Social workers understand that assessment is an ongoing component of social work practice. By meeting this competency I demonstrate that I understand methods of assessment with diverse clients and constituencies to advance practice effectiveness. As a social worker, I vow to be aware that my personal experiences and reactions may affect my assessment and decision-making.
For competency 7, I used my knowledge of social problems to be informed on accurate assessments of clients. I worked towards the service of my clients in order to elevate them above self-interest. During my field practicum I referenced the biopsychosocial assessment tool throughout therapy to keep an ongoing narrative of the client’s present issues (7.1). The skills I used included questioning, responding, focusing, and active listening. The theoretical foundation I used was the biopsychosocial model which introduces the idea that there are biological, psychological, and social determinants to mental health. This idea links the outside world to someone’s biology and psyche. It also involves our consciousness, sentiments, and behaviors.
During my coursework, our team conducted a needs assessment using a survey guide and interview template to proceed with the development of a program seeking to address housing insecurity and mental illness in Hamilton county (7.1). In doing this we were utilizing the affective and cognitive processes of analyzing and organization.
During the field practicum I created a google forms survey to rate emotional intelligence amongst staff at Centerstone using the Emotional intelligence questionnaire by Daniel Goleman (7.2)
During my coursework our team created a strength, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis for the development of a program to address housing insecurity and mental illness in Hamilton county (7.2).