0:00:00.000,0:00:02.600 Hello, I'm Anna.[br]I'm a social worker and also a YouTuber, 0:00:02.600,0:00:06.100 and I'm so, so excited[br]for today's video series 0:00:06.100,0:00:08.720 where we will be going over[br]the social work helping process. 0:00:08.720,0:00:11.800 This is also following the social work[br]Generalist Intervention Model, 0:00:11.800,0:00:13.200 which you might also hear it talked about, 0:00:13.200,0:00:15.800 but really it's the steps,[br]the basic framework 0:00:15.800,0:00:18.960 that every social worker uses[br]in their form of intervention. 0:00:18.960,0:00:23.120 This is applicable on a micro level,[br]on a meso level, and on a macro level, 0:00:23.120,0:00:25.680 and we'll talk about[br]not only what each step is, 0:00:25.680,0:00:27.160 but also how to do it well, 0:00:27.160,0:00:29.400 what it includes,[br]and how to do it ethically. 0:00:29.400,0:00:31.900 If you haven't seen me before,[br]hi, like I said, I'm Anna 0:00:31.900,0:00:35.300 and I have a lot of videos covering[br]lots of different topics of social work 0:00:35.300,0:00:38.660 and then also give a look into[br]my authentic life as a social worker. 0:00:38.660,0:00:41.100 I graduated with my MSW[br]about a year ago 0:00:41.100,0:00:43.500 and have had a postgrad journey since then 0:00:43.500,0:00:45.820 that I would love for you[br]to subscribe and join along for. 0:00:45.820,0:00:48.220 In today's video, we will be talking specifically about 0:00:48.220,0:00:51.260 the engagement and assessment steps of the helping process. 0:00:51.260,0:00:54.300 The second video in this series will cover planning and intervention 0:00:54.300,0:00:57.540 and the final video in this series will cover evaluation and termination, 0:00:57.540,0:01:00.060 which gave a spoiler into the steps of the helping process. 0:01:00.060,0:01:01.900 But that's okay, you're going to learn them anyways. 0:01:01.900,0:01:03.460 Without too much further introduction, 0:01:03.460,0:01:04.840 let's get into the helping process. 0:01:04.840,0:01:06.820 Like I said, these steps are going to be 0:01:06.820,0:01:09.140 a basic framework that social workers follow. 0:01:09.140,0:01:11.540 Obviously, each social workers way that they do 0:01:11.540,0:01:14.900 each step of this process and the little caveats and tools they 0:01:14.900,0:01:17.900 use in between will look different depending on what area of 0:01:17.900,0:01:21.100 the field you work within and also what your scope of practice is, 0:01:21.100,0:01:23.340 whether it's one on one, whether it's with groups, 0:01:23.340,0:01:26.800 with communities, with with countries, whatever you're doing. 0:01:26.800,0:01:28.720 But no matter where you work in social work, 0:01:28.720,0:01:30.920 the code of ethics is always applicable. 0:01:30.920,0:01:33.840 I think it's really important to begin with the principles of 0:01:33.840,0:01:35.360 social work so we can see how those 0:01:35.360,0:01:37.600 apply as we go into the steps of the helping process. 0:01:37.600,0:01:40.040 The principles of the social work profession are that 0:01:40.040,0:01:42.400 social workers primary goal is to help people in 0:01:42.400,0:01:44.920 need and address social problems, both of those two. 0:01:44.920,0:01:47.160 He people in need and address social problems. 0:01:47.160,0:01:49.280 Social workers challenge social injustice, 0:01:49.280,0:01:52.360 social workers respect the inherent worth and dignity of the person. 0:01:52.360,0:01:55.760 Social workers recognize the central importance of human relationships. 0:01:55.760,0:01:58.210 Social workers behave in a trustworthy manner. 0:01:58.210,0:02:00.380 Social workers practice within their area of 0:02:00.380,0:02:03.660 competence and develop and enhance their professional expertise. 0:02:03.660,0:02:05.580 That applies to every social worker. 0:02:05.580,0:02:08.420 The helping process contains six steps, sometimes seven. 0:02:08.420,0:02:12.180 We'll talk a little bit about that one, engagement, assessment, planning, 0:02:12.180,0:02:16.180 intervention, evaluation, termination, and then the seventh one is follow up. 0:02:16.180,0:02:17.780 No matter what social worker you are, 0:02:17.780,0:02:19.660 no matter which area of the field you work in, 0:02:19.660,0:02:22.260 you are always going to begin with engagement. 0:02:22.260,0:02:23.620 When does engagement happen? 0:02:23.620,0:02:25.340 As soon as you meet the client. 0:02:25.340,0:02:29.420 It is the very first impression and it can also last way beyond 0:02:29.420,0:02:31.700 the first session as you continue to establish 0:02:31.700,0:02:34.175 a therapeutic rapport and build trust with the client. 