SFW0069 - Strengths-based Assessments & Measuring Progress

Course Description

In this course, we begin with a brief overview of the strengths-based approach to working with families that include a review of the core principles, the Help-Giving Cycle, and Protective Factors. We then discuss what an assessment is, and how to assess client strengths, skills, and motivations. In this process of assessment, we will look at the importance of allowing them to tell their story and how to be a collaborative partner in this process with families. We will explore a few of the most used assessment tools, as well as the use of powerful questioning and other interview techniques during your information-gathering process.  

The second part of the training will focus on goal planning and monitoring progress. Some key features of these sections will be to help the worker understand the purpose of goal planning, guiding clients in creating goals and objectives, how to prioritize those goals, and manage possible obstacles. We will look at values-based goals, introduce SMART Goals, and provide opportunities to practice creating them. Workers will learn how to measure families’ progress with their goals, next steps, and the creation of new goals. The conclusion of the course will guide you in learning how to manage transitions, endings, and terminations that can occur during their time with families. Throughout this course, you will have multiple examples of how to use your strengths-based skills throughout the goal planning and monitoring process.  

UPDATE: As of July 1, 2024, Temple University Harrisburg will be changing the 90 day deadline to 30 days. Based on the data collected and feedback from participants, we believe this is in the best interests of the participant to ensure the timely completion of the program. This change will go in effect for all current and future course enrollments starting on that date. 

Learner Outcomes

After completing this module, participants will be able to: 

• Identifying strengths-based approach strategies that help build trusting relationships. 

• Identify SMART Goals and their importance in building a Family Goal Plan. 

• Describe the process of completing a Family Goal Plan, including updates and why it is important. 

• Discuss the importance of identifying strengths and opportunities for improvement with families/individuals in the goal planning process. 

• Discuss how to communicate with family/individuals on how their progress will be measured. 

• Identify formal and informal assessments used in a strengths-based approach to goal planning. 

• Discuss ways to navigate the endings to the helping relationship in a strengths-based way.

Notes

All participants have 90 days from the date of their enrollment in which to complete and successfully pass the course.

All cancellation requests must be in writing via email to sfwtuh@temple.edu and received by the Temple University Harrisburg staff before becoming effective.

**Please note: If a cancellation request is not made and the registrant does not attend the course as originally scheduled, the registrant is still responsible for payment for the scheduled course.

Cancellation and Refund Policy:

All cancellation requests must be received within 72 hours (3 business days) from the date of enrollment in the course AND the registered person has not accessed any portion of the online course. Cancellations that meet the criterial listed above will be eligible for a full refund of fees paid. 

This course has been approved for 0.6 CEUs and 6 Social Work Continuing Education Hours. Temple University is a PA State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors pre-approved provider of continuing education.

Certificates documenting continuing education hours will be issued by Temple University Harrisburg. Participants must request these certificates through the CE request form/process listed below.

Certificates of completion documenting satisfactory completion of the professional development course will be generated/issued through DestinyOne.

To obtain Continuing Education Hours/Units, please complete the following items:

• Pay the Continuing Education Fee of $20 (optional choice at check-out)
• Complete all required assignments in Canvas and obtain an 80% or higher for passing.
• Complete the CE Request Form (click blue hyperlink)
• Complete the Course Evaluation (include your name)

Recommendations

To successfully complete the training and activities, the materials needed/recommended are:

• Computer/Laptop (recommend 5 yrs. old or newer)
  • Processor: 2.4 GHz or faster
  • 4 GB of RAM
  • Operating System: Windows 10
• Internet connection (1.5 Mbps-ok; 5 Mbps- better)
• Mouse
• Keyboard
• Audio equipment (i.e., computer speakers)
• Web Browser - Google Chrome, recommended
• Software - Microsoft Office and Adobe Reader

Basic Computer Proficiency

• Using a keyboard and mouse
• Selecting, copying, pasting text
• Sending and receiving email
• Saving and retrieving files in different formats (.docx, .pdf, .pptx., etc.)
• Using a text editor (changing fonts, inserting links, using spell check, etc.)
• Browsing for files to attach and upload
• Accessing the Internet using a web browser and resetting basic web browser settings (clearing cache/history, cookies, etc.)

Testimonials

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

• SFW Credential : Certificate
• Strengths-based Assessments & Measuring Progress : Certificate