1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:02,600 Hello, I'm Anna. I'm a social worker and also a YouTuber, 2 00:00:02,600 --> 00:00:06,100 and I'm so, so excited for today's video series 3 00:00:06,100 --> 00:00:08,720 where we will be going over the social work helping process. 4 00:00:08,720 --> 00:00:11,800 This is also following the social work Generalist Intervention Model, 5 00:00:11,800 --> 00:00:13,482 which you might also hear it talked about, 6 00:00:13,482 --> 00:00:15,800 but really it's the steps, the basic framework 7 00:00:15,800 --> 00:00:18,960 that every social worker uses in their form of intervention. 8 00:00:18,960 --> 00:00:23,120 This is applicable on a micro level, on a meso level, and on a macro level, 9 00:00:23,120 --> 00:00:25,680 and we'll talk about not only what each step is, 10 00:00:25,680 --> 00:00:27,160 but also how to do it well, 11 00:00:27,160 --> 00:00:29,400 what it includes, and how to do it ethically. 12 00:00:29,400 --> 00:00:32,109 If you haven't seen me before, hi, like I said, I'm Anna 13 00:00:32,109 --> 00:00:35,300 and I have a lot of videos covering lots of different topics of social work 14 00:00:35,300 --> 00:00:38,660 and then also give a look into my authentic life as a social worker. 15 00:00:38,660 --> 00:00:41,100 I graduated with my MSW about a year ago 16 00:00:41,100 --> 00:00:43,500 and have had a postgrad journey since then 17 00:00:43,500 --> 00:00:45,820 that I would love for you to subscribe and join along for. 18 00:00:45,820 --> 00:00:48,260 In today's video, we will be talking specifically about 19 00:00:48,260 --> 00:00:51,260 the engagement and assessment steps of the helping process. 20 00:00:51,260 --> 00:00:54,300 The second video in this series will cover planning and intervention 21 00:00:54,300 --> 00:00:57,540 and the final video in this series will cover evaluation and termination, 22 00:00:57,540 --> 00:01:00,060 which gave a spoiler into the steps of the helping process. 23 00:01:00,060 --> 00:01:01,900 But that's okay, you're gonna learn them anyways. 24 00:01:01,900 --> 00:01:05,032 Without too much further introduction, let's get into the helping process. 25 00:01:05,032 --> 00:01:06,820 Like I said, these steps are going to be 26 00:01:06,820 --> 00:01:09,140 a basic framework that social workers follow. 27 00:01:09,140 --> 00:01:12,967 Obviously, each social worker's way that they do each step of this process 28 00:01:12,967 --> 00:01:15,641 and the little caveats and tools they use in between 29 00:01:15,641 --> 00:01:18,992 will look different depending on what area of the field you work within 30 00:01:18,992 --> 00:01:21,100 and also what your scope of practice is, 31 00:01:21,100 --> 00:01:24,177 whether it's one on one, whether it's with groups, with communities, 32 00:01:24,177 --> 00:01:26,709 with states, with countries, whatever you're doing. 33 00:01:26,709 --> 00:01:28,720 But no matter where you work in social work, 34 00:01:28,720 --> 00:01:30,660 the code of ethics is always applicable. 35 00:01:30,660 --> 00:01:34,402 And so, I think it's really important to begin with the principles of social work 36 00:01:34,402 --> 00:01:35,777 so we can see how those apply 37 00:01:35,777 --> 00:01:37,850 as we go into the steps of the helping process. 38 00:01:37,850 --> 00:01:39,506 The principles of the social work profession 39 00:01:39,506 --> 00:01:41,461 are that social workers' primary goal 40 00:01:41,461 --> 00:01:44,133 is to help people in need and address social problems. 41 00:01:44,133 --> 00:01:47,160 Both of those two, help people in need and address social problems. 42 00:01:47,160 --> 00:01:49,280 Social workers challenge social injustice, 43 00:01:49,280 --> 00:01:52,530 social workers respect the inherent worth and dignity of the person. 44 00:01:52,530 --> 00:01:55,760 Social workers recognize the central importance of human relationships. 45 00:01:55,760 --> 00:01:58,126 Social workers behave in a trustworthy manner. 46 00:01:58,126 --> 00:02:00,949 And social workers practice within their area of competence 47 00:02:00,949 --> 00:02:03,660 and develop and enhance their professional expertise. 48 00:02:03,660 --> 00:02:05,580 That applies to every social worker. 49 00:02:05,580 --> 00:02:07,653 The helping process contains six steps– 50 00:02:07,653 --> 00:02:10,058 sometimes seven, we'll kind of talk a little bit about that one– 51 00:02:10,058 --> 00:02:14,493 engagement, assessment, planning, intervention, evaluation, termination, 52 00:02:14,493 --> 00:02:16,180 and then the seventh one is follow up. 53 00:02:16,180 --> 00:02:17,720 No matter what social worker you are, 54 00:02:17,720 --> 00:02:19,550 no matter which area of the field you work in, 55 00:02:19,550 --> 00:02:22,260 you are always, always going to begin with engagement. 56 00:02:22,260 --> 00:02:23,620 When does engagement happen? 57 00:02:23,620 --> 00:02:25,340 As soon as you meet the client. 58 00:02:25,340 --> 00:02:27,469 It is the very first impression 59 00:02:27,469 --> 00:02:30,138 and it can also last way beyond the first session 60 00:02:30,138 --> 00:02:32,625 as you continue to establish a therapeutic rapport 61 00:02:32,625 --> 00:02:34,175 and build trust with the client. 