Needs Assessment: Foundations

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Type of recognition

Assessed microcredential

Learning Objectives/Outcomes

1. Introduce yourself to a client and review confidentiality.
2. Understand the general components of a needs assessment interview.
3. Establish a rapport with a client.
4. Demonstrate effective questioning skills.
5. Initiate an effective needs assessment interview/conversation.

Learning Content

The needs assessment is the heart of case management. Communication skills learned and practiced are used to conduct an effective needs assessment. Assessing a client's needs is usually our initial focus with our clients, and it continues throughout our work with them. The information gathered will inform decision-making and next steps. Learning relevant to this microcredential includes communication skills, establishing a rapport, strategies for effective questioning, explaining confidentiality and its limits, and the needs assessment interview/conversation.

Assessment

Earners have completed an assignment that involves recording the first 10 minutes of a simulated needs assessment with a client (portrayed by a coworker, family member, etc.). This involves demonstrating communication skills (non-verbal, verbal, and listening), building the working alliance (including introducing themselves and explaining confidentiality), and needs assessment skills (questioning, relevant information-gathering).

Earners have completed a self-evaluation of their recording, and both are submitted to the assessor for evaluation and feedback.

The assessor will evaluate the demonstration of these skills based on the rating scale; 1. Further development required, 2. Meets expectations, 3. Meets and exceeds expectations, or N/A for not applicable.

The following skills are assessed on the above rating scale:

1. Non-verbal communication skills
2. Listening skills
3. Verbal communication skills
4. Working alliance
5. Needs assessment skills

Estimated learning effort

10 hours

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