Client Assessment and Referral Flashcards

A caller asks only for a food pantry address, but mentions their electricity will be shut off tomorrow. What should the I&R specialist do?

Answer: Provide the pantry address and gently explore the utility shutoff as an additional need

A thorough assessment identifies underlying and related needs beyond the initial request.

Which question is the best example of an open-ended question during assessment?

Answer: Can you tell me more about what's been happening?

Open-ended questions invite the inquirer to share details in their own words.

When an inquirer presents several needs at once, how should the specialist generally prioritize them?

Answer: Address the most urgent safety and survival needs first

Immediate safety and basic survival needs take priority over less urgent concerns.

A specialist says, "So it sounds like you're feeling overwhelmed since losing your job." What skill is this?

Answer: Reflecting feelings

Reflecting feelings names the emotion the inquirer appears to be experiencing.

Under AIRS principles, who makes the final decision about which referral to pursue?

Answer: The inquirer

Respecting self-determination means the inquirer chooses among the options offered.

Why do I&R specialists typically offer more than one referral when possible?

Answer: To give the inquirer choices in case one option doesn't work out

Multiple appropriate options support choice and provide backups if one resource is unavailable.

Before providing a referral, why should the specialist check basic eligibility criteria?

Answer: To ensure the referral is appropriate and avoid sending the inquirer to a program that will turn them away

Matching eligibility prevents inappropriate referrals and wasted effort for the inquirer.