Client Assessment In Social Work

1002 Words3 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Understanding the social work role

One of the main distinctions of the Social Work profession as opposed to any other helping profession is that Social Workers evaluate how external factors may impact their client on an individual, group and systematical basis. Client assessments are not solely limited to one variable, due to the fact that there could be a multitude of influences that can play a vital role in one’s life. Often times those effects interrelate with one another. There are three levels of practice that are used to identify the different stages of practice; Micro, Mezzo, and Macro. Kirst-Ashman, & Hull (2015) identifies Micro consists of serving individuals, couples, and families. Mezzo intervention directly affects the family, peer groups at school or work, and neighbors. Macro involves working with citizen groups, or with private, public and or governmental organizations. In order to be an effective Social Worker you must observe the multitude of issues pertaining to your client in order to help them adeptly. If you fail to acknowledge other potential aspects that can affect your client it could be extremely detrimental with the progression of the case. Some problems are intertwined with all three levels of Social Work Practice. When dealing with a client they may approach you with a situation that they …show more content…

Dorfman (1988) states that a few of their issues are unemployment, illness, and the worrisome behavior of the children. This case study is a prime example of how problems can interlock in the different areas of practice concentration. Although, correlation does not equal causation it can help alleviate prevailing and probable matters of clients. To reiterate the significance on why Social Workers should be conscious of each level of practice can impact a client I will assess the character

Show More
Related

  • Social Work Practice

    962 Words  | 2 Pages

    If the social worker can’t determine what the client’s physical behavior may determine, then it can be hard to communicate with the client especially if the social worker isn’t aware with the client’s cultural norms and behaviors. Some clients also prefer to be in group sessions instead of individual centered sessions, therefore the client may not feel comfortable speaking thoroughly. Class-bound values can impact communication with clients by the client not feeling motivated or have energy to communicate because of their home situations or how their transportation was difficult to get to the session. Clients may also not have time for insights, not giving the social worker detailed descriptions because they feel that there 's no need, can impact communication with a client. Language variables can also impact communication with clients by the client not feeling comfortable speaking because English can be their second language, or because the social worker isn’t bilingual therefore it 's hard to translate some words if the client doesn’t know how to say them in English. Since the U.S culture does not appreciate Ebonics, it may be hard for a African American to speak with the social worker. And since there’s a lack of bilingual social workers, this

    Read More

  • How Clients Use Assessments In Counseling

    478 Words  | 1 Pages

    There are a variety of ways counselors can use assessment in counseling. According to Whiston counselors use (2017) assessments as a tool used to measure people behavior. Assessments can be informal and formal (Laureate, 2013). One significant part of assessments is to evaluate progress between the client and counselor.

    Read More

  • Social Work Theory

    1008 Words  | 3 Pages

    This class, Social Work Theory & Practice was made to be able to introduce me to social work theories, ideas, and skills needed to work in the social work profession. This class main tool used was a book called A Brief Introduction of Social Work Theory by David Howe which discusses social work theories in a compressive and explainable way. This class is important to my higher learning because it break down the theories that I will need to use during my practice and a...

    Read More

  • Multidimensional Assessments In Social Work

    1094 Words  | 3 Pages

    In order to formulate a thorough assessment or intervention a social worker must first evaluate all the contributing factors that influence a client’s life. Problems faced by clients are rarely a result of a single factor or influence. Many individual, interpersonal and environmental factors must be evaluated to fully understand the cause of problems. Multidimensional assessments must be used to determine biological, psychological and environmental issues that contribute to problematic outcomes (Hepworth, Rooney, R., Rooney, G., & Strom-Gottfried, 2013.). Along with conducting multidimensional assessments, social workers must also evaluate stages of development, and assess how age can influence behaviors (2013). All contributing factors must

    Read More

  • What Is Mental Health As A Social Justice Issue?

    1266 Words  | 3 Pages

    First off, clinical social workers work one-on-one with individuals by utilizing psychosocial casework to improve their client’s lives. Social workers at the micro level typically provide case management by coordinating and monitoring services, developing a treatment plan, advocating for new services, providing psychoeducation, and by helping clients learn more about their specific disorder (Marx). They also provide psychotherapy through three major therapeutic approaches- psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, and humanistic (Marx). When it comes to the mezzo level social worker work with groups and families. They may initiate therapy groups, support groups, psychoeducational groups, and socialization groups all in order to uplift their clients about their mental disorder (Marx). On top of that, social workers also offer family therapy with the goal of helping families learn and function effectively by meeting the needs of a family member with a mental illness (Marx). Finally, social workers also work on a macro level through advocacy and policy changes, and in an administrative setting. Through advocacy, social workers may lobby for policy changes on a local, state, or national level in order to promote positive

    Read More

  • Childhood Trauma In Social Work

    522 Words  | 2 Pages

    Social workers are generalist practitioners that utilize various theoretical frameworks to assist in problem-solving for individuals, family, groups, and communities. They aim to provide interventions at any level based on the need of their clients. The generalist social worker assist with a broad scope problems and can be found in a variety of institutions. When assisting with adult clients who suffer with social development due to childhood trauma, social workers must know what trauma is. Trauma is prevalent in the social work community, almost every social worker has had a client that has suffered from trauma. In order to assist adults that have social development issues stemming from childhood there are The four-fold principles