62 00:02:34,175 --> 00:02:36,420 Whenever I say the client, all throughout these videos, 63 00:02:36,420 --> 00:02:38,650 I can mean an individual, I can mean a family, 64 00:02:38,650 --> 00:02:41,020 I can mean a group, I can mean a community. 65 00:02:41,020 --> 00:02:42,389 So with establishing rapport, 66 00:02:42,389 --> 00:02:44,570 it can be one to one with an individual in front of you, 67 00:02:44,570 --> 00:02:46,410 or it can be with a community as a whole, 68 00:02:46,410 --> 00:02:50,075 establishing rapport with a neighborhood or with a school, with a city. 69 00:02:50,075 --> 00:02:51,050 What is engagement? 70 00:02:51,050 --> 00:02:53,890 'Building rapport' is a super common phrase in social work, 71 00:02:53,890 --> 00:02:57,000 but it really just means establishing a trusting working relationship 72 00:02:57,000 --> 00:02:58,210 between yourself and the client. 73 00:02:58,210 --> 00:03:01,523 Do they know you? Do they trust you? Do they understand who you are? 74 00:03:01,523 --> 00:03:04,650 Ultimately, rapport is built over time, but starting off 75 00:03:04,650 --> 00:03:07,930 focusing in on establishing that rapport is so super crucial 76 00:03:07,930 --> 00:03:10,442 because it sets the foundation of how your working relationship 77 00:03:10,442 --> 00:03:12,530 will develop over time as you work with your client. 78 00:03:12,530 --> 00:03:15,170 Engagement is the first impression that the client will have of you. 79 00:03:15,170 --> 00:03:17,610 Are you focused on them and ready to assist them? 80 00:03:17,610 --> 00:03:20,260 Or are you frazzled and distracted and acting as if 81 00:03:20,260 --> 00:03:22,330 they're just another thing in your day that you have to do. 82 00:03:22,330 --> 00:03:23,220 As I've already mentioned, 83 00:03:23,220 --> 00:03:25,650 and as I'm sure I'll continue to mention throughout these videos, 84 00:03:25,650 --> 00:03:29,090 the steps and what they include will vary based on what you're doing. 85 00:03:29,090 --> 00:03:33,330 However, some aspects of engagement that are pretty much always included, 86 00:03:33,330 --> 00:03:34,850 number one is an introduction, 87 00:03:34,850 --> 00:03:38,279 letting the client know who you are, what you do, what your role is, 88 00:03:38,279 --> 00:03:40,970 and also letting the client introduce themselves, listening to them. 89 00:03:40,970 --> 00:03:42,399 What's their name? Why are they there? 90 00:03:42,399 --> 00:03:46,837 Engagement will include explaining confidentiality and confidentiality limits. 91 00:03:46,837 --> 00:03:49,910 This is super important because before you do anything with a client, 92 00:03:49,910 --> 00:03:53,190 they need to know where the information that they disclose will go, 93 00:03:53,190 --> 00:03:56,072 who it will go to, when it is protected, and when it is not 94 00:03:56,072 --> 00:03:58,750 because then they can be informed as they talk with you. 95 00:03:58,750 --> 00:04:01,870 Reading from the social work Code of Ethics, this is 1.01, 96 00:04:01,870 --> 00:04:05,830 "But social workers primary responsibility is to promote the well being of clients. 97 00:04:05,830 --> 00:04:08,085 In general, clients interests are primary. 98 00:04:08,085 --> 00:04:11,010 However, social workers' responsibility to the larger society 99 00:04:11,010 --> 00:04:12,623 or specific legal obligations 100 00:04:12,623 --> 00:04:16,013 may, on limited occasions, supersede the loyalty owed clients 101 00:04:16,013 --> 00:04:17,820 and clients should be so advised. 102 00:04:17,820 --> 00:04:19,602 Examples include when a social worker 103 00:04:19,602 --> 00:04:22,359 is required by law to report that a client has abused a child 104 00:04:22,359 --> 00:04:24,459 or has threatened to harm themselves or others." 105 00:04:24,459 --> 00:04:26,220 So sometimes in a therapeutic room, 106 00:04:26,220 --> 00:04:29,180 that could look like, "Everything you say here is confidential, 107 00:04:29,180 --> 00:04:31,580 meaning that I'm not going to go and tell other people about it, 108 00:04:31,580 --> 00:04:33,140 but the limits to that will be 109 00:04:33,140 --> 00:04:35,507 if you let me know that you are planning to hurt yourself 110 00:04:35,507 --> 00:04:37,100 or if there are allegations of abuse. 111 00:04:37,100 --> 00:04:40,205 Which in those cases, I'm legally obligated to make sure that everyone is safe." 112 00:04:40,205 --> 00:04:43,013 It doesn't have to be that exact line, maybe that exact line isn't perfect, 113 00:04:43,013 --> 00:04:44,595 but something like that so they know, 114 00:04:44,595 --> 00:04:47,310 "Okay, if I tell the social worker that I am a harm to myself, 115 00:04:47,310 --> 00:04:49,830 that social worker then has an obligation to do something about it." 116 00:04:49,830 --> 00:04:51,252 Lets them know what's gonna happen 117 00:04:51,252 --> 00:04:53,423 based on what they disclose or what they don't disclose. 118 00:04:53,423 --> 00:04:56,070 So introduction, confidentiality and limits to it. 119 00:04:56,070 --> 00:04:59,590 You'll also discuss the agency's services and what your role is within that. 120 00:04:59,590 --> 00:05:03,070 Maybe this agency offers assistance in connecting clients 121 00:05:03,070 --> 00:05:06,525 to resources to obtain housing, food, employment, 122 00:05:06,525 --> 00:05:10,101 and what I'm here to do is assess if what we offer fits what your needs are. 123 00:05:10,101 --> 00:05:11,940 I totally made that up, but something like that 124 00:05:11,940 --> 00:05:14,840 where it explains what we offer and who you are so they know, 125 00:05:14,840 --> 00:05:17,160 "Okay, this is the situation, this is what we're doing." 