0:02:34.175,0:02:36.530 Whenever I say the client, all throughout these videos, 0:02:36.530,0:02:38.650 I can mean an individual, I can mean a family, 0:02:38.650,0:02:40.810 I can mean a group, I can mean a community. 0:02:40.810,0:02:42.730 With establishing rapport, it can 0:02:42.730,0:02:44.570 be one to one with an individual in front of you, 0:02:44.570,0:02:46.410 or it can be with a community as a whole, 0:02:46.410,0:02:49.210 establishing rapport with a neighborhood or with a school, 0:02:49.210,0:02:51.050 with a city. What is engagement? 0:02:51.050,0:02:53.890 Building rapport is a super common phrase in social work, 0:02:53.890,0:02:55.610 but it really just means establishing 0:02:55.610,0:02:58.210 a trusting working relationship between yourself and the client. 0:02:58.210,0:03:00.130 Do they know you? Do they trust you? 0:03:00.130,0:03:02.610 Understand who you are. Ultimately, rapport 0:03:02.610,0:03:04.650 is built over time, but starting off, 0:03:04.650,0:03:08.330 focusing in on establishing that rapport is so super crucial because it 0:03:08.330,0:03:09.450 sets the foundation of how 0:03:09.450,0:03:12.530 your working relationship will develop over time as you work with your client. 0:03:12.530,0:03:15.170 Engagement is the first impression that the client will have of you. 0:03:15.170,0:03:17.610 Are you focused on them and ready to assist them? 0:03:17.610,0:03:19.810 Or are you frazzled and distracted and 0:03:19.810,0:03:22.430 acting as if they're just another thing in your day that you have to do. 0:03:22.430,0:03:23.810 I've already mentioned, and as I'm sure 0:03:23.810,0:03:25.650 I'll continue to mention throughout these videos, 0:03:25.650,0:03:29.090 the steps and what they include will vary based on what you're doing. 0:03:29.090,0:03:33.330 However, some aspects of engagement that are pretty much always included, 0:03:33.330,0:03:34.850 number one is an introduction, 0:03:34.850,0:03:37.170 letting the client know who you are, what you do, 0:03:37.170,0:03:39.010 what your role is, and also letting 0:03:39.010,0:03:40.970 the client introduce themselves, listening to them. 0:03:40.970,0:03:42.290 What's their name? Why are they there? 0:03:42.290,0:03:47.000 Engagement will include explaining confidentiality and confidentiality limits. 0:03:47.000,0:03:49.910 Is super important because before you do anything with a client, 0:03:49.910,0:03:53.190 they need to know where the information that they disclose will go, 0:03:53.190,0:03:55.430 who it will go to, when it is protected, 0:03:55.430,0:03:58.750 and when it is not because then they can be informed as they talk with you. 0:03:58.750,0:04:01.870 Reading from the social work Code of Ethics, this is 1.01, 0:04:01.870,0:04:04.270 but social workers primary responsibility 0:04:04.270,0:04:05.830 is to promote the well being of clients. 0:04:05.830,0:04:08.085 In general, clients interests are primary. 0:04:08.085,0:04:10.220 However, social workers responsibility to 0:04:10.220,0:04:12.780 the larger society or specific legal obligations 0:04:12.780,0:04:14.780 may on limited occasions supersede 0:04:14.780,0:04:17.820 the loyalty owed clients and clients should be so advised. 0:04:17.820,0:04:20.940 Examples include when a social worker is required by law to report 0:04:20.940,0:04:22.540 that a client has abused a child or 0:04:22.540,0:04:24.500 has threatened to harm themselves or others. 0:04:24.500,0:04:26.220 Sometimes in a therapeutic room, 0:04:26.220,0:04:29.180 that could look like everything you say here is confidential, 0:04:29.180,0:04:31.580 meaning that I'm not going to go and tell other people about it, 0:04:31.580,0:04:34.180 but the limits to that will be if you let me know that you 0:04:34.180,0:04:37.100 are planning to hurt yourself or if there are allegations of abuse. 0:04:37.100,0:04:39.180 Which in those cases, I'm legally obligated to 0:04:39.180,0:04:41.430 make sure that everyone have to be that exact line, 0:04:41.430,0:04:44.070 maybe that exact line isn't perfect,[br]but something like that. 0:04:44.070,0:04:47.310 They know, okay, if I tell the social worker that I am a harm to myself, 0:04:47.310,0:04:49.830 that social worker then has an obligation[br]to do something about it. 0:04:49.830,0:04:51.670 Lets them know what's going to happen based on 0:04:51.670,0:04:53.470 what they disclose or what they don't disclose. 0:04:53.470,0:04:56.070 Introduction, confidentiality and limits to it. 0:04:56.070,0:04:59.590 You'll also discuss the agency's services and what your role is within that. 0:04:59.590,0:05:03.070 Maybe this agency offers assistance in connecting clients 0:05:03.070,0:05:06.680 to resources to obtain housing, food, employment. 