    Read More

  • Social Work Case Analysis: The Sanchez Family

    736 Words  | 2 Pages

    The person-in-environment approach views a client’s problems by how they react to the environmental contexts within their environment and how they occur. According to Gordon and Richmond, it has been stated that the person-in-environment approach is the “cornerstone” of social work practice. (as cited in Rogers, 2016, p.24). A clients’ systems are the interrelated aspects of a clients’ lives where all parts come together to function. Social workers utilize and focus on a clients’ systems when applying the person-in-environment. A clients’ system is anything that they interact with and hold roles in their lives. These systems can be on a micro level which is the individual and their biology, personality, and genetics. The individuals’ mezzo level would include their immediate environment, family, school, friends, or work. A macro level would include the larger social aspects of a clients’ life such as government policies, discrimination, oppression, or social class. Social workers incorporate these interactions and how they impact clients’ and their presenting problems. This theory and approach are beneficial as it allows a social worker to find out what resources are available to the client during their time with the worker (Rodgers,

    Read More

  • What Is Compassion Fatigue?

    1117 Words  | 3 Pages

    The first is social worker competence, which is if the social worker has the correct skills and training needed for the job. Second, “a lack of realistic professional expectations” (Kanter, p. 291) meaning a social worker who goes into it thinking they can save the world is more likely to develop compassion fatigue. The third factor is “cumulative countertransference responses from a caseload of clients with similar difficulties” (Kanter p. 292). The fourth factor is “Some clients elicit ubiquitous countertransference responses which tend to affect most social workers in a similar manner. For example, a chronically suicidal client can elicit intense feelings of helplessness among workers throughout an agency. A particularly unkempt client can elicit disgust and revulsion in most workers” (Kanter p. 292). For the last two factors, they both mean that it is inevitable that some transference and countertransference is bound to happen. If a social worker consistently takes cases where there is like trauma, they are going to take on the feelings of their clients. If a worker consistently has a client who has feelings of helplessness, as many children will have those feelings, they will be projected onto the worker. Lastly, “some clients elicit idiosyncratic countertransference responses which have a unique impact of specific workers” (Kanter, p. 292).

    Read More

  • Observation as a Social Work Tool and Skill

    1149 Words  | 3 Pages

    Coulshed, V and Orme, J. (2006). Social work practice. (4rd ed). New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

    Read More

  • Importance Of Professionalism In Social Work

    1330 Words  | 3 Pages

    Advocating for vulnerable persons creates emotions and feelings that could lead to inappropriateness amongst clients. As social workers, we walk a very thin line sometimes in the aspects of helping a client. This makes it easy to stray away from policy and procedure and go with our own personal feelings. The consequences which can result from not establishing appropriate boundaries can be detrimental to my career as a social worker and to a client.

    Read More

  • Competency Based Assessment and Interviewing

    1641 Words  | 4 Pages

    Assessment is a basic skill of generalist social workers. As my current place of employment does not employ any defined assessment, I will utilize information from a generalist text and a sample assessment. The parameters of a generalist assessment are often defined by the specific practise agency (Birkenmaier, Berg-Weger, & Dewees, 2011). The assessment is utilized to identify relevant information such as demographics and the major areas for work such as the client’s goals (Birkenmaier et al., 2011). Many theories such as psychoanalytic or strengths perspective can influence a generalist assessment based on the assessing social worker’s theoretical preference (Birkenmaier et al., 2011). The sample generalist assessment used focuses on the client’s: living skills; health and disability; educationemployment; legal issues; housing; significant relationships; understanding of the issue; demographics; and crisis management (National Council of Social Service, 2006). The social worker has the opportunity to delve further into those areas if deemed necessary by their agency (National Council of Social Service, 2006).

    Read More

  • Social Worker Intervention Plan

    1785 Words  | 4 Pages

    This essay will identify key issues facing the client system and will demonstrate an intervention plan. Followed by defining the purpose of social work and the identification of the AASW Code of Ethics, in regards to the case study. Lastly, key bodies of knowledge will be identified and applied to the case study.

    Read More

  • Film Analysis of Flight

    1500 Words  | 3 Pages

    Practice: Purpose, Principles, and Applications in a Climate of System’s Integration. In Saleebey, D. (Ed.), The Strengths Perspective in Social Work Practice. Fourth Ed. 171-196. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

    Read More

  • Diversity In Social Work

    621 Words  | 2 Pages

    Mezzo practice consists of a small group, local organization within a community, and institutions. Finally, Macro helps the community and the social worker to do evaluations of programs that in this case will be dealing with diversity issues. These levels of practice are all beneficial, especially when it comes to the issues around diversity. Many

    Read More

  • Self Assessment In Social Work

    1312 Words  | 3 Pages

    When I took the self-assessment test I got one personality type as my highest of all six personality types . The personality type that I scored the highest was social, and it matches perfect with the kind of work I envision doing it in my future. I was not surprised when I got the highest in social because I think this is how friends and loved one’s see myself when I am around them. For instance, they describe as me as a person who value helping others even if I have to go out my way to provide others with what they need. Friends, and close ones always says that I am a caring person who listen and take people’s problems very seriously. Something else that they about myself is that I am good at giving people advice or direct them to the right path. Moreover, my coworkers and friends always referred to me as a someone who is always willing to take new challenges and that I am good at sense when something's not right for them. All of these traits that people say I have are similar to the qualities and skills that social workers in general need in order for them

    Read More

More about Client Assessment In Social Work

Open Document