126 00:05:17,160 --> 00:05:19,540 Engagement will also include setting boundaries. 127 00:05:19,540 --> 00:05:22,235 Again, this will look different depending on where you're at. 128 00:05:22,235 --> 00:05:24,440 Sometimes boundaries will be explicitly stated. 129 00:05:24,440 --> 00:05:27,231 Maybe if you are in a therapy setting in a private practice 130 00:05:27,231 --> 00:05:28,360 and you explicitly state, 131 00:05:28,360 --> 00:05:30,720 "I am not able to be reached outside of business hours, 132 00:05:30,720 --> 00:05:33,800 but if you do have a crisis in which you need help outside of business hours, 133 00:05:33,800 --> 00:05:36,160 here is a resource or line you can call." Something like that. 134 00:05:36,160 --> 00:05:37,560 If there are boundaries that need to be set, 135 00:05:37,560 --> 00:05:39,110 sometimes they can be explicitly stated. 136 00:05:39,110 --> 00:05:40,860 Or if a client misunderstands what 137 00:05:40,860 --> 00:05:42,390 the services are that you're offering them like, 138 00:05:42,390 --> 00:05:44,530 "Oh, perfect, I can't wait for you to pick me up each week 139 00:05:44,530 --> 00:05:46,820 and we can go get groceries together and you'll pay for them," 140 00:05:46,820 --> 00:05:48,268 you need to explicitly state, 141 00:05:48,268 --> 00:05:50,670 "Actually, the services that we provide are [blank] 142 00:05:50,670 --> 00:05:52,640 and I'm so excited to be able to connect you with resources." 143 00:05:52,640 --> 00:05:55,500 Kind of clearing up what the role is, that's setting boundaries. 144 00:05:55,500 --> 00:05:58,620 Another part of engagement is talking through expectations for treatment. 145 00:05:58,620 --> 00:06:00,155 Say that you are in a therapy setting 146 00:06:00,155 --> 00:06:02,580 and you have a client coming in for the first time and they say, 147 00:06:02,580 --> 00:06:04,180 "I just can't wait for you to fix me. 148 00:06:04,180 --> 00:06:06,171 I can't wait to be happy every single day. 149 00:06:06,171 --> 00:06:09,100 Probably by next week, right? I'll never feel sad again." 150 00:06:09,100 --> 00:06:12,957 But talking through a realistic trajectory of what may happen in therapy, 151 00:06:12,957 --> 00:06:15,485 what to expect, not promising any outcomes 152 00:06:15,485 --> 00:06:17,860 because we can never guarantee any outcomes, saying, 153 00:06:17,860 --> 00:06:21,708 "I would love to work with you to identify what the stressors are in your life 154 00:06:21,708 --> 00:06:23,992 and what steps you can take to lessen them." 155 00:06:23,992 --> 00:06:25,260 Something like that. 156 00:06:25,260 --> 00:06:28,780 Engagement will also include obtaining informed consent. 157 00:06:28,780 --> 00:06:32,060 This is very important because after you discuss expectations for treatment, 158 00:06:32,060 --> 00:06:33,660 what your role is, what the boundaries are. 159 00:06:33,660 --> 00:06:34,980 Clients get to decide if 160 00:06:34,980 --> 00:06:36,900 your services are something they want to go through with. 161 00:06:36,900 --> 00:06:38,820 You don't get to force your services onto a client. 162 00:06:38,820 --> 00:06:40,260 Self determination is key. 163 00:06:40,260 --> 00:06:42,092 Obviously, there are some settings where 164 00:06:42,092 --> 00:06:43,820 informed consent will look a little bit different. 165 00:06:43,820 --> 00:06:46,300 For example, if things are court mandated, court ordered, 166 00:06:46,300 --> 00:06:49,690 but in those cases where you can promote self determination in a client, 167 00:06:49,690 --> 00:06:50,745 you should still do so. 168 00:06:50,745 --> 00:06:52,770 But as far as obtaining informed consent goes, 169 00:06:52,770 --> 00:06:55,528 we can go back to our code of ethics because it talks about it explicitly, 170 00:06:55,528 --> 00:06:59,687 1.03, "Social workers should use clear and understandable language 171 00:06:59,687 --> 00:07:01,930 to inform clients of the purpose of services, 172 00:07:01,930 --> 00:07:03,490 risks related to the services, 173 00:07:03,490 --> 00:07:04,690 limits to the services, 174 00:07:04,690 --> 00:07:06,730 relevant costs, reasonable alternatives, 175 00:07:06,730 --> 00:07:08,948 clients right to refuse or withdraw consent, 176 00:07:08,948 --> 00:07:10,770 and the time frame covered by the consent. 177 00:07:10,770 --> 00:07:14,045 Social workers should provide clients with an opportunity to ask questions." 