Written by Dr Dolly Paul Carlo
The Programme for Professional Continuous Excellent Learning (ProCEL) recently concluded its Lifelong Learning professional development short course titled “Assessment in Social Work Practice,” which brought together social work practitioners, welfare workers, and other professions from various sectors (such as various NGOs, and hospital) for an engaging and insightful learning experience.
Held on Wednesday, 10 September 2025, the course was designed to enhance participants’ understanding and application of assessment in the context of social work. Delivered through in-person workshop, the course provided an in-depth exploration of both theoretical frameworks and practical approaches to assessment.
Over the duration of the course, participants had the opportunity to:
- understand the role and significance of assessment in social work practice.
- identify different frameworks and models of assessment.
- develop practical skills in information gathering and analysis.
- explore ethical and cultural considerations in the assessment process.
- recognize the use of assessment in case planning and intervention.
Facilitated by Dr Dolly Paul Carlo, senior lecturer from Social Work Program, Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), the sessions encouraged active engagement through case discussions, group exercises, and critical reflection. The course was particularly well-received for its focus on ethical practice and cultural sensitivity in assessment processes.
Participants appreciated the opportunity to apply learning to real-world scenarios, with attendees’ reflections at the end of the session:
“I gain knowledge on how to handle children’s cases in the correct way/method”
“I can practice in my research and it such an open eye that there are many ways of reasons in assessment”
“After attend this course I can apply all the model in my workplace how to get more information and rapport to help people in need”
“I reflected on my own for the past few years’ experience in doing casework. I realized I did not do a good job but I know now what I am lacking of and I have better awareness now of how and why assessment can be very important in social work”
“Refreshing back social work knowledge”
“Able to do assessment more professionally in social work way”
“Know the frameworks and ethical. Can do my work/assessment more professionally”
The course attracted a diverse group of practitioners, including caseworkers, community service officers, medical social worker, and others involved in case planning and intervention.
Dr Dolly Paul Carlo, the Course Organizer, expresses his sincere appreciation to the participants, the secretariat, and the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, UNIMAS, particularly its management, for their significant contributions to the successful implementation of this course. Future offerings will continue to support the professional growth of social work practitioners through relevant, practice-based learning opportunities.
FSSH – A Partner for Social Change