1. ©2011, Cengage Learning, Brooks/ Cole Publishing Beginning Chapter 8 Social Work Skills Workbook Barry Cournoyer Indiana University School of Social Work Supplements Developed by Patricia Clark, Northwestern State University of Louisiana

2. Introduction Because first impressions are so important, the initial face-to-face contact often affects all future encounters. The beginning portion of each subsequent interview tends to influence the course of those meetings as well. ©2011, Cengage Learning, Brooks/ Cole Publishing

3. When first meeting a client, the worker needs skills in each of the following areas: –Introducing yourself. –Seeking introductions. –Describing an initial purpose. –Orienting clients. –Discussing policy and ethical factors. –Seeking feedback. ©2011, Cengage Learning, Brooks/ Cole Publishing

4. An effective beginning results when the worker and the prospective client – accomplish the purpose for which they first meet (e.g., information gathering, information giving, assessment forming, or change making) and –reach a mutual agreement concerning a next step in the process. ©2011, Cengage Learning, Brooks/ Cole Publishing

5. Introducing Yourself When first meeting a client, identify yourself by full name and profession, and by agency or departmental affiliation. A friendly facial expression and a handshake are generally appropriate. –Be sensitive to cultural differences. ©2011, Cengage Learning, Brooks/ Cole Publishing

6. Seeking Introductions Ask clients how they wish to be addressed and how to pronounce their names. In family and group contexts, you may find it useful to ask members to introduce themselves in a “go around.” ©2011, Cengage Learning, Brooks/ Cole Publishing

7. Describing Initial Purpose New clients tend to look to the social worker for leadership. –Lead by discussing your view of the purpose for the meeting. –This provides some guidance for the client, reduces their stress, and helps them conclude that you know what you are doing. ©2011, Cengage Learning, Brooks/ Cole Publishing

8. The purpose of the session is most likely going to be one of the following: –Socialization which may include identity development. skill development. –Re-socialization which may include Social control activities. Rehabilitation services and activities. ©2011, Cengage Learning, Brooks/ Cole Publishing

9. When the purpose of the meeting is clear, workers may then describe the roles they will assume in the helping process. When the purpose of the meeting is clear, workers may then describe the roles they will assume in the helping process. –Possible roles include: AdvocateBroker AdvocateBroker Case managerCounselor Case managerCounselor EducatorFacilitator EducatorFacilitator InvestigatorMediator InvestigatorMediator Therapist Therapist ©2011, Cengage Learning, Brooks/ Cole Publishing

10. Orienting Clients New clients are unsure what to expect and are anxious that they won’t be able to do what is expected of them. Orienting new clients as to what the process will entail and what they can do to help the worker help them relieves a lot of stress and reduces the number of dropouts. ©2011, Cengage Learning, Brooks/ Cole Publishing

11. Discussing Policy and Ethical Factors Information about agency policies and ethical factors have to be discussed with new clients. –This is part of informed consent. –Failure to discuss these things may be grounds for a malpractice action. ©2011, Cengage Learning, Brooks/ Cole Publishing

12. Agency policy and ethical factors constitute the ground rules for the helping process. –Understanding the ground rules is a critical element in developing an authentic, honest, and trusting relationship. ©2011, Cengage Learning, Brooks/ Cole Publishing

13. Among the policies and ethical factors which must be discussed are the following: –Confidentiality. –Mandatory child-abuse reporting. –Action required if a person is a danger to himself or others. –Fees and cancellation policies. –Procedures for discussing dissatisfaction with services. ©2011, Cengage Learning, Brooks/ Cole Publishing

14. Seeking Feedback An important part of communicating effectively involves checking whether others have understood your messages. –Seeking feedback serves this function. –As a social worker, you routinely seek feedback throughout the entire course of your work with clients. ©2011, Cengage Learning, Brooks/ Cole Publishing

15. When you ask for feedback, you invite clients to –identify areas that are unclear. – share thoughts that have occurred to them. –introduce a new topic. –express any disagreement about your comments. By seeking feedback, you send a message that this is a mutual and reciprocal process. ©2011, Cengage Learning, Brooks/ Cole Publishing