Friday, March 31, 2017

Handy List of Words for Social Workers



The word Health surrounded by a collage of words related to heal

As a social worker, you are required to keep case notes. It’s important to maintain detailed records through case documentation. It allows you to create successful outcomes for your clients. Always make sure your case notes are useful. Do your best to make sure they provide insight and value. Analyze your notes and see if they would be useful to another case worker. You want to make sure you give an accurate picture of the client’s history, as well as their current situation.

It’s important to use language that is non-judgmental. Neutral language is the most common form of case notes in social work. It’s also helpful if you avoid making assumptions and remember to stick to the concrete facts. You should always indicate clearly when a comment is an observation. It is imperative you make it clear when you are recording the client’s own words by using quotation marks.
Notes are important in this type of work because the courts can subpoena records and other reports; you have to be careful about what you say about your respective client. Write your case notes immediately after you have spoken with a client. Here’s a handy list of words that many social workers use while writing up their case notes:
  • Acknowledged
    Actively Listened
    Addressed
    Advised
    Advocated
    Asked
    Assisted
    Challenging
    Checked In
    Clarified
    Collaborated
    Commended
    Confronted
    Conducted
    Conveyed
    Crisis Intervention
    Developed
    Educated
    Empathized
    Empowered
    Encouraged
    Ensured
    Established
    Explained
    Explored
    Expressed
    Facilitated
    Focusing/Refocusing
    Framing/Reframing
    Goal (setting)
    Development/Goal Setting
    Guided
    Highlighted
    Honoring
    Identified
    Information Giving/Gathering
    Informed
    Interacted
    Interpreted
    Joined
    Modeled
    Observed
    Physical Activity
    Played
    Praised
    Presented
    Probed
    Problem Solving
    Prompted
    Rapport-building
    Recapped
    Recommended
    Redirected
    Reflected
    Reflective Listening
    Reframed
    Reinforced
    Reiterated
    Reminded
    Reviewed
    Role-played
    Social Skills Practice
    Suggested
    Supported
    Teaching/Lecturing
    Urge