Social workers recognize that evaluation is a valuable component of working with individuals, families, groups, constituencies, and communities. In order to increase the effectiveness of interventions, it is essential to measure impact and the change that results. The process of evaluating can have an impact on service delivery and policy. Social workers are able to apply their knowledge of human behavior and the social environment to data collected and decisions made from evaluations. When evaluating, social workers know how to utilize the qualitative and quantitative approach.
Practice Behaviors
- Select and use appropriate methods for evaluation of outcomes.
- Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the evaluation of outcomes.
- Critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate intervention and program processes and outcomes.
- Apply evaluation findings to improve practice effectiveness at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
Evidences
Class: I had the opportunity to co-facilitate a psycho-educational group for students in eighth grade with two of my classmates for SOCW 310 Social Work Practice with Groups. Not only did I have the opportunity to practice building rapport, navigate group dynamics, and implement interventions, but my group and I also effectively practiced evaluating by administering a survey when terminating the group. The data from the survey and what my group and I learned from this process is recorded in this Program Evaluation Presentation. I also practiced evaluation by completing a Self Evaluation and a Peer Evaluation regarding skills and methods used to facilitate the group. The following practice behaviors were demonstrated: 1, 3, & 4
Field: In a medical setting, evaluation is keenly implemented and collected from a variety of sources. While completing a 400-hour practicum at Starr Regional Medical Center Senior Care, I frequently observed and participated in the evaluation process and recorded a Summary of how evaluation are administered and applied in this setting. I also reflected on how knowledge of human behavior and the social environment impact evaluations in a brief Report. The following practice behaviors were demonstrated: 2 & 3