178 00:07:14,045 --> 00:07:16,682 This doesn't mean just do a real quick spiel that you have memorized 179 00:07:16,682 --> 00:07:18,860 so super fast the client doesn't actually understand it 180 00:07:18,860 --> 00:07:20,960 and you're like, "Okay, cool? Cool." And then you're done. 181 00:07:20,960 --> 00:07:22,200 That's not really what consent is. 182 00:07:22,200 --> 00:07:25,100 The client needs to have the fullest understanding that they can possible 183 00:07:25,100 --> 00:07:26,517 of what the process will look like 184 00:07:26,517 --> 00:07:28,560 because there shouldn't be surprises that come up along the way. 185 00:07:28,560 --> 00:07:30,880 For example, you get five sessions in and then you're like, 186 00:07:30,880 --> 00:07:34,000 "Actually, you owe $1,500 and I didn't tell you about that till now." 187 00:07:34,000 --> 00:07:35,720 Hopefully, no social worker is doing that. 188 00:07:35,720 --> 00:07:37,364 But that's a drastic example of 189 00:07:37,364 --> 00:07:41,110 a lack of information given upfront that the client can consent to 190 00:07:41,110 --> 00:07:43,940 and say, "Okay, I understand the risks of what I'm getting into." 191 00:07:43,940 --> 00:07:46,780 For example, the fact that therapy might not always be comfortable. 192 00:07:46,780 --> 00:07:49,380 Okay, I understand that and I'm still willing to go through with it. 193 00:07:49,380 --> 00:07:51,900 I understand the pay scale, I understand when payment is due, 194 00:07:51,900 --> 00:07:54,149 I understand the expectations of me, I understand your role, 195 00:07:54,149 --> 00:07:55,886 and this is something that I'm willing to do. 196 00:07:55,886 --> 00:07:58,540 And notice that it says clear and understandable language. 197 00:07:58,540 --> 00:08:00,700 If there is a language barrier between you and your client, 198 00:08:00,700 --> 00:08:02,420 they can't give informed consent if you 199 00:08:02,420 --> 00:08:04,990 haven't presented information to them in a way that they can understand. 200 00:08:04,990 --> 00:08:06,440 Then it also goes on to say, 201 00:08:06,440 --> 00:08:09,760 "In instances when clients are receiving services involuntarily–" 202 00:08:09,760 --> 00:08:11,600 like what we mentioned, maybe it's court ordered, 203 00:08:11,600 --> 00:08:13,760 maybe it's an involuntary hospitalization. 204 00:08:13,760 --> 00:08:15,548 "–social workers should provide information 205 00:08:15,548 --> 00:08:17,626 about the nature and the extent of services 206 00:08:17,626 --> 00:08:20,080 and about the extent of client's right to refuse service." 207 00:08:20,080 --> 00:08:21,680 Quick overview of what we discussed. 208 00:08:21,680 --> 00:08:23,520 Engagement includes introductions, 209 00:08:23,520 --> 00:08:25,640 explaining confidentiality and the limits to it, 210 00:08:25,640 --> 00:08:28,240 discussing agency services and the social worker's role, 211 00:08:28,240 --> 00:08:31,080 setting boundaries, talking through expectations of services, 212 00:08:31,080 --> 00:08:32,640 and obtaining informed consent. 213 00:08:32,640 --> 00:08:34,280 Some tips to do engagement well. 214 00:08:34,280 --> 00:08:37,280 I think number one is just remember that it's a human to human interaction. 215 00:08:37,280 --> 00:08:40,419 Treat your client how you would want your loved one to be treated 216 00:08:40,419 --> 00:08:41,804 if they walked into your agency. 217 00:08:41,804 --> 00:08:44,090 If you have an imaginary uncle who's out there 218 00:08:44,090 --> 00:08:46,330 and was gonna walk through the front doors of your agency, 219 00:08:46,330 --> 00:08:48,690 be kind, be welcoming, don't be judgmental. 220 00:08:48,690 --> 00:08:50,130 It's a human to human interaction. 221 00:08:50,130 --> 00:08:52,790 I think lots of times social workers can put pressure on themselves, are like, 222 00:08:52,790 --> 00:08:55,810 "Okay, it's time to be the superhero social worker." 223 00:08:55,810 --> 00:08:57,610 It's okay to laugh, to chat a little bit, 224 00:08:57,610 --> 00:09:00,170 to do a little bit of small talk, really establish that rapport. 225 00:09:00,170 --> 00:09:01,530 Whether you need to talk about the weather 226 00:09:01,530 --> 00:09:03,330 or if there's a sports game that just happened, 227 00:09:03,330 --> 00:09:05,170 being able to build a working relationship 228 00:09:05,170 --> 00:09:08,250 will ultimately lead to a beneficial social worker-client relationship. 229 00:09:08,250 --> 00:09:12,238 A buzz phrase in social work is to meet the client where they are at. 230 00:09:12,238 --> 00:09:15,270 And that just means however the client is arriving to you, 231 00:09:15,270 --> 00:09:19,190 maybe they're not super ready or not super comfortable to enter services, 232 00:09:19,190 --> 00:09:20,830 meeting them there instead of assuming 233 00:09:20,830 --> 00:09:23,270 that they're so gung ho about something they're not. 234 00:09:23,270 --> 00:09:25,464 If they have reservations, meeting them there, 235 00:09:25,464 --> 00:09:28,070 it's okay if a client doesn't immediately warm up to you. 236 00:09:28,070 --> 00:09:30,830 Just because you do social work every day doesn't mean that a client 237 00:09:30,830 --> 00:09:33,950 is used to participating in social work services every day. 238 00:09:33,950 --> 00:09:36,540 If there is resistance there, you can acknowledge that. 239 00:09:36,540 --> 00:09:38,830 Like, "I know it's hard to get up and show up here, 240 00:09:38,830 --> 00:09:40,112 but I'm so glad you did 241 00:09:40,112 --> 00:09:42,401 and I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do together." 242 00:09:42,401 --> 00:09:44,030 Part of this too is to be aware of 243 00:09:44,030 --> 00:09:45,929 any cultural differences that might be present 244 00:09:45,929 --> 00:09:48,070 or any power imbalances that might be present. 245 00:09:48,070 --> 00:09:50,030 Maybe a client has only ever had 246 00:09:50,030 --> 00:09:52,340 negative experiences with previous social workers. 