and manager, working across public, voluntary and independent sectors. Carolyn is a GSCC registered social worker.
For more information about research, training and consultancy services, go to http://www.wayfinderassociates.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/2024323

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If you are into helping persons in need, then you need to look into the career of becoming a social worker. Social workers assist the needy, finding out what their needs are and the best way that they can be of assistance to them. They work along with hospitals, schools clinics and other government funded organizations so as to render their assistance the best way that they can. In the next few minutes I will show you what a social worker does and the salary that is in line with their job description.

Social Worker Job Description
In a school setting, the they will work with the kids to advise them of the best ways that they can better their school lives. They also work with the older people giving them counseling to ensure that they are ready and will cope with issues that they are dealing with, which could be medically related.
Things that will determine the average salary

Facility of Employment
If you expect to work in a non-profit organization then your expected average salary per annum should range between $28000 and $36000 but on the other hand if you are working in a government funded institution then that salary would be in the range of $31000 to $47000 per year. If you are working in governmental agencies then you can expect a salary of between $30000 and $48000 per year. If you expect to work in educational institutions, the expected salary would be between $30000 and $42000 per annum and for the self employed their salary would be a bit higher ranging from $24000 and $50000 per year.

Level of Expertise and Experience
So say that you have just graduated from school then the expected salary would be between $26000 and $33000 per year and that is something that is given due to the limited amount of experience that you will have. If you are someone who has 19 years of experience then the amount that you will be getting would be between $33000 and $48000 where the person with more than 19 years of experience would be expecting to get between $35000 to $51000 and that's per annum.

There are many things that one can expect when they have decided to take up a career in the field of social work. The responsibility that comes with the post is somewhat challenging but then you also need to look at the rewards that will also be gained.

Stanley runs Social Worker Salary [http://www.socialworkersalarydata.com], one of the only sites online currently devoted to social workers information. The site will teach you everything you need to know about becoming a social worker, including the best schools to attend, what to study and what is contained in a social worker job description [http://www.socialworkersalarydata.com/social-worker-job-description/].

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For those with immense patience, dedication and a talent for dealing with young persons who have problems there are many career options. Those who take up reformation of troubled teens should have a sincere interest in social service and have a deep belief that even the most hardened of troubled  youth can be reformed.

Social workers are in great demand in the troubled youth correction industry. They are required by social welfare departments, not for profit programs, church programs and many organizations that help troubled youth. Social workers require a Bachelors degree in social work. Some social workers believe that a psychology degree is better for a career in social work. There are many counseling jobs and jobs in reform programs for those who choose to become social workers. Child and family departments typically employ social workers. Some states require a Masters degree. In some states social workers need to be licensed, certified or registered.

Counsellors are professionals who are needed for reforming troubled adolescents. Different therapy methods for reforming youth require qualified counselors. Counselors require a Bachelors degree in psychology for a career in counseling troubled youth They will find work in schools, special schools, youth reformation programs, therapy programs, government programs and in many organizations that require monitoring troubled teens and mediating interaction of families and other teens in group settings. Counsellors who work in schools, serve as intermediaries between parents and teachers to improve the behavioral and academic performance of troubled teens.

Adolescent psychology is another career option for those who wish to work with troubled teens. The qualifications required are a degree in psychology and a specialized Masters degree in adolescent psychology. A license to practice psychology should be obtained from the State. Adolescent psychologists can achieve success as private practitioners, find jobs in schools, local government programs, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, special schools, social welfare departments and other departments that work to reform disturbed youth.

Teaching careers for youth with special needs are both rewarding and lucrative for those who are looking for a career working with troubled youth. Bachelors and Masters Degree programs are available for becoming teachers for children with special needs. Jobs are available with government programs, special schools and rehabilitation centers for adolescents with special needs. The job involves helping troubled adolescents to progress academically and behaviorally. Different methods and approaches are used by teachers to achieve this goal.

Christian youth pastors are in demand by Churches to reform their troubled youth and bring them back to a religious fold. Bible Institutes give special training to youth pastors to reform troubled youth based on the Bible. Some Youth Pastors obtain bachelor's degrees in Christian studies. Youth pastors help troubled adolescents to cope with their problems taking examples from the Bible. They help in the personal spiritual development of adolescents. Good communication skills are a basic requirement for a Youth Pastor.

