In the intake process for a homeless client, what is a key role of involving a social worker?

• A. Obtain a behavioral and needs assessment.
• B. Involve a social worker for help in finding a place to live.
• C. Check with an employment office to obtain suitable employment options.
• D. Develop a care plan to meet client's needs.

Answer: (B)

Securing housing is the foundational step in working with a homeless client, and a social worker is uniquely equipped to handle this linkage. In the intake process, a social worker focuses on connecting the person with immediate shelter options, transitional housing, and longer-term affordable housing programs, guiding them through eligibility, applications, and coordinating with housing providers. This housing connection is what enables the client to engage with other services (medical, mental health, follow-up care) more effectively.

Other tasks like conducting a behavioral and needs assessment can be done by clinicians or nurses, and while employment referrals and broad care planning are important, they don’t address the immediate, critical barrier that housing presents. By directly facilitating a stable place to live, the social worker lays the groundwork for successful treatment and support.