HN 499 BACHELOR’S CAPSTONE FOR HUMAN SERVICES Unit 3 Seminar Becky Day

Unit 3 Project  Using the same hypothetical client from the Unit 2 project, create a needs assessment plan.  You’ve got this client – know their demographics – know their problem – thought about best practices for helping them – what do they NEED to start working on their intervention plan – to start moving toward treatment goals

Unit 3 Project  This plan will consist of  a list of the client’s needs  a ranking of the most immediate to the least, and  an intervention plan for meeting the needs – using the strength- based model

Unit 3 Project The suggested format for the sections is: 1.Introduction of client’s needs (half page) 2.Prioritization of needs with explanation (one page)

Unit 3 Project 3.Explanation of proposed interventions and description of possible obstacles that could prevent access to services (one page) – use strength-based approach 4.Plan for evaluation of interventions (half page) 5.Brief conclusion *These are suggested minimum page requirements for your paper.

Unit 3 Project Your project should reflect professional writing standards using proper tone and language. The writing and writing style should be correct, accurate, and reflect knowledge of human service theories. The paper should be a minimum of three pages, double spaced, in APA format.

Assessing Needs

Clients who seek assistance from human service professionals do so because they lack something, either financial resources or personal resources (e.g., knowledge). To provide the best service to your clients, it is important to assess and prioritize their needs with their help. To really assist your clients, you also need to identify their strengths, abilities, and resources.

Assessment Tools Intake forms Clinical Interviews. Behavioral Observations. Symptom/Problem Checklists. Symptom-Focused Inventories. Personality Inventories.

Additional information Family History. Cultural background. Educational history. Employment history. Social Support/Interpersonal Issues. Religion/Spirituality. Prior attempts at solving the problem. Typical coping strategies.

Prioritizing Needs Remember – needs are not treatment plans. A client doesn’t “need” substance abuse counseling that is a method of addressing his/her “need” to abstain from drugs Often one need is linked to many others; for example, if a client has no job, there are multiple problems linked to unemployment. Address crisis needs/situations first Must start by addressing most basic needs first – Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

Strengths-Based Approach A strengths-based approach is a positive psychology perspective that emphasizes the capabilities and strengths of the individual. Strength-Based Counseling focuses on what is going right in a person’s life. The counselor and client work together to find past and present successes and use these to address the challenges being faced.

Strengths-Based Approach Potential strengths or assets identified may include: Physical Health Social Supports Emotional Resilience Spiritual Outlook Vocational/Financial Intellectual/Giftedness.

Strengths-Based Approach Strength-based assessment approach is founded on the following principles: 1.All clients have strengths. 2.Focusing on client’s strengths instead of weaknesses may result in enhanced motivation and improved performance. 3.Failure to demonstrate a skill should first be viewed as an opportunity to learn the skill as opposed to a problem.

H Humanism O Optimism P Possibilities E Expectancy “Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope or confidence.” - Helen Keller

Strengths-Based Principles Client Contributions The Relationship and Alliance Cultural Competence Focus on Change Expectancy and Hope Factor of Fit

Strengths-Based Principles Client Contributions Clients are the most significant contributors to outcome Recognize clients as competent and capable of change Identify and employ internal strengths Identify and assist with developing supportive social systems, resources, and networks The Relationship & Alliance Offer service options that are respectful of clients and their cultures and incorporate their perceptions and preferences Incorporate processes for learning clients’ views of service-oriented relationships and integrate feedback into all aspects of services Collaborate with clients on determining goals and tasks to accomplish goals

Strengths-Based Principles (cont.) Cultural Competence Maintain self-awareness of one’s own heritage, background, and experiences and their influence on attitudes, values, and biases Recognize limits of multicultural competency and expertise; consult others who share cultural similarities and expertise with clients being served Acknowledge clients as teachers and experts on their own lives Change as a Process View change as constant and scan for spontaneous change View change as attainable and problems as challenges to progress, not fixed pathology Focus on maximizing the impact of each interaction and/or meeting Monitor change from the outset Maintain a future focus Focus on creating small changes Allow reentry or easy access to future services as needed

Strengths-Based Principles (cont.) Expectancy and Hope Demonstrate faith in clients and in the restorative effects of services Believe and demonstrate faith in the procedures/practices utilized Show interest in the results Ensure that the procedure or orientation is credible from the client’s frame of reference and is connected with or elicits previously successful experiences View clients as people, not as their problems or difficulties or in ways that depersonalize them Factor of Fit Assess the client’s readiness for change Use methods that fit with, support, or complement the client’s worldview and expectations Use methods that capitalize on client strengths and resources Use methods that increase the client’s sense of sense of hope, expectancy, or personal control, and contribute to increased self- esteem, self-efficacy, and self- mastery

5-Point Process 1. 1.Create a Context of Collaboration 2. 2.Strengthen Through Presence 3. 3.Collaborate on Goals and Outcomes 4. 4.Focus on Change 5. 5.Evaluate and Monitor Progress, and Respond Appropriately * Repeat cycle as needed

Unit 3 Project 1.Introduction of client’s needs - not interventions 2.Prioritization of needs with explanation – hierarchy 3.Explanation of proposed interventions and description of possible obstacles that could prevent access to services – strength-based approach 4.Plan for evaluation of interventions – how will you determine if needs are being met 5.Brief conclusion