TEST TAKING STRATEGIES
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School
Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles *
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Course
22
Subject
Communications
Date
Jan 9, 2024
Type
docx
Pages
3
Uploaded by ABAearlyintervention
TEST-TAKING STRATEGIES
When the SW is asked to intervene, focus on the client’s presenting problem.
According to the steps in the problem-solving process, the social worker must work
with the client to assess the situation before acting.
Whenever social workers are doing assessments, they must determine if client
behaviors result from medical or substance use problems before attributing them to
mental or emotional issues.
Always address these issues FIRST before implementing any other interventions:
Safety, SI/HI, Abuse/Neglect, Active substance use, medical problems, Legal issues
Always read/consider each scenario as being "LIVE"-- You being the SW &the client
being RIGHT in front of you. How would you respond based on the answer choices?
Also, keep ETHICAL STANDARDS at the forefront of your brain for ALL application
questions.
FIRST
- If the question contains the qualifying word—FIRST. There may be more
than one appropriate response choice, but the order in which they are to occur is
critical. What is the
MOST IMPORTANT
thing to do according to what the question
is asking of (you) the SW?
Remember to: Consider the ENTIRE situation. Approach with SEQUENCE
. How do
you INITIATE help?
Remember safety 1st
(Medical issues; substance use, SI/HI,
abuse, neglect, exploitation).
*RULE OUT MEDICAL DIAGNOSIS BEFORE PROVIDING MENTAL HEALTH
INTERVENTIONS*
NEXT
- After reading the entire situation. Evaluate what has already been done.
Now, determine
the LAST thing that’s been done
. If the STEM doesn’t state what
has
already been done, DOUBLE BACK to the sentence/words RIGHT before the
word "NEXT" & zoom your focus/thoughts in RIGHT there to determine what comes
EXACTLY next according to what the question is asking.
MOST/BEST
- Consider the entire situation. Approach with URGENCY AND
PRIORITY. Focus on exactly what's being asked & decide what's best (within the
client's best interest) from the answer choices. While some of the response choices
may be helpful, determine
what makes the most sense & is the best way to help
the client
based on what the stem is asking.
**MEET THE CLIENT WHERE THEY ARE! **
SHOULD/MUST
- Consider the Code of Ethics& the LAW (Legal mandates)
TRUE
- If the question contains a qualifying word—TRUE. It is even capitalized to
assist with identifying the distinguishing factor of the correct response from the rest.
Each statement must be read carefully and evaluated as to its accuracy. The correct
answer is identified through a process of elimination, with each false assertion being
excluded.
NOT
- If the question contains a qualifying word—
NOT
—it requires social workers to
select the response choice that is not an indicator or not correct. When NOT is used
as a qualifying word, it is often helpful to remove it from the question and eliminate
the three response choices that are accurate. This approach will leave the one
response choice that is NOT true.
Priority situations:
o
Safety- abuse, neglect, exploitation, etc.
o
SI/HI- danger to self/others
o
Active substance use- If the client is incoherent, end the session.
o
Medical problems- Assess/address before mental health concerns as they
could be precipitating those issues.
o
Legal issues
Questions regarding the therapeutic relationship:
o
Acknowledge feelings.
o
Address the PRESENTING problem.
o
Consider the client’s wishes- no FORCING.
o
Address the client’s basic needs (food/shelter, etc.) as a priority intervention.
When first meeting with client:
o
Explain confidentiality limitations/Informed consent.
o
Build rapport.
o
Conduct assessments
Questions regarding safety:
o
If a client verbalizes SI/HI- Clarify if the client has a PLAN first.
If plan/intent for S/I- hospitalize (voluntary before involuntary)- the client
cannot voluntarily leave the hospital if involuntarily committed.
If plan/intent for H/I- notify authorities and potential victim
o
NEVER do couples therapy when domestic violence is prevalent- refer each
person to individual therapy.
o
NEVER advise domestic violence victim to leave the relationship unless they
specifically request your assistance with doing so. Your job is to help create a
safety plan and educate about the domestic violence.
o
If you suspect abuse/neglect- clarify first, then report if necessary.
o
When abuse/neglect is obvious- REPORT IMMEDIATELY- Inform/remind client
of your mandated duty to do so.
Questions regarding child/elder safety:
o
If either are involved in any situation, consider their safety first.
Provide referral resources to help is applicable (childcare, groceries,
meals on wheels, etc./removed from home)
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