Foundational Interviewing Skills for Social Workers

This hands-on course provides participants with the opportunity to learn and practice the basic tools for interviewing clients. Effective interviewing skills are essential in child welfare services throughout the time the child and family are involved with the agency. While different types of interviews serve different functions, the foundation of all interviews involves using engagement strategies that obtain necessary assessment data and support the client’s progress.

After attending this training, successful participants will be able to:

  • Recognize the phases of an interview (preparation, rapport building, information gathering and closure) and typical steps and goals of the interview process
  • Plan for an interview
  • Identify when cooperation with law enforcement is advisable before conducting an interview
  • Value a respectful, empathic and strength-based approach to listening and responding to events and life experiences described by interviewees
  • Use interviewing techniques such as open-ended questions, solution-focused questions and the miracle question to advance the interview
  • Identify the eight stages of an interview
  • Make culture-informed decisions while working with families

This training will incorporate videos, small group discussions, role-play scenarios and videotaping to provide multiple opportunities for participants to practice and refine new interviewing techniques.

This course meets the Phase II Core Training requirement.

Course Code
345370