0:05:06.680,0:05:08.800 What I'm here to do is assess if what we 0:05:08.800,0:05:11.120 offer fits what your needs are. I totally made that up. 0:05:11.120,0:05:12.880 But something like that where it explains what 0:05:12.880,0:05:14.840 we offer and who you are so they know, 0:05:14.840,0:05:17.160 okay, this is the situation, this is what we're doing. 0:05:17.160,0:05:19.640 Engagement will also include setting boundaries. 0:05:19.640,0:05:22.120 Again, this will look different depending on where you're at. 0:05:22.120,0:05:24.440 Sometimes boundaries will be explicitly stated. 0:05:24.440,0:05:26.280 Maybe if you are in a therapy setting 0:05:26.280,0:05:28.360 in a private practice and you explicitly state, 0:05:28.360,0:05:30.720 I am not able to be reached outside of business hours, 0:05:30.720,0:05:33.800 but if you do have a crisis in which you need help outside of business hours, 0:05:33.800,0:05:36.160 here is a resource or line you can call, something like that. 0:05:36.160,0:05:37.560 If there are boundaries[br]that need to be set, 0:05:37.560,0:05:39.110 sometimes they can be explicitly stated. 0:05:39.110,0:05:40.860 Or if a client misunderstands what 0:05:40.860,0:05:43.180 the services are that you're offering them like, perfect. 0:05:43.180,0:05:44.940 I can't for you to pick me up each week and we can 0:05:44.940,0:05:46.820 go get groceries together and you'll pay for them, 0:05:46.820,0:05:48.620 and need to explicitly state, actually, 0:05:48.620,0:05:50.740 the services that we provide are blank and 0:05:50.740,0:05:53.020 I'm so excited to be able to connect you with resources, 0:05:53.020,0:05:55.500 clearing up what the role is, that's setting boundaries. 0:05:55.500,0:05:58.620 Another part of engagement is talking through expectations for treatment. 0:05:58.620,0:06:00.500 Say that you are in a therapy setting and 0:06:00.500,0:06:02.580 you have a client coming in for the first time and they say, 0:06:02.580,0:06:04.180 just can't wait for you to fix me. 0:06:04.180,0:06:07.500 I can't wait to be happy every single day, probably by next week. 0:06:07.500,0:06:09.100 I'll never feel sad again. 0:06:09.100,0:06:11.300 But talking through realistic trajectory 0:06:11.300,0:06:13.820 of what may happen in therapy, what to expect, 0:06:13.820,0:06:15.620 not promising any outcomes because 0:06:15.620,0:06:17.860 we can never guarantee any outcomes, saying, 0:06:17.860,0:06:21.380 I would love to work with you to identify what the stressors are in 0:06:21.380,0:06:25.040 your life and what steps you can take to lessen them, something like that. 0:06:25.040,0:06:28.780 Engagement will also include obtaining informed consent. 0:06:28.780,0:06:32.060 This is very important because after you discuss expectations for treatment, 0:06:32.060,0:06:33.660 what your role is, what the boundaries are. 0:06:33.660,0:06:34.980 Clients get to decide if 0:06:34.980,0:06:36.900 your services are something they want to go through with. 0:06:36.900,0:06:38.820 You don't get to force your services onto a client. 0:06:38.820,0:06:40.260 Self determination is key. 0:06:40.260,0:06:41.820 Obviously, there are some settings 0:06:41.820,0:06:43.820 where informed consent will look a little bit different. 0:06:43.820,0:06:46.300 For example, if things are court mandated, court ordered, 0:06:46.300,0:06:47.900 but in those cases where you can 0:06:47.900,0:06:50.635 promote self determination in a client, you should still do. 0:06:50.635,0:06:52.770 But as far as obtaining informed consent go, 0:06:52.770,0:06:54.410 we can go back to our code of ethics because 0:06:54.410,0:06:56.490 it talks about it explicitly, 1.03, 0:06:56.490,0:06:57.930 social workers should use 0:06:57.930,0:06:59.930 clear and understandable language to 0:06:59.930,0:07:01.930 inform clients of the purpose of services, 0:07:01.930,0:07:03.490 risks related to the services, 0:07:03.490,0:07:04.690 limits to the services, 0:07:04.690,0:07:06.730 relevant costs, reasonable alternatives, 0:07:06.730,0:07:09.050 clients right to refuse or withdraw consent, 0:07:09.050,0:07:10.770 and the time frame covered by the consent. 0:07:10.770,0:07:14.045 Social workers should provide clients with an opportunity to ask questions. 