247 00:09:52,340 --> 00:09:53,718 You can't get personally offended 248 00:09:53,718 --> 00:09:55,910 if they come in reserved and not really wanting to talk to you. 249 00:09:55,910 --> 00:09:57,830 Meeting them where they're at is understanding, like, 250 00:09:57,830 --> 00:09:59,910 "Okay, they haven't had great experiences in the past. 251 00:09:59,910 --> 00:10:02,990 I'm gonna do what I can to make sure that this experience doesn't match those." 252 00:10:02,990 --> 00:10:04,990 But understand that they're coming in reserved, 253 00:10:04,990 --> 00:10:06,750 they're coming in hesitant and that's okay. 254 00:10:06,750 --> 00:10:08,910 One size does not fit all for engagement. 255 00:10:08,910 --> 00:10:11,830 Every person is different, so you're going to engage every person differently. 256 00:10:11,830 --> 00:10:14,550 I think that can seem pretty obvious when you're just sitting here saying it, 257 00:10:14,550 --> 00:10:16,340 but it's important to remember 258 00:10:16,340 --> 00:10:19,020 as you are a social worker engaging with clients. 259 00:10:19,020 --> 00:10:20,920 Using your soft skills that you've learned 260 00:10:20,920 --> 00:10:23,512 through the engagement process is so important. 261 00:10:23,512 --> 00:10:26,860 Find empathy for your client, maintain eye contact when appropriate. 262 00:10:26,860 --> 00:10:29,300 Show your client that you're focused on them, you're listening to them. 263 00:10:29,300 --> 00:10:30,700 It means actively listening. 264 00:10:30,700 --> 00:10:32,540 Pay attention to your posture. 265 00:10:32,540 --> 00:10:34,100 Are you just sitting and typing 266 00:10:34,100 --> 00:10:35,540 and looking away from them while they're talking to you? 267 00:10:35,540 --> 00:10:37,510 They're not going to feel as engaged. 268 00:10:37,510 --> 00:10:39,440 As if you turn to face them, 269 00:10:39,440 --> 00:10:41,000 have an open posture, 270 00:10:41,000 --> 00:10:43,000 maybe nod along as they're talking. 271 00:10:43,000 --> 00:10:44,160 You don't have to overdo it, 272 00:10:44,160 --> 00:10:46,440 but just show signs that you are actively listening to them. 273 00:10:46,440 --> 00:10:49,280 Focus on and be receptive to the client's thoughts and feelings. 274 00:10:49,280 --> 00:10:51,784 Social work is client centered and so that includes 275 00:10:51,784 --> 00:10:54,680 you being client centered whenever a client comes in. 276 00:10:54,680 --> 00:10:56,920 A lot of those soft skills you'll use anytime, 277 00:10:56,920 --> 00:10:58,800 especially when you're doing micro social work, 278 00:10:58,800 --> 00:11:00,480 when you're working one on one with a person. 279 00:11:00,480 --> 00:11:02,120 It can begin to look a little bit different 280 00:11:02,120 --> 00:11:04,251 once you move into meso and macro social work, 281 00:11:04,251 --> 00:11:06,320 which if you don't know the differences between those levels, 282 00:11:06,320 --> 00:11:09,680 I do have a video that talks all about micro versus meso versus macro, 283 00:11:09,680 --> 00:11:11,325 but say you're doing meso social work, 284 00:11:11,325 --> 00:11:12,818 all the soft skills that I just mentioned 285 00:11:12,818 --> 00:11:14,650 are still so important when you're meeting with people, 286 00:11:14,650 --> 00:11:17,050 but if you're trying to establish rapport with the community, 287 00:11:17,050 --> 00:11:19,250 maybe attending community events, being present, 288 00:11:19,250 --> 00:11:22,890 getting to know who the stakeholders are in the community, who holds power, 289 00:11:22,890 --> 00:11:25,290 who has influence in the community, getting to know them, 290 00:11:25,290 --> 00:11:28,211 meeting different people with various different roles in the community, 291 00:11:28,211 --> 00:11:30,210 or if you're working more macro focused, 292 00:11:30,210 --> 00:11:32,290 meeting people who are personally affected by 293 00:11:32,290 --> 00:11:35,410 the macro social issue or macro problem that you're working with, 294 00:11:35,410 --> 00:11:37,785 meeting with people who hold the power to change, 295 00:11:37,785 --> 00:11:41,310 and meeting with the people who care and who identified the social problem 296 00:11:41,310 --> 00:11:43,600 and brought you in to do something about it. 297 00:11:43,600 --> 00:11:45,840 All in all, engagement is the foundation. 298 00:11:45,840 --> 00:11:47,920 It's what the rest of your helping process, 299 00:11:47,920 --> 00:11:50,646 the rest of your work with a client will be based off of 300 00:11:50,646 --> 00:11:53,332 and giving it the proper time and energy that it deserves 301 00:11:53,332 --> 00:11:54,840 is super, super important. 302 00:11:54,840 --> 00:11:57,760 But once you do all of the steps that we mentioned in engagement, 303 00:11:57,760 --> 00:12:00,715 the second step of the helping process is moving into assessment. 304 00:12:00,715 --> 00:12:04,670 Assessment only happens after you have obtained informed consent. 305 00:12:04,670 --> 00:12:07,110 You've let them know the limits of confidentiality. 306 00:12:07,110 --> 00:12:09,070 They know your role, they know what you're doing, 307 00:12:09,070 --> 00:12:10,590 they know what services you can offer, 308 00:12:10,590 --> 00:12:11,710 then it's time to assess. 