Effective Case Work

Orbis delivers a variety of training options on effective case work practice – from introductory workshops to intensive training. Customized programs can be designed to fit the unique needs in criminal justice jurisdictions and other service settings. Participants are exposed to a variety of techniques to reduce risk and promote the acquisition of new skills among their clients.

Practices subsumed under the umbrella of case work include an array of activities including assessment, classification, supervision, referral and treatment. There is a large body of research that identifies the key components of a case management model that can result in positive outcomes for youth and adults receiving correctional and other human services. The overall thrust of effective case work training is to provide case workers with skills that are research-based. As such, the principles of risk, need, responsivity and program integrity form the foundation of the effective practices curriculum. Motivational Interviewing methods also important building blocks introduced during the curriculum. While training participants learn the theory and research behind effective casework, the style and delivery of the training emphasizes acquisition of new case work skills.

Training participants learn to conceptualize the case work process into a series of components: Mapping, Finding the Hook, Moving Forward and Reviewing and Supporting. Each component involves a set of core skills. Case workers gain experience in effective methods for conducting assessments and interpreting results, case planning skills, making referrals to effective interventions, and effective methods for monitoring the progress of clients. Throughout training on the core components of case work, participants learn to use motivational interviewing techniques to help keep their clients mobilized in the process of behavioral change.

Orbis can customize the effective case work curriculum to meet the needs of clients, including adaptation for specific assessment tools, criminal justice court processing practices, and the available menu of services the jurisdiction uses to service clients. In addition, technical support for the implementation of the case work model can be provided through refresher training and on-site technical support.

Orbis delivers a variety of training options on effective case work practice - from introductory workshops to intensive training.