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Interviewing skills in the social work field are competencies that contribute to productive conversations with clients. This interview reveals important information about the client’s history, needs, and challenges and also helps the social worker build a rapport with them.
In social case work, the main purpose of the interviewing are: To win confidence and cooperation of the client. To obtain knowledge of the situation. To study the person, his problems, his needs and resources.
- Provide a Comfortable Setting. One of the most important social work interviewing skills is creating a safe space for your clients.
- Ask Open-ended Questions. Asking the right questions is a foundation of any social work interview.
- Practice Active Listening.
- Reflect and Interpret.
How does a social worker interview a child?
Usually they will start by introducing themselves and explaining their role. They will probably talk about school, your child’s favourite things to do etc, and then about what the child would do and who they would talk to if they were worried about something. The social worker will not want to upset your child.
Why is it important to make social workers accountable of their actions?
Accountability is important for the social work professional as it supports a degree of autonomous action prohibited in other fields of social care activity. Social work is accountable to its professional body which in turn is accountable to government.
“I have always wanted to go into social work as a career because I feel the field offers many opportunities to advance in different areas. Having the ability to continue my education, specialize in mental health counseling and apply the skills I developed in my experience drives me to achieve more in my career.
Other competency-based questions you could be asked in social work interview include: Give an example of a complex case you’ve worked on. What actions did you take? Tell us about a time when you’ve contributed to effective team working.