Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Social workers understand that engagement 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 value the importance of human relationships. Social workers understand theories
of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge to facilitate
engagement with clients and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and
communities. Social workers understand strategies to engage diverse clients and constituencies to advance
practice effectiveness.

Social workers understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions may impact their ability to
effectively engage with diverse clients and constituencies. Social workers value principles of relationshipbuilding and inter-professional collaboration to facilitate engagement with clients, constituencies, and other
professionals as appropriate. Social workers:
apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other
multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks to engage with clients and constituencies; and
use empathy, reflection, and interpersonal skills to effectively engage diverse clients and constituencies.
COMPETENCY 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities
Social workers understand that assessment 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 understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically
evaluate and apply this knowledge in the assessment of diverse clients and constituencies, including
individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers understand methods of
assessment with diverse clients and constituencies to advance practice effectiveness. Social workers
recognize the implications of the larger practice context in the assessment process and value the importance of
interprofessional collaboration in this process. Social workers understand how their personal experiences and
affective reactions may affect their assessment and decision-making. Social workers:
Collect and organize data, and apply critical thinking to interpret information from clients and constituencies;
Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other
multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the analysis of assessment data from clients and constituencies;
Develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objectives based on the critical assessment of strengths,
needs, and challenges within clients and constituencies; and,
Select appropriate intervention strategies based on the assessment, research knowledge, and values and
preferences of clients and constituencies.
Instructions
Read the vignette and answer the questions below.
Vignette – The Reynolds Case
You are a social worker at a “congregate meal site” located in a Senior Citizens high-rise apartment complex.
Seniors from the community can come and receive a low-cost or free meal at this site. During lunch, one of the
residents introduces you to his friends, Bill and Martha Reynolds, age 71 and 65 respectively – and asks if you
can help them. Bill & Martha used to live in Las Vegas, NV and Bill retired seven years ago. Martha was a
volunteer for the local elementary school prior to Bill retiring. Four months ago, Martha had a small stroke and
was hospitalized. She was then transferred to a rehab program where she stayed for two months. When she
was released to their home, she continued receiving home nursing and physical therapy two times a week to
help her get stronger. She was doing great and those services were scheduled to end this week. Then late last
week their home, into which they have sunk all of their life savings, was destroyed by a freak desert tornado.
They did not have homeowners insurance that covers tornados. So they have come to live in your local area.
They are staying in a close by motel and are on the waiting list for the complex. The wait list is 6-8 months. Bill
and Martha have no children and spent most of his retirement savings travelling, entertaining friends and
enjoying their home.
They both have Medicare insurance and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan. Between them they receive a
total of about $2,100 from Social Security “the third of every month.” But they have almost nothing in the bank
now, because they’ve been paying for gasoline, restaurant meals, and motels. Martha needs a refill for an
expensive medicine she takes to prevent another stroke, but none of the pharmacies here will accept her
insurance without approval from their insurance provider, who is out-of-state. The Reynolds are currently
awaiting approval from a local health care provider so they don’t have to pay for the medicine out of pocket, but
haven’t yet established residency.
Bill relates to you, “I feel so bad. We never imagined things could go so wrong. We’ve worked hard all of our 
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lives and we’ve got nothing to show for it. I don’t even know where we’re going to sleep tonight. I feel like I’ve
totally let my Martha down. Here we are homeless, broke, and begging for a handout. I don’t know what to do
anymore.” Bill breaks down and begins to cry.
Other identifier:
Bill is African American and an unregistered member of the 1st Nation Arapaho tribe. His maternal
grandmother was a registered member of the Arapaho nation when she married Bill’s grandfather in college.
Martha is Filipino and Mexican. Bill retired from the US Navy and then worked as an elevator mechanic for a
local elevator company. Martha worked for many of the Las Vegas Casinos as a card dealer and special event
hostess most of her adult life. They had many friends and social interactions in Las Vegas as they lived there
all of their married life. They have kept in touch with a great-niece that lives in Flagstaff, AZ. Martha has
cousins who live in Mexico but she has not interacted with them much since her early adulthood.
Bill has always been the primary provider for the home, with Martha working full time or part time during their
marriage. They are very religious and attended their local Church of God in Christ church in Las Vegas before
relocating. Bill misses the comradery, spiritual support and friendships he had at his church, where he was
active in prison ministry, the men’s mentoring group and sang in the choir. Martha fears she is a burden to Bill
now that she needs so much medical attention.
Through your signatures assignment answer the following questions using the vignette above.
Identify and discuss your role by doing all of the following
Discuss three methods of engaging with these two clients that will help to establish a positive client/work
relationship.
Discuss three cultural differences that may impact rapport building with these clients.
Discuss two significant ways you can demonstrate cultural humility and respect that can positively impact
rapport and engagement building with these clients (identify two for each client)