0:07:14.045,0:07:16.480 This doesn't mean just do a real quick spiel that you have 0:07:16.480,0:07:17.640 memorized so super fast 0:07:17.640,0:07:19.320 the client doesn't actually understand it and you're like, 0:07:19.320,0:07:20.960 Okay, cool, cool, and then you're done. 0:07:20.960,0:07:22.200 That's not really what consent is. 0:07:22.200,0:07:25.320 The client needs to have the fullest understanding that they can possible of 0:07:25.320,0:07:26.720 what the process will look like because there 0:07:26.720,0:07:28.560 shouldn't be surprises that come up along the way. 0:07:28.560,0:07:30.880 For example, you get five sessions and then you're like, 0:07:30.880,0:07:34.000 actually, you owe $1,500 and I didn't tell you about that till now. 0:07:34.000,0:07:35.720 Hopefully, no social workers doing that. 0:07:35.720,0:07:38.380 But that's a drastic example of a lack 0:07:38.380,0:07:41.620 of information given upfront that the client can consent to and say, 0:07:41.620,0:07:43.940 okay, I understand the risks of what I'm getting into. 0:07:43.940,0:07:46.780 For example, the fact that therapy might not always be comfortable. 0:07:46.780,0:07:49.380 Okay, I understand that and I'm still willing to go through with it. 0:07:49.380,0:07:50.540 I understand the pay scale, 0:07:50.540,0:07:51.900 I understand when payment is due, 0:07:51.900,0:07:53.260 I understand the expectations of me, 0:07:53.260,0:07:55.980 I understand your role, and this is something that I'm willing to do. 0:07:55.980,0:07:58.540 Notice that it says clear and understandable language. 0:07:58.540,0:08:00.700 If there is a language barrier between you and your client, 0:08:00.700,0:08:02.420 they can't give informed consent if you 0:08:02.420,0:08:04.990 haven't presented information to them in a way that they can't understand. 0:08:04.990,0:08:06.440 Then it also goes on to say, 0:08:06.440,0:08:09.760 I instances when clients are receiving services involuntarily, 0:08:09.760,0:08:11.600 like what we mentioned, maybe it's court ordered, 0:08:11.600,0:08:13.760 maybe it's an involuntary hospitalization. 0:08:13.760,0:08:16.480 Social workers should provide information about the nature and 0:08:16.480,0:08:18.000 the extent of services and about 0:08:18.000,0:08:20.080 the extent of clients right to refuse service. 0:08:20.080,0:08:21.680 Quick overview of what we discussed. 0:08:21.680,0:08:23.520 Engagement includes introductions, 0:08:23.520,0:08:25.640 explaining confidentiality and the limits to it, 0:08:25.640,0:08:28.240 discussing agency services and the social workers role, 0:08:28.240,0:08:31.080 setting boundaries, talking through expectations of services, 0:08:31.080,0:08:32.640 and obtaining informed consent. 0:08:32.640,0:08:34.280 Some tips to do engagement well. 0:08:34.280,0:08:37.280 I think number one is just to remember that it's a human to human interaction. 0:08:37.280,0:08:39.640 Treat your client how you would want your loved 0:08:39.640,0:08:42.085 one to be treated if they walked into your agency. 0:08:42.085,0:08:44.090 If you have an imaginary uncle who's out there 0:08:44.090,0:08:46.330 and was going to walk through the front doors of your agency, 0:08:46.330,0:08:48.690 be kind, be welcoming, don't be judgmental. 0:08:48.690,0:08:50.130 It's a human to human interaction. 0:08:50.130,0:08:53.210 I think lots of times social workers can put pressure on themselves are like, 0:08:53.210,0:08:55.810 it's time to be the superhero social worker. 0:08:55.810,0:08:57.610 It's okay to laugh, to chat a little bit, 0:08:57.610,0:09:00.170 to do a little bit of small talk, really establish that rapport. 0:09:00.170,0:09:01.530 Whether you need to talk about the weather 0:09:01.530,0:09:03.330 or if there's a sports game that just happened, 0:09:03.330,0:09:05.170 being able to build a working relationship will 0:09:05.170,0:09:08.250 ultimately lead to a beneficial social worker client relationship. 0:09:08.250,0:09:11.530 A buzz phrase in social work is to meet the client where 0:09:11.530,0:09:15.270 they That just means however the client is arriving to you, 0:09:15.270,0:09:19.190 maybe they're not super ready or not super comfortable to enter services, 0:09:19.190,0:09:21.030 meeting them there instead of assuming 0:09:21.030,0:09:23.270 that they're so gung ho about something they're not. 0:09:23.270,0:09:25.390 If they have reservations, meeting them there, 0:09:25.390,0:09:28.070 it's okay if a client doesn't immediately warm up to you. 0:09:28.070,0:09:30.830 Just because you do social work every day doesn't mean that a client 0:09:30.830,0:09:33.950 is used to participating in social work services every day. 0:09:33.950,0:09:35.350 If there is resistance there, 0:09:35.350,0:09:36.630 you can acknowledge that. 0:09:36.630,0:09:38.830 I know it's hard to get up and show up here, 0:09:38.830,0:09:40.350 but I'm so glad you did and 0:09:40.350,0:09:42.190 I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do together. 0:09:42.190,0:09:44.030 Part of this too is to be aware of 0:09:44.030,0:09:45.590 any cultural differences that might be 0:09:45.590,0:09:48.070 present or any power imbalances that might be present. 