9. Evaluation

Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Social Workers understand that evaluation is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Social workers recognize the importance of evaluating processes and outcomes to advance practice, policy, and service delivery effectiveness. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge in evaluating outcomes. Social workers understand qualitative and quantitative methods for evaluating outcomes and practice effectiveness. Social workers:

9.1 select and use appropriate methods for evaluation of outcomes;

9.2 apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the evaluation of outcomes;

9.3 critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate intervention and program processes and outcomes; and

9.4 apply evaluation findings to improve practice effectiveness at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.

Reflection:

The meaning of this competence is to improve the effectiveness of services to clients. Within an agency setting, it is important to look for any possible issues that can prevent workers from offering the best services to clients. Furthermore, after identifying issues and areas needed improving, evaluation is an effective tool to get client and worker perspectives on “what works” within the agency and what “doesn’t work”. 

Competency 9: Evidence of Practice

While attending Southern Adventist University and studying my BSW, I engaged in a variety of activities that helped me to develop and master this competency.

School work:

This evidence can be seen through an Organizations: Evaluation and Intervention Paper I and two other classmates wrote. Within this paper, we proposed a suggested intervention to improve practice with clients at Mending Arrow Ranch, and an evaluation process to determine intervention success. This project taught me how to critically analyze an Organization’s effectiveness, and how to measure client progress and outcomes. 

Field:

During my 400 hour internship at Mending Arrow Ranch I created three program evaluation form questionnaires (Emoji-Scale, Child, and Guardian) to measure the effectiveness of practice at the Ranch. Upon receiving these forms back from clients and guardians, I created a database of responses. As a follow up, at the end of this semester, I will be sending out another program evaluation form which will ask for more in-depth commentary from guardians and clients. 

Program Evaluation Data (Spring 2021) – Emoji-Scale Data

Program Evaluation Data (Spring 2021) – Child Form Data

Program Evaluation Data (Spring 2021) – Gaurdian Form Data

Outside Evidence:

My evidence for outside course work can be seen through the Social Work Club Secretary (Manual) I created for future club secretary’s. This Manual was developed from my previous experience, to continue and improve effective practice within this social work club officer position.