309 00:12:11,710 --> 00:12:14,670 In short, assessment is determining what the presenting problem is. 310 00:12:14,670 --> 00:12:16,910 Again, this can be micro, meso, or macro. 311 00:12:16,910 --> 00:12:19,150 A problem must be known in order to be solved. 312 00:12:19,150 --> 00:12:22,744 If you go in blind, close your eyes and shooting darts at the bull's eye, 313 00:12:22,744 --> 00:12:24,382 don't do that. No. 314 00:12:24,382 --> 00:12:28,258 Additionally, assessment determines what the client is seeking treatment for. 315 00:12:28,258 --> 00:12:29,880 Your assessment isn't to see, okay, 316 00:12:29,880 --> 00:12:33,014 I'm going to look at this client's life and determine what I think are problems 317 00:12:33,014 --> 00:12:35,250 and determine what I think they need to work on. 318 00:12:35,250 --> 00:12:37,321 No, you're figuring out why did the client show up? 319 00:12:37,321 --> 00:12:39,560 What's going on? What do they want help with? 320 00:12:39,560 --> 00:12:41,120 Also, why are they here now? 321 00:12:41,120 --> 00:12:43,360 What changed in the presenting problem where, 322 00:12:43,360 --> 00:12:45,040 today's the day where they showed up to you? 323 00:12:45,040 --> 00:12:48,200 What has gone on leading up to them taking the steps to take action now? 324 00:12:48,200 --> 00:12:49,560 Depending on your agency, 325 00:12:49,560 --> 00:12:52,196 there may be specific tools, specific questionnaires, 326 00:12:52,196 --> 00:12:55,045 specific templates that you use for your assessment. 327 00:12:55,045 --> 00:12:57,370 Depending on what kind of information you need, 328 00:12:57,370 --> 00:13:00,587 if you're in a school with children, you're going to need different information 329 00:13:00,587 --> 00:13:03,770 than if you're working with veterans assisting them to get home loans. 330 00:13:03,770 --> 00:13:06,130 Part of the way that social work as a discipline 331 00:13:06,130 --> 00:13:09,510 is different from some other educational backgrounds in assessments 332 00:13:09,510 --> 00:13:12,551 is that it takes account for multiple different parts of the client's life 333 00:13:12,551 --> 00:13:15,570 and how they all play together to affect a presenting problem. 334 00:13:15,570 --> 00:13:17,610 For example, in social work background, 335 00:13:17,610 --> 00:13:20,530 a mental health struggle is not just biologically based. 336 00:13:20,530 --> 00:13:23,050 It may also be exasperated by social pressures, 337 00:13:23,050 --> 00:13:25,597 systemic oppression, maladaptive cognitions. 338 00:13:25,597 --> 00:13:26,995 There's more that goes into it. 339 00:13:26,995 --> 00:13:30,890 You need to collect information before you begin any kind of intervention, 340 00:13:30,890 --> 00:13:33,843 or else, how do you know that your intervention is a fit for the client 341 00:13:33,843 --> 00:13:36,010 and a fit for the presenting problem that they came in with? 342 00:13:36,010 --> 00:13:38,640 Like I said, the exact information that you're looking for 343 00:13:38,640 --> 00:13:40,210 will vary based on where you are, 344 00:13:40,210 --> 00:13:42,450 what you're doing, who you are, what your role is. 345 00:13:42,450 --> 00:13:44,676 But some elements that will be included in the assessment 346 00:13:44,676 --> 00:13:47,610 that you'll be asking people about may include biological elements, 347 00:13:47,610 --> 00:13:50,290 psychological elements, sociological elements. 348 00:13:50,290 --> 00:13:53,518 I don't know if you noticed, but biopsychosocial. 349 00:13:53,518 --> 00:13:55,390 Probably heard of those types of assessments before. 350 00:13:55,390 --> 00:13:59,270 In assessment, this is a great time for you to use a strengths based perspective, 351 00:13:59,270 --> 00:14:01,870 which I also have a video on if you'd like to learn more about it. 352 00:14:01,870 --> 00:14:05,030 But you're not looking at what problems are in this client's life. 353 00:14:05,030 --> 00:14:07,670 You're also looking at what strengths does a client come in with, 354 00:14:07,670 --> 00:14:09,790 what resources are available for them to use. 355 00:14:09,790 --> 00:14:12,470 Along with that, you'll identify any gaps in services 356 00:14:12,470 --> 00:14:15,168 or any barriers to services that a client might be facing. 357 00:14:15,168 --> 00:14:17,110 You'll be looking at how does your client system 358 00:14:17,110 --> 00:14:18,910 interact with other systems around them, 359 00:14:18,910 --> 00:14:23,208 whether your client system is an individual, family, a group, a community. 360 00:14:23,208 --> 00:14:26,710 Also, sometimes in assessment, you will obtain collateral information. 361 00:14:26,710 --> 00:14:29,750 This means information from people outside of your client system 362 00:14:29,750 --> 00:14:32,830 that may be necessary to get a holistic picture of an assessment. 363 00:14:32,830 --> 00:14:34,070 Now, with collateral information, 364 00:14:34,070 --> 00:14:36,499 ensure that you have proper consent from your client 365 00:14:36,499 --> 00:14:38,630 in order to talk about them to anyone else, 366 00:14:38,630 --> 00:14:39,925 whether it's another professional, 367 00:14:39,925 --> 00:14:41,910 whether it's a family member, a school teacher, 368 00:14:41,910 --> 00:14:44,238 make sure that the proper releases are given 369 00:14:44,238 --> 00:14:45,710 for you to talk about your client. 