Assessment
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Assessment

Revised April 23, 2008

Purpose: This category describes the information collected by the Social Worker (SW) in an assessment, the skills the SW needs to conduct an effective assessment and where to find information about assessments designed for specific programs.

GUIDELINES

  1. A social service assessment is a brief or extended compilation of client information including:       

    1. Risk factors,

    2. Mental / physical conditions,

    3. Family interaction,

    4. Employment support network,

    5. Needs,

    6. Strengths,

    7. Barriers, and

    8. Other significant information as presented by the client or observed by the social worker.

  2. During the assessment the SW and the client work together to identify the resources available to the client through the CSO, other agencies or community-based organizations.

  3. To conduct an effective assessment the SW needs the skill and ability to:

    1. Create an environment in which the client feels safe to discuss sensitive and personal issues.

    2. Establish rapport with the client.

    3. Apply active listening skills.

    4. Identify the client's interests, skills, abilities, obstacles, strengths, needs for services, and personal resources.

    5. Help the client develop and set realistic goals and action plans.

    6. Use professional expertise to observe and note the client’s physical appearance, body language, eye contact, affect, dress, personal hygiene, speech patterns and cognitive abilities.

    7. Gather and incorporate other medical / psychological reports, tests and information, as needed to complete the assessment.

  4. The SW and other program staff use the information collected through the assessment to develop an action plan, or other plans for service delivery.

  5. There are several assessment / evaluation tools available to Social Workers, they include:

  • e-JAS automated assessment

  • Intensive Services Assessment

  • Teen Living Assessment

  • GAU - Progressive Evaluation Process (PEP)

  • PEP for refugees - RCA clients

  • Disability Assessment / SSI Facilitation

  • Good Cause Determination

  • Necessary Supplemental Accommodations

  • Learning Needs Screening Tool

This chart shows the assessment types, what form or system is used to collect the information required for the assessment and purpose of the assessment in relation to the specific program in which it is used.

Reasons for Assessment

Assessment Form or System

Purpose of Assessment

Pregnancy to Employment

e-JAS assessment or Intensive Services Assessment

Determines the type of participation activities that best meets the needs of parent and child based on the results of the assessment.

Whole Family Services

e-JAS assessment

Determines the participant's strengths, needs and the barriers to participation / employment.

Intensive Services

e-JAS assessment or Intensive Services Assessment

Determines the participant's strengths, needs and the barriers to participation / employment.

Minor Teen Living

Teen Living Assessment 14-427 (X)

Assess the minor's living arrangement and the social services needs of the minor and her child.

First Steps

e-JAS assessment or Intensive Services Assessment 14-433 (X)

Assess pregnancy related issues, as well as social services needs of the mother.

GAU assessment

DSHS 14-050 (X) Statement of Education, Employment, and Health DSHS 14-235(X) PEP part 1 and DSHS 14-235A(X) PEP part 2, Incapacity Determination forms or the ICMS automated version

Assess work history, skills and abilities. Determines the severity level, length of a client's incapacity and ultimate eligibility for GAU program.

Refugee Personal Employment Plan

RCA Personal Employment Plan (DSHS 14-191(X))

Primary data input document, all services are initiated from this document. Case plan and all referral services are recorded on this document.

Disability / SSI Facilitation

Disability Assessment DSHS 14-332 Guide or automated ICMS version

Determines GAX eligibility and the appropriateness of a referral to SSI.

Good Cause

e-JAS Family Violence assessment category and the Good Cause Decision form 18-444 (X)

Determines if there are family violence issues that would put the client at risk if DCS collects support.

Necessary Supplemental Accommodation (NSA)

NSA Accommodation Plan 14-415(X)

Determines need for accommodation to access DSHS services.

Learning Needs Screening tool

e-JAS screening / evaluation and e-JAS assessment

Screens for presence of learning needs and possible learning disabilities.

Issue Specific (family violence, substance abuse, mental health, general health, child welfare, etc.)

e-JAS assessment or Intensive Services Assessment 14-433 (X)

Examines a specific issue and how it affects a participant’s ability to participate and the services needed to address the barrier.

WORKER RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Receive referral for assessment from the WorkFirst case manager, GAU Financial Eligibility Worker or through local office procedure via the e-JAS system or hard copy paper referral.

  2.  Determine the type of assessment required.

  3. Conduct the assessment in a safe and confidential environment.

  4. Document the results of the assessment in the appropriate automated system.

  5. Provide feedback to the referring worker regarding the results of the assessment and the recommendations for further services and participation.

  6. Make appropriate referrals to community service providers when necessary.

  7. Develop an IRP that addresses the needs discovered in the assessment.

  8. Provide assistance and support services to the client to help them meet the goals established on their IRP. (See Social Services Manual Introduction chapter for overview of role of the Social Worker).

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Modification Date: April 23, 2008
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