Interviewing Techniques for Continuing Services

Level: Advanced Practice –Lineworker and Supervisors

Credits: 6

Intended Audience: CWS Workers and Supervisors with FR, FM, and PP caseloads

Intended Objectives:

• Review basic interviewing techniques
• Understand the differences between investigations interviews and ongoing interviews
• Develop specific skills for interviewing across racial and gender lines
• Learn to assess caregivers capacities to participate in the case plans

Topics Include:

• Effective interviewing techniques for continuing services
• Rapport building with caregivers
• Strength-based strategies and the promotion of fairness and equity
• Engagement skills with families in the continuing services process
• The collaborative process in making casework decisions

CalSWEC Competencies Addressed:

1.1 Student demonstrates respect, fairness, and cultural competence in assessing, working with, and making service decisions regarding clients of diverse backgrounds.

1.2 Student demonstrates self-awareness and the ability to address and overcome personal bias in assessing and working with clients of diverse backgrounds.

1.5 Student understands the importance of a client’s primary language and supports its use in providing child welfare assessment and intervention services.

3.12 Student understands the inherent power differential in working with clients and can effectively manage and balance that power.

4.1 Student demonstrates skill in interviewing children and families for assessment, service planning, intervention, and forensic purposes.