The place of assessment in social work processes
Learning Objectives
After considering this resource, you should understand the place and importance of assessment in the social work process.
This resource introduces assessment as a crucial aspect of social work practice and an integral part of the Assessment-Planning-Intervention-Review process. Assessment can take place at different points during contact with service users, and at different levels. As such it is a fluid and ongoing activity, involving the need to address complex, competing and contradictory factors, rather than the unambiguous identification of needs. The gathering of information can involve the social worker in partnership with service users and carers, and with other professionals.
Ruben Martin highlights the skills needed in assessment, and the theoretical knowledge, ethical principles and professional values underpinning assessment. Stressing the need for critical reflection and analysis, he acknowledges that assessment in social work is not an exact science, but involves social workers in making professional judgements and interpretations and addressing ethical dilemmas inherent in balancing rights and responsibilities.
Reflective Questions
- Can you recall instances when you have been 'assessed' (for example, at school, college or university, taking your driving test, visiting a doctor for a health check, going for a job interview)? What was the experience like for you? How did you respond to someone making a judgement about you, your capability or achievement? Did you agree with the result of the assessment? Might there be parallels between your experiences and feelings and those of service users being assessed?
- Considering the impact of your own values on your work, and the need to maintain personal and professional boundaries, what personal values (beliefs, religious views, issues you feel strongly about) might you have to 'ring-fence', so that they do not intrude inappropriately when you are making assessments?
- When undertaking an assessment, you may have to ask delicate questions about someone's life, parenting, sexual behaviour, relationships, personal care. How comfortable would you feel dealing with these issues? How might you explain and approach these subjects to minimise the intrusion into people's private lives?
- Have you ever had to interact with someone who was reluctant or resistant to engage with you, or uncooperative? How did you manage? If you have not had this experience, how do you think you might cope? Do you have the macro-skills involved in investigative interviewing? (Suggested by Milne and Bull (1999) and outlined in the 'Assessment skills' section of the resource). Are there aspects of them that you would need to develop?