Competency #7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
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.
The assessment of clients is a crucial part of social work practice. Assessments are used throughout the relationship with clients to determine mutually-agreed-upon interventions that will meet the goals of the clients. As a competent social worker, I use the assessment to recommend other agency referrals that I can then give to the client.
Evidence:
Evidence 1 (Field) –
At my practicum being the Pillowcase Project Coordinator, when planning to do a presentation for a class. There is an assessment form that we fill out to determine if any special arrangements need to be made. This form asks about special needs, the size of the class, and the area where the presentation will be held.
Evidence 2 (Academic) –
In our class Practice with Individuals, we had to write an assessment on a pseudo-client interview that we conducted. This paper goes into detail about the interview and the client’s answers.
Analysis Paper – Case Management Interview Project No 2
Evidence 3 (Additional) –
At my practicum, I am also a caseworker. Before calling a new client, I must read their file to get an idea of what they will need before interviewing them. When assessing their file, I look for a number of things including if they have renters insurance, if there are any medical/mental health needs, if the client received lodging assistance or had a safe place to stay, and the number of people on the case. I have below part of a redacted case file that is one of the pages, I would look at while assessing a new client.
Knowledge Used: To demonstrate this competency, I drew from my knowledge learned in my social work classes like Practice with Individuals. Practice with Groups and Families, Interviewing Skills, and Networking and Career Development. The assessment process is usually done in an interview format at the Red Cross. It is not necessarily referred to as an interview, but it consists of a caseworker asking questions to develop a plan.
Skills Used: I demonstrated many skills while fulfilling this competency. I was required to have excellent critical thinking skills along with reading and writing skills to complete my assessments accurately. When completing the interviews with clients to finish the assessments, I showed empathy and warmth and demonstrated my interpersonal skills.
Values Presented: Throughout the assessment process, I demonstrated the social work values of Dignity and Worth of a Person and Competence. I was intentional about treating the client with respect and meeting them where they were. Every client is different and some need more help than others. When I was unsure of something or needed more information, such as with health and mental health services questions, I was honest with the client and let them know that is not my expertise, but I could have the specialist contact them to answer those questions if they wanted.
Cognitive Process Used: Throughout the assessment process, I demonstrated multiple levels of the cognitive process. I was able to prepare interview questions from reading through the case file before speaking to the client (applying). Once on the phone with the client, I was able to question the client and gather important information. I also was able to differentiate some of the things the client was talking about in order to get to the root of the client’s needs (analyzing). I was then able to support the client and determine the best referrals to start the client out with (evaluating). After our interview was complete, the client and I together formulated a plan for their recovery (creating).
Affective Processes Used: When my assessments were being completed, I was able to demonstrate the affective processes of receiving, responding and valuing. I actively listened to my clients to gather important information. I responded to my client’s answer and allowed those answers to guide my questions to get deeper information about the client’s situation. I also was truly committed to helping my client, valuing their trust in me and their vulnerability allowing a stranger into their life after such a tragic event.
Theoretical Framework: When demonstrating this competency, I draw from a few theories. Filter Theory says that we make decisions through a filter process, I do this when using an assessment to guide my decisions on resources to be given to a client. I also have used The Perpetual Contrast Effect, which is where one would compare things, to come to a decision. This really applies to casework at the Red Cross because some cases do not call for additional funds to be given beyond that of the initial assistance.