Description

Weeks eight and nine are both about how social workers conduct assessments. After we have started building relationships with our clients, and before we can find ways to support them, we must understand the real problem. We will be looking at how we do assessments. We will review examples of screening tools, talk about the DSM-5 and its uses. Students will also engage in their student teach back activity. Class time will be cut in about half, as I have to travel to Vancouver for a conference after the session. The agenda for class includes:

• Diagnostic Assessments
• Assessing for client needs
• Screening Tools
• Teach Back Activities

Learning objectives this week include:

• Identify ethical and professional considerations when using diagnostic tools and clinical terminology as BSW-level practitioners.
• Apply strengths-based and person-in-environment frameworks to assessment practices.
• Evaluate common screening tools for their relevance and utility in social work practice.