0:09:48.070,0:09:50.030 Maybe a client has only ever had 0:09:50.030,0:09:52.430 negative experiences with previous social workers. 0:09:52.430,0:09:54.150 You can't get personally offended if they come 0:09:54.150,0:09:55.910 in reserved and not really wanting to talk to you. 0:09:55.910,0:09:57.830 Meeting them where they're at is understanding, 0:09:57.830,0:09:59.910 they haven't had great experiences in the past. 0:09:59.910,0:10:01.390 I'm going to do what I can to make sure that 0:10:01.390,0:10:02.990 this experience doesn't match those, 0:10:02.990,0:10:04.990 but understand that they're coming in reserve, 0:10:04.990,0:10:06.750 they're coming in hesitant and that's okay. 0:10:06.750,0:10:08.910 One size does not fit all for engagement. 0:10:08.910,0:10:11.830 Every person is different, so you're going to engage every person differently. 0:10:11.830,0:10:14.550 I think that can seem pretty obvious when you're just sitting here saying it, 0:10:14.550,0:10:16.340 but It's important to remember 0:10:16.340,0:10:19.020 as you are a social worker engaging with clients. 0:10:19.020,0:10:20.740 Using your soft skills that you've 0:10:20.740,0:10:23.220 learned through the engagement process is so important. 0:10:23.220,0:10:24.860 Find empathy for your client, 0:10:24.860,0:10:26.860 maintain eye contact when appropriate. 0:10:26.860,0:10:29.300 Show your client that you're focused on them, you're listening to them. 0:10:29.300,0:10:30.700 It means actively listening. 0:10:30.700,0:10:32.540 Pay attention to your posture. 0:10:32.540,0:10:34.100 Are you just sitting and typing 0:10:34.100,0:10:35.540 and looking away from them while they're talking to you? 0:10:35.540,0:10:37.510 They're not going to feel as engaged. 0:10:37.510,0:10:39.440 As if you turn to face them, 0:10:39.440,0:10:41.000 have an open posture, 0:10:41.000,0:10:43.000 maybe nod along as they're talking. 0:10:43.000,0:10:44.160 You don't have to overview it, 0:10:44.160,0:10:46.440 but just show signs that you are actively listening to them. 0:10:46.440,0:10:49.280 Focus on and be receptive to the client's thoughts and feelings. 0:10:49.280,0:10:51.480 Social work is client centered and that 0:10:51.480,0:10:54.680 includes you being client centered whenever a client comes in. 0:10:54.680,0:10:56.920 A lot of those soft skills you'll use anytime, 0:10:56.920,0:10:58.800 especially when you're doing micro social work, 0:10:58.800,0:11:00.480 when you're working one on one with a person. 0:11:00.480,0:11:02.360 It can begin to look a little bit different once 0:11:02.360,0:11:04.280 you move into meso and macro social work, 0:11:04.280,0:11:06.320 which if you don't know the differences between those levels, 0:11:06.320,0:11:09.680 I do have a video that talks all about micro versus meso versus macro, 0:11:09.680,0:11:11.325 but say you're doing meso social 0:11:11.325,0:11:12.890 the soft skills that I just mentioned 0:11:12.890,0:11:14.650 are still so important when you're meeting with people, 0:11:14.650,0:11:17.050 but if you're trying to establish rapport with the community, 0:11:17.050,0:11:19.250 maybe attending community events, being present, 0:11:19.250,0:11:22.890 getting to know who the stakeholders are in the community, who holds power, 0:11:22.890,0:11:25.290 who has influence in the community, getting to know them, 0:11:25.290,0:11:28.050 meeting different people with various different roles in the community, 0:11:28.050,0:11:30.210 or if you're working more macro focused, 0:11:30.210,0:11:32.290 meeting people who are personally affected by 0:11:32.290,0:11:35.410 the macro social issue or macro problem that you're working with, 0:11:35.410,0:11:37.785 meeting with people who hold the power to change, 0:11:37.785,0:11:40.680 and meeting with the people who care and who identified 0:11:40.680,0:11:43.600 the social problem and brought you in to do something about it. 0:11:43.600,0:11:45.840 All in all, engagement is the foundation. 0:11:45.840,0:11:47.920 It's what the rest of your helping process, 0:11:47.920,0:11:51.360 the rest of your work with a client will be based off of and giving 0:11:51.360,0:11:54.840 it the proper time and energy that it deserves is super important. 0:11:54.840,0:11:57.760 But once you do all of the steps that we mentioned in engagement, 0:11:57.760,0:12:00.715 the second step of the helping process is moving into assessment. 0:12:00.715,0:12:04.670 Assessment only happens after you have obtained informed consent. 0:12:04.670,0:12:07.110 You've let them know the limits of confidentiality. 0:12:07.110,0:12:09.070 They know your role, they know what you're doing, 0:12:09.070,0:12:10.590 they know what services you can offer, 0:12:10.590,0:12:11.710 then it's time to assess. 