Choosing one of the many careers that focus on helping troubled youth will prove to be a fulfilling and socially beneficial career option.

Additional Resources: www.ForTroubledTeens.com | Residential Boarding School

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During times of a major economic downturn many people decide to change their career. Usually a major career change will require that you go back to school. Going back to school can be a tough decision especially if you have already started your career. To help decide which career type you should follow we have created a list of careers that are best suited for each of the 16 Myers Briggs personality types.

ESTJ
Military, business administrators, managers, police/detective work, judges, financial officers, teachers, sales representatives, government workers, insurance agents, underwriters, nursing administrators, trade and technical teachers, mafia dons. Natural leaders, they work best when they are in charge and enforcing the rules.
ISTJ
Business executives, administrators and managers, accountants, police, detectives, judges, lawyers, medical doctors, dentists, computer programmers, systems analysts, computer specialists, auditors, electricians, math teachers, mechanical engineers, steelworkers, technicians, militia members. Similar to the ESTJ, they have a knack for detail and memorization, but work more behind the scenes instead of up front as a leader.
ESFJ
Home economics, nursing, teaching, administrators, child care, family practice physician, clergy, office managers, counselers, social workers, bookkeeping, accounting, secretaries, organization
leaders, dental assistants, homemakers, radiological technologists, receptionists, religious educators, speech pathologists.. They do best in jobs where they can apply their natural warmth at building relationships with other people.
ISFJ
Interior decorators, designers, nurses, administrators, managers, secretaries, child care/early childhood development, social work, counselors, paralegals, clergy, office managers, shopkeepers,
bookkeepers, homemakers, gardeners, clerical supervisors, curators, family practice physicians, health service workers, librarians, medical technologists, typists. Tradition-oriented and down-to-earth, they do best in jobs where they can help people achieve their goals, or where structure is needed.
ESTP
Sales representatives, marketers, police, detectives, paramedics, medical technicians, computer technicians, computer technical support, entrepreneurs, comedians, agents, race car drivers,
firefighters, military, loan sharks, con men, auditors, carpenters, craft workers, farmers, laborers, service workers, transportation operatives. They have a gift for reacting to and solving immediate problems, and persuading other people.
ISTP
Police, detectives, forensic pathologists, computer programmers, system analysts, computer specialists, engineers, carpenters, mechanics, pilots, drivers, athletes, entrepreneurs, firefighters,
paramedics, construction workers, dental hygienists, electrical engineers, farmers, military, probation officers, steelworkers, transportation operatives, hit men. With the ability to stay calm
under pressure, they excel in any job which requires immediate action.
ESFP
Actors, painters, comedians, adult entertainers, sales representatives, teachers, counselors, social workers, child care, fashion designers, interior decorators, consultants, photographers,
musicians, human resources managers, clerical supervisors, coaches, factory supervisors, food service workers, receptionists, recreation workers, religious educators, respiratory therapists.. Optimistic and fun-loving, their enthusiasm is great for motivating others.
ISFP
Artists, musicians, composers, designers, child care workers, social workers, counselers, teachers, veterinarians, forest rangers, naturalists, bookkeepers, carpenters, personal service workers,
clerical supervisors, secretaries, dental and medical staffers, waiters and waitresses, chefs, nurses, mechanics, physical therapists, x-ray technicians. They tend to do well in the arts, as well as helping others and working with people.
ENFJ
Teachers, consultants, psychiatrists, social workers, counselers, clergy, sales representative, human resources, managers, events coordinators, politicians, diplomats, writers, actors, designers,
homemakers, musicians, religious workers, writers. They have a gift of encouraging others actualize themselves, and provide excellent leadership.
INFJ
Counselers, clergy, missionaries, teachers, medical doctors, dentists, chiropractors, psychologists, psychiatrists, writers, musicians, artists, psychics, photographers, child care workers, education consultants, librarians, marketeers, scientists, social workers.. Blessed with an idealistic vision, they do best when they seek to make that vision a reality.
ENFP
Actors, journalists, writers, musicians, painters, consultants, psychologists, psychiatrists, entrepreneurs, teachers, counselors, politicians, diplomats, television reporters, marketers,
scientists, sales representatives, artists, clergy, public relations, social scientists, social workers.. Very creative and fun-loving, they excel at careers which allow them to express their ideas and spontaneity.
INFP
Writers, artists, counselors, social workers, English teachers, fine arts teachers, child care workers, clergy, missionaries, psychologists, psychiatrists, scientists, political activists, editors, education consultants, journalists, religious educators, social scientists.. Driven by a strong sense of personal values, they are also highly creative and can offer support from behind the scenes.
ENTJ
Business executives, CEOs, organization founders, business administrators, managers, entrepreneurs, judges, lawyers, computer consultants, university professors, politicians, credit investigators, labor relations worker, marketing department manager, mortgage banker, systems analysts, scientists. They are born to lead and can steer the organization towards their vision, using their excellent organizing and understanding of what needs to get done.
INTJ -
Scientists, engineers, professors, teachers, medical doctors, dentists, corporate strategists, organization founders, business administrators, managers, military, lawyers, judges, computer
programmers, system analysts, computer specialists, psychologists, photographers, research department managers, researchers, university instructors, chess players. They have a particular skill at grasping difficult, complex concepts and building strategies.
ENTP
Entrepreneurs, lawyers, psychologists, photographers, consultants, sales representatives, actors, engineers, scientists, inventors, marketers, computer programmers, comedians, computer analysts,
credit investigators, journalists, psychiatrists, public relations, designers, writers, artists, musicians, politicians. Very freedom-oriented, they need a career which allows them to act independent and express their creativity and insight.
INTP
Physicists, chemists, biologists, photographers, strategic planners, mathematicians, university professors, computer programmers, computer animators, technical writers, engineers, lawyers, forensic researchers, writers, artists, psychologists, social scientists, systems analysts, researchers, surveyors. Highly analytical, they can discover connections between two seemingly unrelated things, and work best when allowed to use their imagination and critical thinking.