370 00:14:45,710 --> 00:14:48,350 That will be a question that whenever you start working somewhere new, 371 00:14:48,350 --> 00:14:50,975 you'll need to make sure you have clear, "Okay, who can we talk to 372 00:14:50,975 --> 00:14:53,530 and what is the process to go about releasing information 373 00:14:53,530 --> 00:14:56,850 or obtaining information from someone outside of the client with their consent. 374 00:14:56,850 --> 00:14:58,070 When working with children, 375 00:14:58,070 --> 00:15:01,245 you do not need a release to speak to their legal guardians 376 00:15:01,245 --> 00:15:03,030 and their legal guardians are generally the ones 377 00:15:03,030 --> 00:15:04,761 that provide consent for you to talk to anyone else. 378 00:15:04,761 --> 00:15:07,230 However, once you begin actually working with a child, 379 00:15:07,230 --> 00:15:10,190 it is important that you also respect their confidentiality. 380 00:15:10,190 --> 00:15:13,110 This means not being a revolving door straight back to the parents that, 381 00:15:13,110 --> 00:15:14,670 "Well, they're having a problem with this, this and this, 382 00:15:14,670 --> 00:15:15,790 these are their exact thoughts. 383 00:15:15,790 --> 00:15:17,184 They feel this way about you." 384 00:15:17,184 --> 00:15:20,720 Obviously, you keep legal guardians involved and updated on progress 385 00:15:20,720 --> 00:15:22,760 to the extent that it's beneficial to the child 386 00:15:22,760 --> 00:15:24,800 and to the client and that it is required of you, 387 00:15:24,800 --> 00:15:28,040 but children can have confidentiality even while they're children. 388 00:15:28,040 --> 00:15:31,116 Collateral information can also be obtained from past documents 389 00:15:31,116 --> 00:15:33,200 if a client has been with your agency before. 390 00:15:33,200 --> 00:15:35,000 Maybe someone else three years ago 391 00:15:35,000 --> 00:15:37,080 did an assessment similar to the one you're doing. 392 00:15:37,080 --> 00:15:40,040 You can look at that and obviously information has changed since then, 393 00:15:40,040 --> 00:15:42,640 but some may be the same, so you can review that information with the client, 394 00:15:42,640 --> 00:15:44,850 but maybe you don't have to start from exactly square one. 395 00:15:44,850 --> 00:15:48,020 Examples of presenting problems if you are in micro social work, 396 00:15:48,020 --> 00:15:50,100 maybe someone is coming in struggling with substance abuse 397 00:15:50,100 --> 00:15:51,420 and that's what they would like help with. 398 00:15:51,420 --> 00:15:53,060 Maybe someone has a missing resource, 399 00:15:53,060 --> 00:15:55,540 whether that's food, housing, employment, healthcare, 400 00:15:55,540 --> 00:15:57,780 maybe someone is coming in with a mental health struggle, 401 00:15:57,780 --> 00:16:00,820 maybe that's depression, maybe that's anxiety, maybe that's psychosis. 402 00:16:00,820 --> 00:16:02,700 Those are examples of, on a micro level, 403 00:16:02,700 --> 00:16:04,860 what an individual may be coming in with to you. 404 00:16:04,860 --> 00:16:07,257 On a meso level, a presenting problem could be 405 00:16:07,257 --> 00:16:09,154 an elementary school with low attendance rates 406 00:16:09,154 --> 00:16:11,380 and they're wanting you to intervene to help that out. 407 00:16:11,380 --> 00:16:13,460 A high school with low graduation rates, 408 00:16:13,460 --> 00:16:16,820 a geriatric care facility with a high rate of depression among its residents. 409 00:16:16,820 --> 00:16:18,820 Those are more meso, community based. 410 00:16:18,820 --> 00:16:21,518 It's not a group, but it's not country. 411 00:16:21,518 --> 00:16:23,300 Or, zooming out to macro social work, 412 00:16:23,300 --> 00:16:25,660 a city with a really high rate of unhoused people, 413 00:16:25,660 --> 00:16:27,658 a state with a high proportion of residents 414 00:16:27,658 --> 00:16:31,100 who are just living paycheck to paycheck or experiencing financial insecurity, 415 00:16:31,100 --> 00:16:34,340 a social work board with disproportionate pass rates by race. 416 00:16:34,340 --> 00:16:36,580 These are examples of more macro problems 417 00:16:36,580 --> 00:16:38,940 that social workers may attempt to intervene with. 418 00:16:38,940 --> 00:16:40,540 Some tips to assess well. 419 00:16:40,540 --> 00:16:44,208 Spending sufficient time and effort in the engagement stage 420 00:16:44,208 --> 00:16:47,140 will likely lead to a more honest and complete assessment. 421 00:16:47,140 --> 00:16:49,020 If someone just came in, they don't know you, 422 00:16:49,020 --> 00:16:51,100 they don't trust you, they don't know what you're doing, 423 00:16:51,100 --> 00:16:52,380 they don't know what your goal is. 424 00:16:52,380 --> 00:16:56,280 They're probably not going to be as honest and open as if they do trust you, 425 00:16:56,280 --> 00:16:58,720 do understand who you are, do understand what your goal is. 426 00:16:58,720 --> 00:17:01,280 Being receptive to clients' answers to your questions, 427 00:17:01,280 --> 00:17:03,160 no matter what they are, is important. 428 00:17:03,160 --> 00:17:05,880 Part of this is understanding how your body language comes across. 429 00:17:05,880 --> 00:17:08,600 Part of it is ensuring your responses aren't judgmental. 