Two pieces of evidence that demonstrate knowledge, values, skills, and/or cognitive & affective processes in Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities:

- One from your practicum experience (identify learning activity(ies) that best exemplify the competency)

- One from Social Work Research Methods (5536) or Program Evaluation (5550)

A paragraph rationalization for each piece of evidence chosen. 

Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Social workers understand that evaluation is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Social workers recognize the importance of evaluating processes and outcomes to advance practice, policy, and service delivery effectiveness. Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge in evaluating outcomes. Social workers understand qualitative and quantitative methods for evaluating outcomes and practice effectiveness. 

Social workers:

• select and use appropriate methods for evaluation of outcomes;
• apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the evaluation of outcomes;
• critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate intervention and program processes and outcomes; and
• apply evaluation findings to improve practice effectiveness at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels

Practicum Example:

“Quarterly, I will use the results of focus groups/work groups to develop some solutions to obstacles using a trauma informed and person-in-environment approach as evidenced by my personal practicum notes.”

A good example of this is an impromptu, house-meeting type discussion we had with our clients about PRIDE Haven, Save Inc, what they like about the program, what needed to be changed, and the issues they deal with on a daily basis. Clients were very open and respectful but were able to express their true thoughts about issues with shelter and receive solid answers and explanations from staff. A lot of the clients afterward said they really enjoyed being able to speak with staff in a way that made them feel empowered and like PRIDE Haven is a true community for them. 

Example:

Program Eval has been great in the way it has walked us step-by-step through how to conduct an evaluation of a program or agency. I’ve learned a lot a feel confident in my skills to develop an assessment. I have especially enjoyed being able to apply it to PRIDE Haven, something I am extremely passionate about. I have been able to use the things I’ve learned in class to brainstorm better ways to capture useful data for shelter, which data is most useful, and new ideas to help shelter succeed.