SOCW 6111 Comprehensive Assessment Assignment

SOCW 6111 Comprehensive Assessment Assignment

Assignment: Comprehensive Assessment

A comprehensive understanding of a client’s presenting problems depends on the use of multiple types ofassessment models. Each model gathers different information based on theoretical perspective and intent. An assessment that focuses on one area alone not only misses vital information that may be helpful in planning an intervention, but may encourage a biased evaluation that could potentially lead you to an inappropriate intervention. When gathering and reviewing a client’s history, sometimes it is easier to focus on the problems and not the positive attributes of the client. In social work, the use of a strengths perspective requires that a client’s strengths, assets, and resources must be identified and utilized. Further, using an empowerment approach in conjunction with a strengths perspective guides the practitioner to work with the client to identify shared goals. You will be asked to consider these approaches and critically analyze the multidisciplinary team’s response to the program case study of Paula Cortez.

For this Assignment, review the program case study of the Cortez family.

POST

In a 2- to 4-page paper, complete a comprehensive assessment of Paula Cortez, utilizing two of the assessment models provided in Chapter 5 of the course text.

•        Using the Cowger article, identify at least two areas of strengths in Paula’s case.
•        Analyze the perspectives of two members of the multidisciplinary team, particularly relative to Paula’s pregnancy.
•        Explain which model the social workers appear to be using to make their assessment.
•        Describe the potential for bias when choosing an assessment model and completing an evaluation.
•        Suggest strategies you, as Paula’s social worker, might try to avoid these biases.

Support your Assignment with specific references to the resources. Be sure to provide full APA citations for your references.

Discussion:Screening and Assessment Tools

What is important to know and when is it important to know it? To intervene in a problem, a social worker must first identify the problem. Screening and initial assessment can be useful to identity individuals who may be experiencing mental health concerns and could benefit from seeing a clinical social worker. This then would lead to a more comprehensive assessment from which a treatment plan is built. However, deciding who to assess, when, and using which tools can feel like a confusing process. For example, should you provide depression screenings in the community to people who are not clients? Should you screen all new clients for substance abuse regardless of presenting problem? Should you ask about suicide in every session or only when it feels like it could be a concern?

For this Discussion, review the following resources and consider the different screening and assessment tools currently available. Identify the tools you think you would be most likely to use in your practice.

SAMPLE ANSWER

Social Work Assessment Models

When it comes to social work, assessment is a vital part of the process. After all, how can you properly help someone if you don’t fully understand their situation? There are a variety of different assessment models used by social workers, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. In this blog post, we will explore some of the most popular assessment models used in social work today. By the end, you should have a better understanding of which model might be best suited for your needs.

The Different Types of Social Work Assessment Models

There are several different types of social work assessment models that can be used when working with clients. The most common type of assessment model is the Psychosocial History Taking model. This model focuses on taking a detailed history of the client’s life, including their family background, mental health history, and any other relevant information. This information is then used to create a treatment plan that is tailored to the individual client’s needs.

Another popular assessment model is the Strengths-Based Assessment model. This model focuses on identifying the strengths and resources that the client already has in their life, and then using those strengths to help them overcome their challenges. This approach helps to empower clients and build their confidence as they work towards meeting their goals.

whichever type of assessment model is used, the goal is always to gather as much information about the client as possible so that an individualized and effective treatment plan can be created.

The Pros and Cons of each Model

The three most common models of social work assessment are the problem-solving model, the strengths perspective model, and the psychodynamic model. Each of these models has its own unique advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when choosing which model is right for you.

The problem-solving model is the most popular and widely used model of social work assessment. This model focuses on identifying and solving problems that are preventing the client from reaching their goals. The main advantage of this model is that it is very practical and action-oriented. The main disadvantage of this model is that it can be too simplistic and may not take into account all of the factors that are affecting the client.

The strengths perspective model is a newer model of social work assessment that focuses on identifying and building upon the client’s strengths. The main advantage of this model is that it can help to empower clients and build their self-confidence. The main disadvantage of this model is that it may not always be realistic, and it can also be difficult to implement in practice.

The psychodynamic model is an oldermodel of social work assessment that focuses on understanding the underlying psychological factors that are affecting the client. The main advantage of this model is that it can provide insight into why the client is behaving in a certain way. The main disadvantage of this mode1is that it can be very theoretical and may not always be applicable to real-world situations.

Which Model is the best for each Situation?

When it comes to social work assessment models, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The best model for each situation depends on a number of factors, including the nature of the problem, the resources available, and the preference of the social worker.

Some of the most popular assessment models used in social work include the Case Formulation Method, the Problem-Solving Model, and the Ecological Model. Each of these models has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to select the one that will best meet the needs of your particular client.

The Case Formulation Method is a good choice when you need to gather detailed information about a client’s history and current situation. This model requires a thorough understanding of psychopathology, which can be difficult to achieve without specialized training.

The Problem-Solving Model is more focused on immediate concerns and can be used with clients who are dealing with relatively simple problems. This model is less complicated than the Case Formulation Method and may be more suitable for social workers who are just starting out.

The Ecological Model takes a broad view of assessment, looking at how individual problems are connected to larger issues in society. This model can be helpful in identifying systemic problems that contribute to individual difficulties. However, it can also be overwhelming for both social workers and clients alike.

How to Use each Model

There are a variety of assessment models used in social work, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. It is important to choose the right model for the situation, as each has different implications for intervention and treatment.

The most common assessment models are the medical model, the psychological model, and the sociological model.

The medical model is based on the idea that mental illness is a physical disease that can be diagnosed and treated. This model focuses on the individual and their symptoms. It is often used in crisis situations where immediate intervention is necessary.

The psychological model is based on the idea that mental illness is caused by psychological factors. This model focuses on inner conflict and unconscious motivations. It can be used to understand why someone is behaving in a certain way or to help them change their behavior.

The sociological model is based on the idea that mental illness is caused by social factors. This model looks at larger systemic issues such as poverty or discrimination. It can be used to advocate for social change or to provide support to people who are suffering from social ills.

Conclusion

There are a number of different social work assessment models that can be used in order to evaluate individuals and families in need. Each model has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it is important to choose the right one for each specific case. Ultimately, the goal is to find an assessment model that will provide the most accurate information possible in order to create a plan of action that will best help the individual or family in need.