Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Therapist Development Center Practice Exam

A social worker is tasked with addressing service gaps for the Hispanic community. What should be done first?

1. Conduct a community needs assessment

2. Identify community leaders to engage

3. Hold a community meeting to discuss services

4. Form a task force with social service workers

The correct answer is: Identify community leaders to engage

The first step in addressing service gaps for the Hispanic community should be to conduct a community needs assessment. This approach involves gathering information directly from community members about their specific needs, preferences, and barriers to access. By conducting a needs assessment, the social worker can identify the most pressing issues within the community and tailor services to meet those needs effectively. Identifying community leaders is an important step that can facilitate engagement and advocacy; however, it should occur after understanding the community’s needs. Holding a community meeting may be beneficial but is more effective once there is clarity on what issues should be discussed. Forming a task force, while useful for collaborative action, is best undertaken after an assessment reveals what specific gaps exist. Starting with a community needs assessment ensures that any subsequent actions, including engaging leaders and stakeholders, are informed by relevant data and accurate representation of community voices.