Mark Myers
Myers Briggs tests can be found at PersonalValuation.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1920056

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What Does a Foster Care Worker Do? They usually have a genuine love for children. Finding temporary homes for children who have been neglected, abused or abandoned is only part of the job. As a highly specialized type of social worker, the FC worker's primary concern is providing children and the families that care for them with all the resources they need for success.

Online Degrees for Foster Workers
A bachelor's degree in social work is usually the basic requirement for an entry-level position in foster care, but for those interested in advancing to management positions and a greater degree of responsibility, a Master of Social Work (MSW) could prove beneficial. License requirements vary by state.

Foster Care Worker Training
The job of a foster care worker involves dealing with children of all ages as well as adults. Practical experience to help you prepare for this job might include:

• Volunteering with children's programs at a community center or church
• Working with a child's advocacy organization
• Volunteering or working a social work aide
• Other types of social work in a government or school setting

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates a positive job outlook for social work of all kinds over the next few years, including foster care workers.

What Does a Family Advocate Do? Family advocates work to help individuals and families recover from violence by offering care, a supportive living environment and basic needs. They may also help victims of family violence understand the criminal justice system and accompany them to court when warranted.

Online Degrees for Family Violence Advocates
Though some family violence advocates work as volunteers, this specialized branch of social service usually requires the minimum of a bachelor's degree in social work to qualify for a staff position. Management positions may require a Master of Social Work (MSW) and work experience in the field.

Family Violence Advocate Training
Many family advocates begin in volunteer roles while they complete educational requirements for the job. Earn early experience in any of the following fields for family violence advocate training:

• Domestic violence
• Family therapy
• Foster care work
• Counseling

If you have a passion for helping families in need, the job of a family violence advocate may be the right one for you. This field is predicted to grow faster than the average over the next few years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Learn More

http://www.Education-DegreesOnline.com

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There are many fields of social work and one of them is medical social work. This is something that deals with the psychosocial part of people's lives and focuses more on patients. These patients can be suffering from any disease or problem.

There are also many different areas that are covered in this field. Medical social workers can work with patients who are suffering with incurable and lifelong diseases such as AIDS and Alzheimer's and even cancer. These patients need support and help to make the remaining days of their lives easier and so workers help with that. They can provide medical advice, assistance and at home care if needed by the patients.

