This workshop offers the supervisor a multi-dimensional framework for teaching the practice skills required in work with individuals and families of all ages through the assessment and planning phases. Included are a review of the core content areas that need to be addressed in assessing the client/family situation including both strengths and challenges; the critical thinking required in collecting client data; and the ability to organize, interpret, and summarize these data. Supervisors will be encouraged to use interactive training techniques to teach the interviewing and communication skills that engage the client and family in assessment and planning. The special skills involved in working with the family as a social system will be discussed, as will the influence of the worker’s own cultural background on assessment and planning.
Learning Objectives (Supervisory Best Practices):
- Use a social work assessment/planning framework as a teaching tool to guide supervisees in direct practice with individuals and families
- Encourage critical thinking on the part of supervisees in the collection, organization, and summarization of client data
- Emphasize with supervisees the importance of documenting and supporting client strengths and setting measurable and attainable goals
- Help supervisees recognize the influence of their own background on the assessment process and be cognizant of the ethical dilemmas they may face
- Facilitate interactive training among supervisees on interviewing and communication skills that promote effective collaboration with clients and other stakeholders
- Emphasize with supervisees the importance of a family systems approach both in assessment and in planning