Phase 5 Contracting , Phase 6 Work and Evaluating and Phase 7 Ending/Termination 
Phase Focused Social Work Skills.pdf Download Phase Focused Social Work Skills.pdf 
You anyone you choose as the roll of client for your video. Whatever case situation you used for Lab 1 you will pick back up to complete Lab 2
Case situation: You are a social worker at the Department of Human Resources. You arrive at the home of Mrs. Smith (Mother) who has a history of mental illness, disheveled appearance, and tearful.  She has one child age 9 and is in the middle of child custody proceedings, recently lost her job and hopeless.  An the initial meeting with the boys father Mr. Smith, the worker exchanges introductions and describes a purpose and a role.  Mr. Smith discloses he is fearful his wife may hurt herself or her son.  (From this point on you can make any information you desire for this family) 
From watching your video, I should be able to identify social worker to client relationship more developed and depth.  
Attending behaviors, observing, active listening and nonverbally expressing warmth, exploration, assessing etc.  
The skills you should be demonstrating Include the following: (YOUR VIDEO SHOULD BE 10-15 MIN MINIMUM) 
Establish Goals
Develop action plan
Evaluating, Assessing, Educating, Advising, 
Reframing, 
Linking to resources 
Reassess for suicidal thoughts or ideations/reassess threat to child
Seek Clarification
Validate feelings 
Final evaluation/Discuss feelings of client related to termination 
Provide Feedback to client of success made during this journey.
BEGINNING SKILLS IN SOCIAL WORK
Beginning Skills in Social Work
Lisa Spellman
Troy University
November 2, 2023
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BEGINNING SKILLS IN SOCIAL WORK
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Emily, a Social Worker at the Department of Human Resources, arrives at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Smith at 2:00 PM on a Tuesday afternoon. Mr. Smith, a 45-year-old man, had contacted the
department to express concerns that his wife, Mrs. Smith, may hurt herself or their 9-year-old son, Ted. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are in the middle of child custody proceedings, and Mr. Smith is worried that his wife’s emotional and psychological turbulence may pose imminent threats to both her own well-being and that of their child. Emily’s purpose in this conversation with Mr. Smith is to understand the family’s situation and assist in finding a solution. She aims to understand how Mrs. Smith is feeling and assess any potential danger. By talking to Mr. Smith, Emily plans to create a safety plan, ensuring the well-being of everyone involved, especially 9year-old Ted, amid the complex divorce and custody proceedings.
[Inside Mr. and Mrs. Smith’s living room]
SOCIAL WORKER: Good afternoon, Mr. Smith. My name is Emily, and I’m a Social Worker
from the Department of Human Resources. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today.
MR. SMITH: Hello, Emily. I appreciate you coming. I’m really concerned about my wife and our son. I don’t know what to do anymore.
SOCIAL WORKER: (Nodding empathetically) I understand this is a difficult time for your
family, Mr. Smith. I want to make sure I have a clear understanding of the situation. So, to
confirm, you are Mr. Smith, and you are worried about your wife’s well-being and the safety of your 9-year-old son. Is that correct?
MR. SMITH: Yes, that’s right. I fear that my wife might hurt herself or our son, especially given her recent behavior and emotional state.
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SOCIAL WORKER: (Leaning forward) I appreciate you sharing your concerns with me, Mr. Smith. Our purpose here today is to talk about your family’s well-being and to explore ways we can support both your wife and your son during this challenging time. I also want to assure you that our conversation will be confidential. The information you share with me will remain
private, except if there’s a risk of harm to your wife, your son, or anyone else. Their safety is our top priority.
MR. SMITH: (With a pleading look) Thank you for explaining that, Emily. I just want them
both to be safe.
SOCIAL WORKER: I completely understand, Mr. Smith. Your worry for their safety is valid,
and I’m here to help. To ensure I understand the situation better, can you tell me more about your wife’s recent behavior that has raised these concerns? Has there been anything specific that made you worried about her or your son’s safety?
