Evaluate individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
As a competent social worker, I understand that evaluation is an ongoing component of social work practice while working with clients. I am committed to using the importance of the evaluating process and outcomes to advance social work practice, policy, and services delivered to clients. I will use my understanding of human theories and the social environment to evaluate and apply this knowledge in the evaluation process. I will apply my understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods for evaluating outcomes and practice effectiveness.
Evidence of Practice
While attending Southern Adventist University and studying for my MSW, I engaged in various activities that helped me develop and master this competency.
9.1 – Select evidence-based evaluation strategies according to their efficacy with specific client systems
Course Evidence: During my Advanced Administrative class, my assigned group created a new organization proposal plan. The organization that my group created was called Unity Healing and was a substance abuse treatment center for families to receive care and recovery. One of the sections I worked on involved creating a staff evaluation. I created the evaluation by reviewing literature. You can view a copy of the survey here.
Field Evidence: When I start working with a client for parenting class in their home, I provide them with NSCS (Nurturing Skills Competency Scale) and AAPI (Adult Adolescent Parenting Profile) Form A. The assessment develops a parenting profile with the core competencies of the parenting course. The parenting profile allows me to understand the client’s beliefs and understanding regarding parenting. The results help me know which competency I need to provide additional materials to help the client gain from the material presented. At the end of the course, the client fills out another NSCS and AAPI Form B, compiled on the same parenting profile to show where the client increased or decreased in their understanding of parenting. While working with Compassion House, most of my clients increased in all the competencies; the only competency I saw where a client decreased was the section “About my childhood.” There are multiple reasons that it could reduce; one of the reasons is the awareness and material the client gained during the course. The NSCS can be viewed here and the AAPI Form A can be viewed here.
9.2 – Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of practice outcomes across systems
Course Evidence: During Advanced Clinical Practice, I had a mock CBT session with a pseudo-client, and the focus of the session was on depression. After the mock session, I wrote a synopsis of how I presented CBT skills, evaluated the client’s understanding, and analyzed my strengths and weaknesses. Reflection is necessary to improve my skills and increase my ability to provide CBT. You can view the video here and my self-reflection here.
Field Evidence: While providing in-home services to clients, Compassion House requests a Client Survey to be completed by each client. The surveys are provided to all of Compassion House’s clients. The surveys evaluate the programs and resources the clients receive. Additionally, the survey asks questions about any resources or services the client needed that Compassion House did not provide. These surveys help Compassion House, Past/Current/Future clients by providing feedback for potential changes. Also, allowing Compassion House to gather information for potential needs that are not currently met through the organization. You can view a downloaded copy of the survey here.
Social work knowledge used: I used the knowledge I gained about the different types of cultures and systems and how interventions may vary.
Social Work values present: The social work value of service, dignity, worth of the person, integrity, and competence was displayed through the competency behaviors.
Social work skills presented: I had to implement the skills of communication, active listening, and understanding.
Cognitive processes: I used the cognitive development level synthesis by developing and implementing evaluations.
Affective processes: For these tasks, I used the affective level of valuing and implementing the evaluation.
Theoretical foundation: Grounded Theory. This theory begins with a broad query and then analyzes data related to behaviors and system connections. Grounding theory is applied to analyzing the evaluations and surveys to provide areas for improvement or how the clients have improved in certain areas.
“Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.”
–Thomas A. Edison