Assessment with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities.

Assessment is recognized by social workers as an important part of practice with diverse populations. The theories of human behavior and the social environment are understood by social workers and critically applied in the assessment of diverse clients and constituencies. The various methods of assessment with diverse clients help to advance the effectiveness of social worker’s practices. The value of inter-professional collaboration is highly valued among social workers and in the assessment process. Social workers are also self-aware of their own personal experiences and reactions and how these may affect their assessment as well as decision-making.

PRACTICE BEHAVIORS: 

7A – Formulate comprehensive assessments, using a variety of diagnostic classification systems.

Academic Evidence: In my first Advanced Administration class, I learned about needs assessments and the importance of these for programs, organizations, and communities. I worked on developing a proposal for a program that included a needs assessment with steps on how to assess the population we were proposing to work with.

Field Evidence: At the Chattanooga Autism Center, I had the opportunity to not only observe intake sessions but perform them on my own. The intake forms included conducting a biopsychosocial assessment as well as a Mental Status Exam. Under the supervision of my supervisor, I was able to give initial diagnoses to clients at the center.

Other Evidence: During my second clinical class, we had to participate in multiple diagnostic discussion posts. Using the DSM-5, I assessed the client’s situation and diagnosed him the best that I could. I also listed my reasoning as to why I chose this diagnosis.

7B – Design and implement organizational and/or community assessments.

Academic Evidence: During my first Advanced Administration class, we were assigned to complete a  SWOT analysis for the program my group had created. This allowed us to assess and truly understand our program’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and it’s threats.

Field Evidence: The Chattanooga Autism Center is in very high demand within the community. During my time at the center, I was able to participate in their waitlist process. This included speaking with and helping individuals get on our waitlist by filling out this form over the phone. Once that form is filled out, the information automatically generates to the CAC’s waitlist form. This form can also be used to tell where a specific individual may be on our waitlist. This was very educational to see how much of a need our services were in the community.