Assessment and Interviewing in Social Work

Question 1

What is an assessment in social work (4)?

Answer 1

• Information gathering and history taking.
• Seeking client’s perspective.
• Building a holistic view of the social environment.
• Assessing relevant factors contributing to the presenting issues (incl. structural factors).

Question 2

Biological assessment (5):

Answer 2

• Medical issues (acute or chronic).
• Medications or other treatments.
• Neurology.
• Genetics.
• Basic demographics.

Question 3

Psychological assessment (5):

Answer 3

• Mental well being/illness.
• Cognitive functioning and self-awareness.
• Perception and appraisal.
• Coping response.
• Beliefs and philosophy of life.

Question 4

Social assessment (7):

Answer 4

• Family
• Friends/potential support
• Neighborhood/community
• Community organisations
• Occupation
• Leisure activities
  Socioeconomic status

Question 5

Spiritual assessment (4):

Answer 5

• Creed, beliefs and religion.
• Philosophy of life/belief system.
• Religion of childhood (if different).
• Religion of spirituality.

Question 6

Cultural assessment (6):

Answer 6

• Race, ethnicity.
• Age.
• Gender or sexual orientation.
• Language differences and barriers.
• Immigration status.
• Ethnic enclave and community.

Question 7

Assessments over time- measuring outcomes:

Answer 7

• You have a legal and moral responsibility to keep your

clients safe from harm whilst they are using your service.

Question 8

Eco-map for social work assessment (2):

Answer 8

• A visual tool that provides structures for discovering the client’s context.
• Focus on the family’s relationship with its external environment.

Question 9

Genogram for social work assessment (3):

Answer 9

• A diagram that describes family relationships for two or three generations.
• Provides a historical picture.
• Useful for determining the family’s strengths and discovering their resources.

Question 10

Interview definition:

Answer 10

A person-to-person interaction that has a definite and deliberate purpose that is recognized and accepted by both participants.

Question 11

Interview Techniques (5):

Answer 11

• Listening (empathetic/active).
• Open ended and closed ended questions.
• Clarification questions.
• Paraphrasing.
• Furthering.

Question 12

The solution-focused interview:

Answer 12

• Motivational or solution-focused interviewing, using client strengths and resources rather than expert-directed problem discussions and answer.
• Focus on what is possible and changeable rather than on what is impossible.

Question 13

Solution-focused interviewing skills:

Answer 13

• Recognise past successes and strengths.
• Look for exceptions/exception questions.
• Copy previous personal successes or the successes of other admirable people.
• Use the “miracle question” or some variant.