Evaluation
Evaluation is a skill that social workers can integrate throughout their practice in order to track the impact of services and identify areas of growth. While it is primarily used to evaluate the outcome of interventions, it can be used in multiple stages throughout a services implementation. Social workers understand the benefits of checking in with clients and communities to ensure that services are effectively reaching goals. Evaluation tools can be incorporated into practice with individuals, groups, organizations, and communities. Once information is gathered through evaluation, results can be analyzed to give insight into how to adapt programs and practices to better meet the needs of diverse groups. From an administrative perspective, evaluation is a great tool to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats to the organization.
I will continue to learn evidence based strategies to evaluate my practice as a social worker in the field. I plan to incorporate evaluation into my practice by utilizing tools such as surveys and interviews.
9.1 Select evidence-based evaluation strategies according to their efficacy with specific client systems
Course: Mental Health Practice (SOCW-664) assisted me in growing my knowledge of trauma interventions. I had the opportunity review research to evaluate Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) as a treatment option. Through this project, I was able to learn about an evaluation method called a body scan that clinicians can use to evaluate somatic symptoms of trauma. I was then able to put together a power point presentation with voice recording with this information.
Field Evidence: During my field placement, I was able to identify several assessments that are evidence-based to evaluate patients cognition and screen for mental health concerns. Some of these tools could be used after clinical interventions were used or psych medication prescribed to measure impact. I included copies of them in the resource binder that I developed as my special project. Here is a copy of the materials included in the binder.
9.2 Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of practice outcomes across systems
Course: While enrolled in Program Development (SOCW-612) I was able to deepen my knowledge of how to conduct a SWAT Analysis to evaluate programs. What made an impression on me was the importance of considering both the strengths and weaknesses in order to develop strategic goals for growth. My group was able to apply this knowledge to do a SWAT analysis for Bright Beginnings, the program we developed.
Field: I had the privilege of being given access to the results from Adoration of SweetWater’s 2021 client satisfaction surveys. I was able to analyze the results and display them in a PowerPoint presentation. I also incorporated elements from the SWAT analysis to highlight both strengths and weaknesses. I was able to share this with my field instructor.
Knowledge: For this competency, I utilized my knowledge of evaluation, developing a SWAT analysis, analyzing results, gathering evaluation tools, and evaluating interventions. When developing a SWAT analysis for bright beginnings, the goal was to identify ways to strengthen the programs services and operations so that women with postpartum depression would have access to needed care.
Values: The value that I choose for evaluation is competency. Evaluation has helped strengthen my knowledge about individuals, communities, and organizations in the field and the classroom. When evaluating, I aim to gain understanding of how to better meet needs, which contributes to me developing more competence as a social worker.
Skills: The skills used in evaluation include critical thinking, observation, developing evaluations, and analyzing results. When going over survey results for Adoration Hospice, it was important that I accurately analyzed the feedback.
Cognitive: Evaluation is the cognitive that aligns most with this competency. All of these activities involve elements of evaluation such as measuring and testing. Analyzing is also used in order to sort results to create meaningful information.
Affective: For this competency, I choose receiving as the affective used. This is because evaluation involves being open to receiving feedback. The client satisfaction surveys had both positive and negative responses and both are important to the improvement of the agency.
Theory: Augmenting principle states that each piece of information we learn impacts our decisions. I value the benefit that evaluations can bring new information to social workers that can then influence decisions on interventions and administration to continue to grow in a positive direction.