Competency Seven
Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Assessment is a dire part of what we do as social workers. We need assessment to let us and our clients know if the interventions we came up with as a team are working to help the client achieve their set goals and reach their desired outcome. Without a plan, implementation, and analysis, moving forward would be impossible. Assessment is also something that, to me, is ongoing. We, as social workers, cannot simply assess the client one time; We need to continually assess the interventions we are making, and adjust as needed to meet the client’s goals and expectations.
Practice Behaviors
7.1: Formulate comprehensive assessments, using a variety of diagnostic classification systems.
Field Evidence: While working with my clients I was required to help complete assessments for housing applications such as the VI-F-SPDAT for the housing navigators office to work with them in finding housing. I have provided the VI-F-SPDAT for singles below.
VI-SPDAT-v2.01-Single-US-Fillable Active
Academic Evidence: In my course Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis II, we were required to do case constructions utilizing the DSM-5. Using the DSM-5 I watched a video and was tasked with diagnosing the client using the criteria listed in the manual. My case conceptualization is below.
7.2: Design and implement organizational and/or community assessments.
Field Evidence: During my presentation to CEAP on the delivery of services and needs of clients of the EPI, I presented the requirements of many applications and assessments when a client is searching for housing. I also discussed the many aspects of eligibility requirements for social service agencies that our clients are required to complete. Please review my presentation below.
Academic Evidence: In the Advanced Administrative Practice: Program Development our group was tasked with creating a SWOT analysis of our non-profit program Gourmet on a Budget. This identified the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of our program. This is a necessary step to ensure the success of a program when creating something new and being realistic. Please see the analysis below.
Skills Used: While demonstrating the aforementioned practice behaviors, I used interpersonal communication, advocacy, and diagnostic skills.
Knowledge Presented: Using knowledge learned from my Clinical Assessment and Diagnosis II course I have been able to demonstrate my ability to apply DSM-5 criteria in the diagnosis of mental health disorders with clients. I have also been able to apply my knowledge base from Advanced Administrative Practice to not only do SWOT analysis but needs assessments on a non-profit organization. The needs assessment can be seen here on page 15 (Gourmet on a Budget Program Proposal).
Values Presented: By focusing on the social work core values, I demonstrated social justice when working alongside my group on a non-profit program to help eradicate food insecurity. I also demonstrated service while assisting clients with the completion of their assessments and applications during our work together and by presenting methods to ensure the success of social service delivery to the clients at the CEAP meeting.
Cognitive Processes: I have used preparation (synthesis domain) through the completion of my group’s SWOT analysis matrix and the presentation used for the CEAP meeting. I have also used contrasting (analysis domain) through my presentation of information to the CEAP members and the case conceptualization utilizing the DSM-5.
Affective Processes: Through using examination (organizational domain) and conclusion (characterization domain) I was able to present the information in a way that engaged my peers and constituencies to be able to receive and act on the information gathered.
Theoretical Foundation: Realistic Conflict Theory can be seen in play when looking at food insecurity in our communities. When needs are not met, more conflict is bound to happen. By addressing the issue at its root cause, we are able to reduce the amount of conflict and problems that our clients are dealing with, thus improving their lives and seeking social justice.