MR. SMITH: (Hesitating for a moment) She’s been really down, crying a lot, and she hasn’t
been taking care of herself or Ted properly. She lost her job, and the divorce proceedings are taking a toll on her…and uhm…
(Mr. Smith’s voice starts breaking)
SOCIAL WORKER: (Gently encouraging) I appreciate your sharing, Mr. Smith. Your
concerns are valid, and it’s important for us to understand the full picture. Please, take your time.
Whenever you’re ready, I’m here to listen.
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MR. SMITH: (Taking a deep breath) I’m just afraid that she might do something impulsive. It’s just so hard seeing her like this, and I don’t know what to do anymore.
SOCIAL WORKER: I’m sorry to hear that your family is going through such a challenging
time, Mr. Smith. It sounds like your wife is struggling with her emotions and the situation. Your concern for her well-being and your son’s safety is understandable. I’m here to support you and explore ways we can help your family during this difficult period.
MR. SMITH: Thank you, Emily. Your understanding means a lot. It’s just been overwhelming lately. I don’t want Ted to be caught up in all of this.
SOCIAL WORKER: (Nodding in acknowledgment) I can imagine how overwhelming it must be for you, Mr. Smith. It’s clear you care deeply for your son. To better understand the situation,
could you tell me more about the events that led up to your concerns? Anything specific that triggered this worry about your wife’s safety or Ted’s well-being?
MR. SMITH: Well, it started a few weeks ago. My wife became more withdrawn, and stopped eating properly. I thought it was the stress of the divorce, but then she lost her job, and things got worse. She began talking about feeling hopeless, like she’s a burden to us. I found some notes that she’d written, Emily, and they scared me.
SOCIAL WORKER: I appreciate you sharing those details, Mr. Smith. It’s important
information. You’ve shown a lot of courage by reaching out for help. You mentioned finding
notes; did your wife express any specific thoughts or intentions about self-harm in those writings?
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MR. SMITH: Yes, she did. She wrote about not wanting to be a burden anymore and feeling like everything was falling apart. I’m just terrified she might act on these thoughts.
SOCIAL WORKER: (Placing a reassuring hand on Mr. Smith’s arm) I appreciate you being
honest about this, Mr. Smith. It’s crucial for us to understand the gravity of the situation. Your concern for your wife’s safety and Ted’s well-being is evident. Let’s talk a bit more about Ted.
Have you noticed any changes in his behavior or any signs that he might be feeling upset or unsafe due to the family situation?
MR. SMITH: (Blinking rapidly) Ted’s been quieter than usual, spending more time in his room.
He used to be so outgoing, but now he seems withdrawn and anxious. I’m afraid he’s internalizing all of this.
SOCIAL WORKER: Thank you for sharing that, Mr. Smith. It’s concerning to hear how this
situation is affecting Ted as well. Based on what you’ve told me, it seems like your wife’s recent behavior, coupled with the stress of the divorce and job loss, has created a situation where you’re genuinely worried about her safety and the safety of your son, Ted. I can see how overwhelming
this must be for you. It’s clear that your wife’s emotional state and Ted’s well-being are deeply intertwined. I’m here to help you navigate through this, so please, if there’s anything else you think is important for me to know, don’t hesitate to share.
MR. SMITH: Thank you, Emily, for your understanding. I currently don’t think there is
something crucial that I have not shared with you. However, I promise that if anything else
comes to my mind or if there are new developments as we go forward, I’ll let you know. Your support gives me hope that we can find a way through this for my wife and especially for Ted.
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SOCIAL WORKER: I appreciate your honesty, Mr. Smith. One last question: Has your wife
ever received mental health support or counseling in the past?
MR. SMITH: (Shaking his head) No, she hasn’t. This is the first time it has escalated to such a worrying level.
SOCIAL WORKER: Your openness is appreciated, Mr. Smith. I’m here to offer support. From what you’ve shared, it’s clear that your wife’s emotional well-being and Ted’s safety are closely linked. Our top priority is making sure she remains safe, and Ted is in a stable environment.
Together, we’ll create a safety plan and provide the necessary connections to resources. Future sessions will allow us to explore your concerns further and maintain a vigilant eye on thesituation. Please understand, Mr. Smith, you have a partner in this challenging journey. We’re here to navigate it together.
[End of the Beginning Phase]