0:12:11.710,0:12:14.670 In short, assessment is determining what the presenting problem is. 0:12:14.670,0:12:16.910 Again, this can be micro mesa or macro. 0:12:16.910,0:12:19.150 A problem must be known in order to be solved. 0:12:19.150,0:12:21.270 If you go in blind, close your eyes and 0:12:21.270,0:12:23.775 shooting darts at the bull's eye, don't do that. 0:12:23.775,0:12:26.400 No. Additionally, assessment determines 0:12:26.400,0:12:28.120 what the client is seeking treatment for. 0:12:28.120,0:12:29.880 Your assessment isn't to see, okay, 0:12:29.880,0:12:32.480 I'm going to look at this client's life and determine what I think 0:12:32.480,0:12:35.080 are problems and determine what I think they need to work on. 0:12:35.080,0:12:38.120 No, you're figuring out why did the client show up? What's going on? 0:12:38.120,0:12:39.560 What do they want help with? 0:12:39.560,0:12:41.120 Also, why are they here now? 0:12:41.120,0:12:43.360 What changed in the presenting problem where, 0:12:43.360,0:12:45.040 today's the day where they showed up to you? 0:12:45.040,0:12:48.200 What has gone on leading up to them taking the steps to take action now. 0:12:48.200,0:12:49.560 Depending on your agency, 0:12:49.560,0:12:50.920 there may be specific tools, 0:12:50.920,0:12:55.045 specific questionnaires, specific templates that you use for your[br]assessment. 0:12:55.045,0:12:57.370 Depending on what kind of information you need, 0:12:57.370,0:12:59.130 if you're in a school with children, 0:12:59.130,0:13:01.450 you're going to need different information than if you're working 0:13:01.450,0:13:03.770 with veterans assisting them to get homones. 0:13:03.770,0:13:06.130 Part of the way that social work as a discipline 0:13:06.130,0:13:08.890 is different from some other educational backgrounds in 0:13:08.890,0:13:11.890 assessments is that it takes account for multiple different parts of 0:13:11.890,0:13:13.490 the client's life and how they all play 0:13:13.490,0:13:15.570 together to affect a presenting problem. 0:13:15.570,0:13:17.610 For example, in social work background, 0:13:17.610,0:13:20.530 a mental health struggle is not just biologically based. 0:13:20.530,0:13:23.050 It may also be exasperated by social pressures, 0:13:23.050,0:13:25.730 systemic oppression, maladaptive cognitions. 0:13:25.730,0:13:28.050 There's more that goes into. Need to collect 0:13:28.050,0:13:30.890 information before you begin any kind of intervention, 0:13:30.890,0:13:33.370 or else, how do you know that your intervention is a fit for 0:13:33.370,0:13:36.010 the client and a fit for the presenting problem that they came in with? 0:13:36.010,0:13:37.970 Like I said, the exact information that 0:13:37.970,0:13:40.210 you're looking for will vary based on where you are, 0:13:40.210,0:13:42.450 what you're doing, who you are, what your role is. 0:13:42.450,0:13:44.970 But some elements that will be included in the assessment that 0:13:44.970,0:13:47.610 you'll be asking people about may include biological elements, 0:13:47.610,0:13:50.290 psychological elements, sociological elements. 0:13:50.290,0:13:53.230 I don't know if you noticed, but biopsychosocial. 0:13:53.230,0:13:55.390 You've heard of those types of assessments before. 0:13:55.390,0:13:57.310 In assessment, this is a great time for 0:13:57.310,0:13:59.270 you to use a strengths based perspective, 0:13:59.270,0:14:01.870 which I also have a video on if you'd like to learn more about it. 0:14:01.870,0:14:05.030 But you're not looking at what problems[br]are in this client's life. 0:14:05.030,0:14:07.670 You're also looking at what strengths does a client come in with, 0:14:07.670,0:14:09.790 what resources are available for them to use. 0:14:09.790,0:14:12.030 Along with that,[br]you'll identify any gaps in services 0:14:12.030,0:14:15.270 or any barriers to services[br]that a client might be facing. 0:14:15.270,0:14:17.110 You'll be looking at how does your client system 0:14:17.110,0:14:18.910 interact with other systems around them, 0:14:18.910,0:14:22.230 whether your client system is an individual, family, a group, 0:14:22.230,0:14:24.950 a community, Also, sometimes in assessment, 0:14:24.950,0:14:26.710 you will obtain collateral information. 0:14:26.710,0:14:29.750 This means information from people outside of your client system 0:14:29.750,0:14:32.830 that may be necessary to get a holistic picture of an assessment. 0:14:32.830,0:14:34.070 Now, with collateral information, 0:14:34.070,0:14:36.030 ensure that you have proper consent from 0:14:36.030,0:14:38.630 your client in order to talk about them to anyone else, 0:14:38.630,0:14:41.150 whether it's another professional, whether it's a family member, 0:14:41.150,0:14:42.870 a school teacher, make sure that 0:14:42.870,0:14:45.710 the proper releases are given for you to talk about your client. 