Competency 7

Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Social workers understand that assessment 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 understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge in the assessment of diverse clients and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers understand methods of assessment with diverse clients and constituencies to advance practice effectiveness. Social workers recognize the implications of the larger practice context in the assessment process and value the importance of inter-professional collaboration in this process. Social workers understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions may affect their assessment and decision-making.

Behaviors

Social workers:

• collect and organize data, and apply critical thinking to interpret information from clients and constituencies;
• 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;
• develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objectives based on the critical assessment of strengths, needs, and challenges within clients and constituencies; and
• select appropriate intervention strategies based on the assessment, research knowledge, and values and preferences of clients and constituencies.
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Suggested Artifacts:

• Competency Capstone Paper & Integration Grid
• Oral or Poster Presentation Assessment Grid
• Spring Semester Field Evaluation

Artifact Reflection:

For each artifact that you upload, list the artifact and provide a written reflection that answers the following:

• In 4-5 sentences, describe how the assignment meets at least one of the behaviors. Be sure to include a specific example from your artifact.

You will provide this reflection right at the bottom of this page by following the steps to edit the page (for instructions, please see the e-Portfolio Resources tab).

The above attachment is my spring semester field evaluation. During my field placement I have demonstrated behavior one. I have done this through my assessment with clients, treatment plans, and progress notes. I have used these assessments, and notes to make an agreed upon goals with my client. These goals are then worked on by the client with the assistance of myself to achieve these goals over a specific period of time. My field evaluation is evidence of this behavior.