“We have the opportunity to really shape how someone’s current situation is and how their future looks. And that’s a pretty amazing power.”
-Theresa Houck
COMPETENCY 9- Evaluation
Evaluate individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
Evaluating social work practice acknowledges the effectiveness of interventions and the progress of goals. Because of this evaluating individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities is an important task which enhances outcomes and the advancement of practice. To demonstrate evaluation, I will apply appropriate evidence-based evaluation methods to determine the effectiveness of interventions. I will use the findings to enhance practice in the social work profession.
PRACTICE BEHAVIORS:
9a: Select evidence-based evaluation strategies according to their efficacy with specific client systems.
Academic Evidence: In the courses Advanced Clinical Practice I and Advanced Clinical Practice II, I evaluated the strategies I used during the facilitation of individual cognitive-behavioral therapy and group therapy. In my CBT Self-Assessment Paper and Group Therapy Self- Assessment Paper I transcribed everything said in my final demonstration videos. In the transcription, I evaluated my skills and their efficacy with specific client systems. This also included how the client responded and ways to enhance my demonstration of skills to increase efficacy. Lastly, I evaluated cultural issues and the use of technology. These assignments helped me better understand the importance of evaluating my strengths and challenges as an advanced autonomous social worker.
Field Evidence: During my time at the City of Refuge, I demonstrated my ability to select evidence-based evaluation strategies to evaluate the effectiveness of the City Lights Youth Group. I completed this by creating a Wellness Pre and Post Test. This was effective as the youth participants initially completed a pretest, which allowed the post test to identify progress made over an 8 month period.
Other Evidence: For the month of March 2021, the City Lights youth group focused on emotional wellness. During the month, I educated the youth on feelings, emotions, self-care and mindfulness. To conclude the month, the youth had the opportunity to practice several coping skills. Once the practice was completed, each youth participant completed a Coping Skills Survey to evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness with specific client systems. This allowed the youth to process their practice and identify coping skills that best fit their individualized needs.
9b: Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of practice outcomes across systems.
Academic Evidence: In the course, Advanced Administrative Practice: Program Development my colleagues and I completed a Needs Assessment and Program Proposal for the Community Connect Project. The aim of the program was to gain an understanding of diversity awareness, racial trauma, and cultural competence in the Chattanooga Police Department which would ultimately reduce police brutality. The needs assessment and program proposal included a detailed plan on how to evaluate the success and sustainability of the program. It also detailed evaluation plans for the effectiveness of evidence- based interventions such as community policing, social workers in the department, and training. Lastly, evidence-based measures for evaluating specific goals for the population served were addressed. This assignment helped me better understand the importance of evaluating practice outcomes to ensure programs are efficient.
Field Evidence: Concluding my time at the City of Refuge, I evaluated (cognitive level: evaluation) the efficiency and effectiveness of practice outcomes across systems. I did this by developing (cognitive level: application) a Volunteer Satisfaction Survey for the City Lights Volunteer program. Utilizing this survey allowed the City of Refuge staff to track practice outcomes of the volunteer program and presents the staff with organized information to identify the needs of the program, enhance the program, or keep the program as is. The results from the survey suggested that the volunteers were satisfied and were able to share positive experiences.