Week 10: Writing a SOAP Note
As you know from this week’s tutorial, professional documentation must be accurate, objective, and clear. Because it can be read by many parties, it should be understood by a broad audience and should not stray into opinions and judgments. It should also not be casual or conversational in tone. As with any type of writing, documenting in social work may require a shift in your natural tendencies. It might not be comfortable at first, but with practice, it will become easier and more fluid.
One type of documentation used by social workers is the SOAP note, which contains four elements: subjective, objective, assessment, and plan. In this Assignment, you become familiar with the format and process of writing a SOAP note in response to a client session.
To prepare:
- Review the Learning Resources on professional writing skills. Additionally, you may want to return to this week’s Professional Documentation tutorial so that it is fresh in your mind.
- Watch the Southside Community Services video in the Learning Resources. Imagine that you are the social worker in the interaction with Amy. As you watch, consider what information you would document in a SOAP note.
- Review the SOAP Note Example in the Learning Resources, and then use the SOAP Note Template to complete this Assignment.
Submit your completed SOAP note documenting your observations and experience with the client depicted in the video
Tutorial for Writing a SOAP Note
