Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Practice Behaviors:

7.1 – Collect and organize data, and apply critical thinking to interpret information from clients and constituencies

7.2 – Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the analysis of assessment data from clients and constituencies

7.3 – Develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objectives based on the critical assessment of strengths, needs, and challenges within clients and constituencies

7.4 – Select appropriate intervention strategies based on the assessment, research knowledge, and values and preferences of clients and constituencies

By being able to gather data and then assessing it to find the best resources for clients is important in becoming a good social worker. As I work with clients and constituents, my goal is to be attentive to their needs and be able to find what is needed for their specific situation.

Evidence 1 (Class): During Practice with Individuals (SOCW-309), we needed to interview a pseudo-client for a 30-minute session completing most of the steps in the GIM model. One of the key factors pertaining to this model is the assessment component. In order to demonstrate my understanding of the assessment process, along with the GIM model, I created a presentation that highlighted the case that I worked with. In the presentation, I gave a brief overview of the client and the basic needs that were most obvious. Then, I provided a professional assessment of the client followed by suggested intervention models. To view the case management presentation, please click here.

Evidence 2 (Field): When clients first arrive in the United States of America, we generally give them some time to rest up before meeting them to do the intake meeting. During the meeting, we go over the basic information regarding the program they are in and the expectations we have for them and from us. One of the key components of the intake meeting is the action plan created with the client with mutually agreed-on goals. When I first joined Bridge Refugee Services, I was able to observe and see how the meeting was conducted and what needed to be done. This semester, I have been able to lead out and do the action plan while my case manager supervised. To learn more about this experience, you can read my journal entry here and see week 2.

Evidence 3 (Additional): Since there are many clients who come from Arabic-speaking countries, many of the forms that we have for them are available in Arabic. However, when I first joined Bridge, most of the translated forms and documents were done very poorly or missed crucial information due to a lack of staff with a clear understanding of Arabic. One of the assignments I worked on was updated these forms to be up-to-date and accurate. One of these forms is the Match Grant Agreement form. The form highlights what the program is and some of the requirements of the form. I was able to translate and update the form to have one only in Arabic and one that had both English and Arabic available but was formatted in Arabic. To view the Arabic version of the updated Match Grant Agreement form, please click here. To view to English/Arabic Match Grant Agreement form, click here.

Skills Used: I used active listening to be able to listen to what the clients were saying and paying attention to their specific needs. I also used interpersonal communication skills to be able to connect with the client. Critical thinking was another important skill in being able to find the needed resources for the client.

Knowledge Used: I used knowledge from Social Work Practice with Individuals (SOCW-309). In Practice I, I learned about the Generalist Intervention Model (GIM) model. In this model, it goes over seven different planned change steps and one of these steps is assessment. During the class, we learned how to properly go through the assessment phase and what was needed to be done.

Values Presented: One of the main values that are shown here is the dignity and worth of a person and the person’s right to self-determination. During the assessment process, you treat the client with dignity and respect by listening to their needs and search for appropriate solutions. You also give the client the right to self-determination by giving them the choice to accept or to reject the strategy that you chose.

Cognitive Processes Used: After assessing a client’s needs, I would have to prepare the necessary paperwork for the best intervention strategies for the specific need. I would also have to analyze the different methods available and conclude which was the best choice for the client.

Affective Processes Used: After reviewing the information provided to me from different clients, I have then been able to use that information to assess their needs and how to address them. Since Bridge Refugee Services is a needs-based organization, we need to be able to judge what situations and experiences qualify for different programs and services.

Theoretical Foundation: The Multi-Attribute Choice theory looks at how people make decisions. When it comes to simple choices, we generally use a  compensatory strategy, also known as a pros/cons list. By comparing the benefits and consequences of different interventions and choices, we are able to move forward in the decesion-making process.