Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Social workers understand that evaluation is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Social workers recognize the importance of evaluating processes and outcomes to advance practice, policy, and service delivery effectiveness. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge in evaluating outcomes. Social workers understand qualitative and quantitative methods for
evaluating outcomes and practice effectiveness. Social workers:
select and use appropriate methods for evaluation of outcomes;
apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the evaluation of outcomes;
critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate intervention and program processes and outcomes; and
apply evaluation findings to improve practice effectiveness at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
Introduction: Social workers know that evaluating their work is essential for helping individuals and communities. They use different methods to assess outcomes, improve their practice, and analyze and monitor their interventions to ensure effectiveness. The two artifacts I chose were an Evaluation Report and a PowerPoint on LGBT+ Employment and Housing Discrimination report.
Artifact 1: Evaluation Report
The artifact I chose is an evaluation report done in my generalist practice social work class. For this project, we are working on a community service project; we are teaming up with Mel Trotter, Minister, for their Code Blue clothing drive. We wanted to collect winter clothing for the homeless population in West Michigan, especially during the freezing winters. We placed donation barrels at Grand Valley and spread the word on social media. We successfully gathered 79 items, surpassing our goals of 65. To improve, we would place more barrels around campus and in the community to reach more needy people.
Artifact 2: LGBT+ Employment and/ or Housing Discrimination
The PowerPoint I did was a group project on LGBT+ employment and housing discrimination. As a group, we look at the history/background of the issue that the LGBT+ community has faced high levels of discrimination, especially when it comes to housing by being removed from the home or being denied. It also discussed employment discrimination and harassment the LGBT+ community faces. Even though they have access to the same opportunities and financial freedom, they still receive harassment and continue to face it. It is more than and how it is critical to advocate for them.
Conclusion: Throughout my BSW program, I have learned many things through my social work courses. The two artifacts I chose have shown me how important it is to evaluate your work, which is essential to helping individuals in the community. Each of my artifacts proves how important it is for a social worker to advocate for the community when no one else can. I will continue to advocate for clients in the social work field.