Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Social workers understand that evaluation is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive processes within the practice of social work and on behalf of the individuals they help. Social workers understand the importance of evaluating processes and outcomes. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment. They critically evaluate and apply this knowledge accordingly. Social workers are knowledgeable on how to apply research for best practices. They understand qualitative and quantitative methods for evaluating outcomes and effectiveness of practice.
9.1 – Select evidence-based evaluation strategies according to their efficacy with specific client systems
Course Evidence:
In my Diagnostic class, I analyzed research to be informed as I demonstrated a mock assessment on a client. In my policy class, my group and I conducted quantitative research to determine the need for a bullying prevention program. In our needs assessment, we reviewed the statistics pertaining to victims of bullying who committed suicide. We reviewed statistics that revealed the impact bullying has on its victims such as increases in depression and anxiety. Statistics revealed an increase in school violence resulting in disciplinary action due to bullying. Click here to view this program. In my Psychotherapy course, I created a Case Conceptualization on a Power Point for a mock fictional client with a DSM-5 diagnosis and applied CBT interventions to the treatment plan for the client. Click here to view this Power Point.
Field Evidence:
In my practicum at the Crisis Center, I used evidence based strategies to preserve the life of my suicidal clients. One such strategy is using the evidence that supports the use of de-escalation. In my CIT class, I learned that if you can keep a client talking for ten minutes who is suicidal, their risk of attempt decreases by 50%. I used knowledge of policy pertaining to mental health care such as CON’S, to evaluate interventions. I took a Relias training course on evidence based Crisis Intervention.
Click here to view my Relias Training.
9.2 – Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of practice outcomes across systems
Course Evidence:
In my program development course, I evaluated the effectiveness of similar bullying intervention programs. Click here to view the Literature Review and data analysis on bullying intervention programs. In my psychotherapy course, I chose a therapy modality to research and created a Power Point Presentation on it. Click here to view this power point.
Field Evidence:
At the crisis unit, I observed clinicians complete assessments on clients. My Relias Training course on Evidence Based Practice was a good refresher for things I learned in class and this aided me in my clinical practice. I observed that the clients suicidal ideations dramatically decreased once the client had been talking for ten minutes as research has proven. I observed the effectiveness of evidence based practices and theories such as strengths perspective, mindfulness based theory, person-in-environment, problem-solving model, CBT and DBT. I used evaluation findings to inform policy change. I evaluated the recidivism of clients, the outcomes after clients received care and what factors contributed to recovery. I got the opportunity to observe and eventually lead a peer support group therapy sessions in our Crisis Stabilization Unit at my practicum.
Click here to view my Relias Trainings on Evidence Based Practice.
Knowledge: I drew my knowledge gained from Advanced Clinical Practice and Mental Health Emphasis courses in this competency. The knowledge I gained from research afforded me the knowledge I needed to be effective in serving my clients. Knowledge about various therapy modalities and their effectiveness and various issues was utilized in the peer support group that I led. I used knowledge of theories and evidence based practice to educate my clients on mindfulness and reframing thoughts.
Values: I utilized my understanding of the importance of competence in practice to establish a good reputation while working with clients and other agencies.
Skills: I used skills of service, social justice, importance of human relationships, diversity, dignity and worth of humans were all utilized to during my peer support group.
Cognitive: Collaboration, interpersonal and intrapersonal skills, networking were utilized to assist me as I collaborated with clients’ families and other healthcare providers to ensure clients received the treatment they needed to improve their quality of life.
Affective: While interacting with clients and their families, I showed compassion and empathy which built rapport and allowed the client and their family to trust my recommendations. I realized the value of maintaining a good reputation and professionalism in my personal life to be trustworthy for my clients, my agency and the professionals I collaborate with. In my practicum at the Crisis walk in center, I was dealing with life or death situations. Many of my clients had a history of suicide attempts and I realized this may be their last change at survival. I realized that their survival was potentially impacted by their ability trust me.
Theoretical foundations: In my observations, I saw evidence of attachment theory and how clients attachments or lack of had impacted their lives. I saw evidence of systems theory and how environment impacts a person behavior. I used Motivational Theory in my understanding of what drives a person to work toward a goal. This was synthesized with my understanding of LOGO Therapy by Viktor Frankl whose theory was that instilling hope was fundamental in having the will to live. I used Crisis Intervention Theory to employ crisis techniques to treat and stabilize clients with mental health needs.