0:14:45.710,0:14:48.350 That will be a question that whenever you start working somewhere new, 0:14:48.350,0:14:50.270 you'll need to make sure you have clear, okay, 0:14:50.270,0:14:51.510 who can we talk to and what is 0:14:51.510,0:14:53.670 the process to go about releasing information or 0:14:53.670,0:14:55.630 obtaining information from someone outside of 0:14:55.630,0:14:58.070 the client with When working with children, 0:14:58.070,0:15:01.350 you do not need a reuse to speak to their legal guardians and 0:15:01.350,0:15:03.030 their legal guardians are generally the ones 0:15:03.030,0:15:04.830 that provide consent free to talk to anyone else. 0:15:04.830,0:15:07.230 However, once you begin actually working with a child, 0:15:07.230,0:15:10.190 it is important that you also respect their confidentiality. 0:15:10.190,0:15:13.110 This means not being a revolving door straight back to the parents that, 0:15:13.110,0:15:14.670 well, they're having a problem with this, this and this, 0:15:14.670,0:15:15.790 these are their exact thoughts. 0:15:15.790,0:15:17.680 They feel this way about Obviously, 0:15:17.680,0:15:21.000 you keep legal guardians involved and updated on progress to 0:15:21.000,0:15:22.760 the extent that it's beneficial to the child 0:15:22.760,0:15:24.800 and to the client and that is required of you, 0:15:24.800,0:15:28.040 but children can have confidentiality even while they're children. 0:15:28.040,0:15:30.200 Collateral information can also be obtained from 0:15:30.200,0:15:33.200 past documents if a client has been with your agency before. 0:15:33.200,0:15:35.000 Maybe someone else three years ago 0:15:35.000,0:15:37.080 did an assessment similar to the one you're doing. 0:15:37.080,0:15:40.040 You can look at that and obviously information has changed since then, 0:15:40.040,0:15:42.640 but some may be the same, so you can review that information with the client, 0:15:42.640,0:15:44.850 but maybe you don't have to start from exactly square. 0:15:44.850,0:15:48.020 Examples of presenting problems if you are in microscial work, 0:15:48.020,0:15:49.580 maybe someone is coming in struggling with 0:15:49.580,0:15:51.420 substance abuse and that's what they would like help with. 0:15:51.420,0:15:53.060 Maybe someone has a missing resource, 0:15:53.060,0:15:55.540 whether that's food, housing, employment, healthcare, 0:15:55.540,0:15:57.780 maybe someone is coming in with a mental health struggle, 0:15:57.780,0:16:00.820 maybe that's depression, maybe that's anxiety, maybe that's psychosis. 0:16:00.820,0:16:02.700 Those are examples of on a micro level, 0:16:02.700,0:16:04.860 what an individual may be coming in with to you. 0:16:04.860,0:16:08.020 On a meso level, a presenting problem could be an elementary school 0:16:08.020,0:16:09.660 with low attendance rates and they're 0:16:09.660,0:16:11.380 wanting you to intervene to help that out. 0:16:11.380,0:16:13.460 A high school with low graduation rates, 0:16:13.460,0:16:17.060 a geriatric care facility with a high rate of depression among its residents. 0:16:17.060,0:16:18.820 Those are more meso community based. 0:16:18.820,0:16:23.300 It's not a group, but it's not country or zooming out to macro social work, 0:16:23.300,0:16:25.660 a city with a really high rate of unhoused people, 0:16:25.660,0:16:28.300 a state with a high proportion of residents who are just living 0:16:28.300,0:16:31.100 paycheck to paycheck are experiencing financial insecurity, 0:16:31.100,0:16:34.340 a social work board with disproportionate pass rates by race. 0:16:34.340,0:16:36.580 These are examples of more macro problems 0:16:36.580,0:16:38.940 that social workers may attempt to intervene with. 0:16:38.940,0:16:40.540 Some tips to assess well. 0:16:40.540,0:16:42.980 Spending sufficient time and effort in 0:16:42.980,0:16:44.940 the engagement stage will likely 0:16:44.940,0:16:47.140 lead to a more honest and complete assessment. 0:16:47.140,0:16:49.020 If someone just came in, they don't know you, 0:16:49.020,0:16:51.100 they don't trust you, they don't know what you're doing, 0:16:51.100,0:16:52.380 they don't know what your goal is. 0:16:52.380,0:16:56.280 They're probably not going to be as honest and open if they do trust you, 0:16:56.280,0:16:58.720 do understand who you are, do understand what your goal is. 0:16:58.720,0:17:01.280 Being receptive to clients answers to your questions, 0:17:01.280,0:17:03.160 no matter what they are is important. 0:17:03.160,0:17:05.880 Part of this is understanding how your body language comes across. 