In seeking to help others, social workers understand that assessment is continually an important part of the process. By integrating principles from human behavior and the social environment, social workers are able to more effectively evaluate the individuals, groups, and communities that they work with. Social workers also possess different techniques for assessing diverse clients. With the best interest of clients in mind, social workers utilize interdisciplinary teams and/or inter-professional collaboration throughout the assessment process. Throughout the process, social workers practice self-awareness in regulating reactions and biases that might impact assessments in order to keep work ethical and excellent.
Practice Behaviors
- Collect and organize data, and apply critical thinking to interpret information from clients and constituencies.
- Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the analysis of assessment data from clients and constituencies.
- Develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objectives based on the critical assessment of strengths, needs, and challenges within clients and constituencies.
- Select appropriate intervention strategies based on the assessment, research knowledge, and values and preferences of clients and constituencies.
Evidences
Class: Assessment was frequently discussed and practiced in SOCW 312 Social Work Practice with Individuals. While taking this class, I got to practice and record myself completing assessments on peers. I then created process recording where I transcribed the interview and reflected on areas I could improve. The process recordings demonstrate my ability complete BioPsychoSocial Assessments, utilize Eco Maps, and recognize how to improve my assessment skills. The following practice behaviors were demonstrated: 1 & 3
Field: At Starr Regional Medical Center Senior Care, every patient that is admitted undergoes a few different assessments from different professionals in the interdisciplinary team. The social workers complete a CQI Depression and Assessment and a Psychosocial Assessment for every patient. As a student intern, I have gotten to be highly involved in this process. I have learned to collect information by looking at completed assessments, calling family members, and interviewing the patients. I have also had the opportunity to see how information from the assessments is applied to interventions and services for the patients. Knowledge of theoretical frameworks is important in shaping this process. I wrote a summary of what I learned from reflecting on and applying a theoretical framework to assessment. The following practice behaviors were demonstrated: 1, 2, 3, & 4