If a patient has been through a traumatic accident, or been diagnosed with a serious illness, many doctors and hospitals recommend medial social workers to help these patients these trying times. It can be very hard for people to take such bad news, and they can be in shock, so workers can help them with that. If needed, therapy can also be recommended.

Another important responsibility is to help people with substance abuse problems, and to provide help to their families. Medical social workers can help these people find medical help and cures for their addictions, and help their families cope with this situation. Sometimes, families even call such workers to help addicts, who are not aware that they have a problem.

Medical social workers also work with victims of abuse, whether it is family abuse, domestic violence or child abuse. Many times, doctors and teachers can suspect that someone is a victim of abuse even if the person does not talk about it, and they call specialists in the field to help investigate the situation. Patients are more likely to talk to an expert about such negative incidents, and often hide it from their families and friends.

Hospices also hire medical social workers to help the patients who are on their death bed. They help these patients wind up their affairs so that they are ready for any situation. They can help write wills, fulfill last wishes and even help the families of such patients if death does occur.
Medical social workers have a lot of responsibilities and can really make a difference for people in need, and the society as a whole. This is why many hospitals now have such people on call, and recommend patients to visit them.

If you're interested in learning How to Become a Social Worker [http://www.becomingasocialworker101.com] and would like to know about the different Types of Social Workers [http://www.becomingasocialworker101.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-social-workers/] we have more great tools and resources on our website.

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When it comes to social worker recruitment, particularly in an unstable economic climate, it is absolutely vital that you take on the right staff to make the most of your resources.
If you're thinking of recruiting social workers for your organisation, it's essential that you remain focused on the goals you're hoping to achieve and the kind of people you need to achieve them. As you go through the hiring process, you might find the world of social worker recruitment full of potential pitfalls; here are just a few of the things you may need to avoid.

1. Believing you can't
Just because the economy's struggling, doesn't mean you can't fill the social worker role required or that you have to settle for second best. It's not easy to find the best social worker jobs in the current economic climate, so by putting a position out there you're offering a lot of eager and qualified people a potential opportunity. As long as your budgets allow for recruitment, as long as you can find a cost-effective recruitment method and as long as you can allow for the time, you should be able to fill a social worker post with ease.

2. Looking in the wrong places
As with all hiring practices, social worker recruitment deserves time and consideration and you need to be on the lookout for right person. This can come in the form of knowledgeable guidance from a specialist recruitment agency or consultant. If it is true expertise and the most relevant working experience you're looking for, it will be worth speaking to a dedicated social worker recruitment expert who is dedicated to providing candidates that suit your specific needs.

3. Listening to the wrong advice
If the recruitment consultant you've been talking to is heavily suggesting a candidate or a certain recruitment path to an end goal you hadn't envisioned, remember that you don't have to listen. You may need a high level of input into your recruitment practices but if you know what you need and who you're looking for, don't be bossed around. If you're working with an organisation that isn't willing to respect what you want, don't just go along with their considered 'best option'. Only listen to those who are willing to listen to you.

4. Being unprepared for interviews
When you've shortlisted candidates and you're interviewing for the post, think about the questions that will inspire the answers you're looking for. Be aware that people may say what you want to hear for the right job, but there will be a lot of qualified people on the ground looking for a new role. Carefully whittle your interviewees down to find the right candidate. Be prepared to ask unexpected questions, think outside the box, and consider what really matters to you.

5. Trying to fill a post too quickly
When you've interviewed some viable social worker candidates and you're ready to recruit, don't rush ahead into hiring. If you need a second interview or a practical assessment to be sure that your candidate is the right one, don't feel that you're asking too much. Social worker jobs are thin on the ground and if you're offering a quality opportunity with options for future development and career progression, then it's fair to ask someone to wait a little longer and come back to talk to you more about what they can bring to the role.

Find the best candidate for your job vacancy with social work recruitment services provided by Outcomes UK - specialists in the placement of professionals within the social care sector in the UK. Visit http://www.outcomesuk.com/ for further information.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6511498

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You would have heard about entrepreneurship as a daring and self-driven self-employment mode, which is spearheaded for profit through innovation and perseverance. You would have also heard about social or volunteer work, where people try giving something back to the society by working for betterment of the marginalized communities. What then is social entrepreneurship? How can two seemingly, opposites be defined with one definition?