0:17:05.880,0:17:08.600 Part of it is ensuring your responses aren't judgmental. 0:17:08.600,0:17:09.960 You are not there to judge a client. 0:17:09.960,0:17:13.480 You're there assessing needs so that you can help them break down those needs. 0:17:13.480,0:17:15.680 Part of assessing is being comfortable with silence. 0:17:15.680,0:17:18.080 Some topics discussed in assessment may be 0:17:18.080,0:17:20.960 tough for a client to open up about and tough for a client to speak about. 0:17:20.960,0:17:22.680 Holding space for that is important. 0:17:22.680,0:17:24.840 Just because this is an everyday part of your life, 0:17:24.840,0:17:27.680 discussing whichever topics you're discussing does not mean that it's 0:17:27.680,0:17:28.960 an everyday part of your client's life 0:17:28.960,0:17:30.705 and does not mean that they are comfortable with it. 0:17:30.705,0:17:32.450 They may be very willing to talk about it, 0:17:32.450,0:17:35.010 but sometimes there's discomfort that comes up 0:17:35.010,0:17:36.450 and being comfortable with just 0:17:36.450,0:17:38.290 letting them take a second holding space for them, 0:17:38.290,0:17:39.690 letting them speak on their own terms. 0:17:39.690,0:17:42.170 Going back to our handy dandy code of ethics. 0:17:42.170,0:17:45.970 This is 1.07. Social workers should respect clients right to privacy. 0:17:45.970,0:17:48.730 Social workers should not solicit private information from or 0:17:48.730,0:17:51.530 about clients except for compelling professional reasons. 0:17:51.530,0:17:53.130 Once private information is shared, 0:17:53.130,0:17:54.810 standards of confidentiality apply. 0:17:54.810,0:17:58.450 Social workers may disclose confidential information when appropriate with 0:17:58.450,0:18:00.530 valid consent from a client or a person 0:18:00.530,0:18:02.890 legally authorized to consent on behalf of a client. 0:18:02.890,0:18:05.570 Social workers should protect the confidentiality of all information 0:18:05.570,0:18:06.770 obtained in the course of 0:18:06.770,0:18:09.620 professional service except for compelling professional reasons. 0:18:09.620,0:18:12.190 General expectation that social workers will keep information 0:18:12.190,0:18:16.230 confidential does not apply when disclosure is necessary to prevent[br]serious, 0:18:16.230,0:18:19.070 foreseeable and imminent harm to a client or others. 0:18:19.070,0:18:21.550 In all instances, social workers should disclose 0:18:21.550,0:18:23.190 the least amount of confidential information 0:18:23.190,0:18:25.310 necessary to achieve the desired purpose. 0:18:25.310,0:18:27.510 Only information that is directly relevant to 0:18:27.510,0:18:30.270 the purpose for which the disclosure is made should be revealed. 0:18:30.270,0:18:31.910 We've discussed the first two steps of 0:18:31.910,0:18:34.070 the helping process, engagement and assessment, 0:18:34.070,0:18:36.630 and I think it's important to circle back to those principles of 0:18:36.630,0:18:40.455 the social work profession to see how they can connect in the first two steps. 0:18:40.455,0:18:42.200 Reflection questions for you. 0:18:42.200,0:18:44.840 What does it look like to help people in need and address 0:18:44.840,0:18:48.080 social problems through engagement and assessment? How can you do that? 0:18:48.080,0:18:51.760 How can social injustice be challenged through engagement and assessment? 0:18:51.760,0:18:53.840 How can you respect the inherent dignity and 0:18:53.840,0:18:56.400 worth of the person through engagement and assessment? 0:18:56.400,0:18:58.320 How can you centralize the importance of 0:18:58.320,0:19:00.720 human relationships through engagement and assessment? 0:19:00.720,0:19:04.360 How can you be trustworthy through engagement and assessment? 0:19:04.360,0:19:06.800 How can you ensure that you are practicing within 0:19:06.800,0:19:10.185 your area of competence through both engagement and assessment? 0:19:10.185,0:19:12.810 You are curious what happens when you're a social worker, 0:19:12.810,0:19:15.210 after you engage a client and after you assess, 0:19:15.210,0:19:17.050 then make sure to subscribe so that you'll be 0:19:17.050,0:19:18.890 around and see whenever P two is posted, 0:19:18.890,0:19:21.290 where we will get into both planning and intervention, 0:19:21.290,0:19:24.890 and then part three, where we will get into evaluation and termination. 0:19:24.890,0:19:26.530 I hope this is helpful to you no matter 0:19:26.530,0:19:28.450 where you're at in your social work journey, 0:19:28.450,0:19:31.490 and I hope that there are many little reasons to smile in your day today. 0:19:31.490,0:19:37.810 I'll see you next time. I do better. 0:19:37.810,0:19:42.690 Thanks with my time trying to make you aly