12 Core Functions of a Professional Helper SWU-292 Mesa Community College Paul Rock Krech

1. Screening The process by which the client is determined appropriate and eligible for admission to a particular program. Some global criteria of SCREENING are: Biopsychosocial (and often spiritual) evaluation Physiological signs and symptoms (SXS)of alcohol/drug use, abuse or dependency (Dependence vs.. Abuse as per DSM-IV) Determination of the Client’s appropriateness for admission and/or referral

2. Intake The administrative and initial assessment procedures for admission to a program. Generally and extension of the screening process, when the decision to admit is formally made and documented. Some global criteria of Intake are: Completing required documents for admission to the program. Completing required documents for program eligibility and appropriateness Obtain appropriately signed consent forms when soliciting information from or providing information to outside sources to protect client confidentiality and rights.

3. Orientation The orientation may be provided before, during and/or after the client’s screening and intake. It can be conducted in and individual, group or family context. Portions of orientation may include other personnel for certain specific aspects of the treatment, such as a psychiatrist for medication. Some global criteria of the orientation process are: Providing an overview to the client by describing program goals and objectives for client care. Providing and overview to the client by describing program rules, client obligations and rights. Provide an overview to the client on program operations.

4. Assessment The procedure by which the helper/program identifies individuals’ strengths, needs, opportunities for construction of the treatment plan. Although assessment is a continuing process, it is generally emphasized early in treatment. The assessment evaluates major life areas. Some global criteria of assessment are the gathering of: Relevant history, vocational development, social adaptation, etc. Identify methods and procedures for obtaining corroborative information from significant secondary sources; Identify and utilize appropriate assessment tools; Explain rationale for use of assessment techniques to facilitate understanding; Develop a diagnostic evaluation to facilitate treatment planning.

5. Treatment Planning The process by which the professional helper and client identify and rank problems needing resolution, establish agreed upon immediate and long-term goals, and decide upon a treatment process and the resources to be utilized.

6. Counseling The utilization of special skills to assist individuals, families, couples or groups in achieving objectives through the exploration of a problem and its ramifications; examining the attitudes and feelings; consideration of alternative solutions, and decision making.

7. Case Management The coordination of a multiple services plan, i.e. activities which bring services, agencies, resources, or people together within a planned framework of action toward the achievement of established goals. It may involve liaison activities and collateral contacts.

8. Crisis Intervention Those services which respond to a client’s, family’s or other system’s needs during acute emotional and/or physical stress: i.e. emergency, family overload, overdose etc.

9. Client Education Provision of information to individuals and groups concerning alternative methods for viewing problems and solutions, available services and resources, and other dynamics related to problem solving.

10. Referral Identifying the needs of a client that cannot be met by the professional helper or the agency and assisting the client to utilize and support systems and community resources availability. This requires the helper to be proficient in identifying and connecting with various community resources.

11. Reports and Record Keeping Charting the results of the assessment and treatment plan, writing progress notes, reports, discharge summaries, and other client related data.

12. Consultation Some global criteria for consultation may include: Meetings for discussion, decision-making and planning. Relating with in-house staff or outside professionals to assure comprehensiveness and quality care for the client. This may be done in tandem with other helping professionals, supervisors, counselors, psychologists, physicians, probation officers providing services connected to the client’s care. Some global criteria for consultation may include: Recognition of issues beyond the scope of the helper’s knowledge base and level of training. Consultation with appropriate resources to ensure the provision of effective treatment services.