Needs Assessment Good Practices for Intake Process Primary

Needs Assessment Good Practices for Intake Process

Primary Purposes o o Determine eligibility Inform the applicant of rights and obligations Encourage open discussion of selfassessment Obtain data for program evaluation

Determine Eligibility o o Assess the benefits and services to which the applicant is entitled Obtain information that assists in determining n n the type of benefits and services required, and the timeframe for benefits and services

Rights and Obligations o o Clarify the role of the government in providing benefits and services Clarify the responsibilities of the applicant in agreeing to receive benefits and services

Open Discussion o Engage the applicant in discussing n n needs, formal resources, informal resources, additional concerns that might be addressed by other agencies

Evaluation Data o o The intake instrument provides data on various aspects of needs that can be done again at a later time to measure change It also provides a cumulative data base of all applicants that can be evaluated at intake and after services have begun

Important Aspects o o Important to recognize that the intake needs assessment instrument can be used for multiple purposes A good instrument is not limited to determining eligibility for benefits and services

Important Aspects o A good instrument helps the interviewer get to know the recipient, making it more likely that the recipient feels empowered to openly discuss their personal goals and resources