An Attempt To A Definition
Social entrepreneurship is not a totally new term, its been there for generations. Today we are having more people get involved in social entrepreneurship. A social entrepreneur is a person who applies the principles of entrepreneurship to a social problem. In this manner, he or she is able to resolve the social setback and at the same time generate wealth from the intervention. Is this possible? Yes it is. Here is an example that speaks for itself:

Nobel Laureate, Prof Mohammad Yunus - This man worked among the communities that lived below the poverty line in Bangladesh. While trying to empower them socially and economically, he observed that they are trapped into poverty because of lack of credit. When given access to micro credit, sometimes as little as USD 50, they can leverage it to catapult themselves out of the abject poverty conditions they lived in. Grameen Bank evolved on the principles of micro-credit financial institutions, designed to provide money to those who would otherwise not be eligible for formal credit. The Grameen Bank is an institution, which is making huge profits and also empowers the poor to break out from the shackles of economic helplessness.

We Need More Of This Tribe
The world is full of situations where communities are neglected, where social intervention is required, where efforts to improve conditions depends upon the funds the local non-profit organization raise. Social entrepreneurship are more culturally sensitive than ever before, and those who get into the business of social entrepreneurship, know to take account the values of the local community in which the intend to serve. Today, we need more social entrepreneurs; we need people who can work out solutions that generate funds for themselves, and not depend upon charity.

Social entrepreneurs are empathetic, and have they ability to collaborate well with others, motivating them to act and serve selflessly. Social entrepreneurship can very well be the solution of a better tomorrow, a world which can take care of itself and eliminate hunger, social inequality, economic challenges and other such community issues.

Today with the rise of social media it makes it easier for social entrepreneurs to use the technology available to them for better communication, connection and mobilization.

Placida regularly coaches, start-ups and entrepreneurs helping them work towards and achieve 7 figure income as well as supporting them in Business Growth, Social Media Management, Relationship Marketing, Joint Partnership,Wealth Creation, Spiritual issues, Overcoming Fear and more. Get updates to grow your business. [http://www.thebusinessonlinedirectory.biz]

If you need a boost, restore your vision, take action and create excellence in business then get on board and let's work together to get you to the next level. For upcoming live Placida Acheru seminar info, visit [http://www.thebusinessonlinedirectory.co.uk]

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A geriatric social worker is an exciting and challenging career working with senior citizens. Many social workers in the geriatric field have to deal with clients that are experiencing depression, memory issues, anxiety and schizophrenia. The clients can have many challenges due to health issues as well as death of loved ones as well as facing their own mortality.

Many social workers in the geriatric field have a bachelor degree as well as a two year degree from a masters program that gives them the msw degree. The training for this field will provide thorough knowledge of mental health and aging such as medical knowledge, patient care and communication skills. There are opportunities available for both the bsw and msw degrees. If you are working in an assisted living facility, you generally need the master's degree in social work. For private practice, be aware that many people are on fixed incomes and have medicare so it is important to apply to be a medicare provider and get the npi number.

Some settings to work with the elderly include community organizations, assisted living facilities, senior residential centers, hospitals, state psychiatric centers and family service agencies. Some home health agencies now hire social workers to go into homes because many senior citizens are able to live alone in their home but require counseling, discussion of their concrete needs and companionship. Elderly clients often don't want to burden their children with their concerns and a counselor can help the person recognize it's important to let their kids know of their needs or contact them.

Some other job options for those with msws in the geriatrics field include the organizing and planning of programs for senior citizens. People who work in this field must have a strong love for working with the elderly and be able to deal with the multiple issues, worries and moods of their clients. This position requires a mature and compassionate person to work in this field.

In addition, this service is very helpful to seniors that don't have a lot of help from family members. The main goal of a geriatric social worker is to help elderly clients to become comfortable with aging and live a productive lifestyle.

Learn More About Social Work Programs, Careers and Opportunities
Stop by Social Work Programs to read about the variety of fields to specialize in as well as learn about ways to get College Financial Aid

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