needs assessment may also help influence policy development H u m a n i t i e s

Discussion 1(a)Social services can serve as a point of entry and intervention for individuals in communities. As a social worker, you also might be involved with communities at many different entry points in order to promote change. For example, you might work for a community-based social service agency, such as an employment service agency, or you may engage local stakeholders in political action to bring about needed change in community services. You would use the point of entry into the community to facilitate assessment and community-based analysis.

Post the following:

• Using your community as a point of reference, describe an issue you have observed that could use macro interventions.
• Identify the involved stakeholders in the community and describe their roles in the community.
• Describe where the entry point might be to apply social work interventions.
• Recommend services or interventions that your colleague could implement after the entry point has been identified.

Discussion 1(b) Data and interventions. Social workers are involved in community needs assessments for many reasons. You might search for funding resources and support for a new program. You may simply get to know the needs of the community to better serve individuals, families, and groups. A needs assessment may also help influence policy development or change.

In macro social work, data is needed in the early stages of planning and throughout assessment. There are many sources of data that can be used. The data may be primary or secondary, quantitative or qualitative. Social workers often will collect data from individuals in the community, but they might also supplement this data with secondary data, such as information from the census bureau. In this Discussion, you will explore the different types of data that may be used as well as their benefits.

Post the following:

• Describe types of data and bargaining information that may be beneficial when planning intervention.
• Explain how these items may be beneficial.
• Or, explain how the data you chose may present a contrasting intervention recommendation.