430 00:17:08,600 --> 00:17:10,062 You are not there to judge a client. 431 00:17:10,062 --> 00:17:13,480 You're there assessing needs so that you can help them break down those needs. 432 00:17:13,480 --> 00:17:15,680 Part of assessing is being comfortable with silence. 433 00:17:15,680 --> 00:17:19,666 Some topics discussed in assessment may be tough for a client to open up about 434 00:17:19,666 --> 00:17:20,960 and tough for a client to speak about. 435 00:17:20,960 --> 00:17:22,680 Holding space for that is important. 436 00:17:22,680 --> 00:17:24,840 Just because this is an everyday part of your life, 437 00:17:24,840 --> 00:17:26,740 discussing whichever topics you're discussing, 438 00:17:26,740 --> 00:17:28,960 does not mean that it's an everyday part of your client's life 439 00:17:28,960 --> 00:17:30,705 and does not mean that they are comfortable with it. 440 00:17:30,705 --> 00:17:32,450 They may be very willing to talk about it, 441 00:17:32,450 --> 00:17:35,010 but sometimes there's discomfort that comes up 442 00:17:35,010 --> 00:17:37,380 and being comfortable with just letting them take a second 443 00:17:37,380 --> 00:17:39,690 holding space for them, letting them speak on their own terms. 444 00:17:39,690 --> 00:17:43,431 Going back to our handy dandy code of ethics, this is 1.07 445 00:17:43,431 --> 00:17:45,970 "Social workers should respect clients' right to privacy. 446 00:17:45,970 --> 00:17:49,347 Social workers should not solicit private information from or about clients 447 00:17:49,347 --> 00:17:51,530 except for compelling professional reasons. 448 00:17:51,530 --> 00:17:54,810 Once private information is shared, standards of confidentiality apply. 449 00:17:54,810 --> 00:17:58,104 Social workers may disclose confidential information when appropriate 450 00:17:58,104 --> 00:18:00,049 with valid consent from a client 451 00:18:00,049 --> 00:18:02,890 or a person legally authorized to consent on behalf of a client. 452 00:18:02,890 --> 00:18:04,849 Social workers should protect the confidentiality 453 00:18:04,849 --> 00:18:07,607 of all information obtained in the course of professional service 454 00:18:07,607 --> 00:18:09,620 except for compelling professional reasons. 455 00:18:09,620 --> 00:18:13,037 General expectation that social workers will keep information confidential 456 00:18:13,037 --> 00:18:15,193 does not apply when disclosure is necessary 457 00:18:15,193 --> 00:18:18,980 to prevent serious, foreseeable and imminent harm to a client or others. 458 00:18:18,980 --> 00:18:21,470 In all instances, social workers should disclose 459 00:18:21,470 --> 00:18:23,794 the least amount of confidential information necessary 460 00:18:23,794 --> 00:18:25,310 to achieve the desired purpose. 461 00:18:25,310 --> 00:18:27,255 Only information that is directly relevant 462 00:18:27,255 --> 00:18:29,190 to the purpose for which the disclosure is made 463 00:18:29,190 --> 00:18:30,270 should be revealed." 464 00:18:30,270 --> 00:18:32,676 We've discussed the first two steps of the helping process: 465 00:18:32,676 --> 00:18:34,070 engagement and assessment, 466 00:18:34,070 --> 00:18:35,350 and I think it's important to circle back 467 00:18:35,350 --> 00:18:37,737 to those principles of the social work profession 468 00:18:37,737 --> 00:18:40,191 to see how they can connect in the first two steps. 469 00:18:40,191 --> 00:18:42,200 These are kind of reflection questions for you. 470 00:18:42,200 --> 00:18:44,360 What does it look like to help people in need 471 00:18:44,360 --> 00:18:47,220 and address social problems through engagement and assessment? 472 00:18:47,220 --> 00:18:48,120 How can you do that? 473 00:18:48,120 --> 00:18:51,760 How can social injustice be challenged through engagement and assessment? 474 00:18:51,760 --> 00:18:54,760 How can you respect the inherent dignity and worth of the person 475 00:18:54,760 --> 00:18:56,400 through engagement and assessment? 476 00:18:56,400 --> 00:18:59,256 How can you centralize the importance of human relationships 477 00:18:59,256 --> 00:19:00,790 through engagement and assessment? 478 00:19:00,790 --> 00:19:04,360 How can you be trustworthy through engagement and assessment? 479 00:19:04,360 --> 00:19:07,881 How can you ensure that you are practicing within your area of competence 480 00:19:07,881 --> 00:19:10,043 through both engagement and assessment? 481 00:19:10,043 --> 00:19:12,810 If you are curious what happens when you're a social worker, 482 00:19:12,810 --> 00:19:15,210 after you engage a client and after you assess, 483 00:19:15,210 --> 00:19:16,388 then make sure to subscribe 484 00:19:16,388 --> 00:19:18,890 so that you'll be around and see whenever part two is posted, 485 00:19:18,890 --> 00:19:21,290 where we will get into both planning and intervention, 486 00:19:21,290 --> 00:19:24,890 and then part three, where we will get into evaluation and termination. 487 00:19:24,890 --> 00:19:26,198 I hope this is helpful to you 488 00:19:26,198 --> 00:19:28,450 no matter where you're at in your social work journey, 489 00:19:28,450 --> 00:19:31,490 and I hope that there are many little reasons to smile in your day today. 490 00:19:31,490 --> 00:19:32,900 I'll see you next time. 491 00:19:32,900 --> 00:19:37,780 [music...]