Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

If a social work student reports aggressive client behavior towards a receptionist, what should the supervisor's first step be?

1. Review the client's file for any history of aggression

2. Ask the student to discuss the behavior with the client

3. Implement new receptionist security measures

4. Speak to the receptionist about the incident

The correct answer is: Ask the student to discuss the behavior with the client

In situations involving aggressive client behavior, the supervisor's first step should often involve direct communication with the individual who has firsthand experience with the incident, in this case, the student. By asking the student to discuss the behavior with the client, the supervisor is encouraging a dialogue that can provide context and insight into the incident. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding the situation from the perspective of the student's experience, promoting a learning opportunity for the student while also ensuring that the client is given a chance to express themselves in a constructive manner. Engaging the student in this manner not only aids in gathering valuable information about the circumstances surrounding the aggressive behavior but also helps the student develop skills in conflict resolution and client engagement. It fosters a proactive approach to addressing client issues, which is a crucial skill in social work practice. In contrast, reviewing the client’s file for history, while important, may delay immediate understanding and resolution. Implementing security measures could be a response to ongoing risk, but it doesn’t address the specific incident at hand or improve the student's skills. Speaking to the receptionist is also valuable for gaining another perspective but does not directly address the behavior exhibited by the client or involve the student in the resolution process.