Person-Centered Planning
Person-Centered Planning is an approach used in social work and healthcare that puts the individual client or patient at the heart of their care decisions. It's like creating a customized roadmap for each person's support needs, where they get to be the main decision-maker in their life goals and care plans. Instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach, this method focuses on understanding what matters most to the person, their strengths, preferences, and dreams. Similar approaches include "individualized care planning" or "client-directed care." This is different from traditional care planning because it shifts from "what's best for most people" to "what works best for this specific person."
Examples in Resumes
Implemented Person-Centered Planning approaches for a caseload of 25 clients
Facilitated Person-Centered Planning meetings to develop individualized support plans
Trained staff members in Person-Centered Planning and Person-Centered Care methodologies
Used Person-Centered approach to create successful transition plans for 30+ clients
Typical job title: "Social Workers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Social Workers
Professional Organizations
Online Resources
Job Boards
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you implement Person-Centered Planning across a large organization?
Expected Answer: Should discuss creating training programs, developing documentation systems, mentoring staff, measuring outcomes, and ensuring consistency while maintaining individualization. Should mention strategies for culture change and getting buy-in from staff.
Q: How do you balance Person-Centered Planning with risk management?
Expected Answer: Should explain how to support client choices while ensuring safety, involving all stakeholders, documenting decisions, and creating contingency plans. Should discuss positive risk-taking and dignity of risk concepts.
Mid Level Questions
Q: Describe how you would facilitate a Person-Centered Planning meeting.
Expected Answer: Should explain how to prepare for the meeting, who to involve, how to ensure the client's voice is heard, and methods for documenting and following up on goals and action items.
Q: How do you ensure cultural competency in Person-Centered Planning?
Expected Answer: Should discuss understanding different cultural perspectives, adapting communication styles, respecting family dynamics, and incorporating cultural values into care plans.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is Person-Centered Planning and why is it important?
Expected Answer: Should explain that it puts the individual at the center of their care plan, focuses on their goals and preferences, and produces better outcomes than traditional planning methods.
Q: How do you identify a client's goals in Person-Centered Planning?
Expected Answer: Should describe various communication techniques, active listening, using appropriate questions, and involving family/support network when appropriate.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of person-centered principles
- Ability to conduct initial assessments
- Documentation of client goals and preferences
- Basic meeting facilitation
Mid (2-5 years)
- Facilitation of planning meetings
- Development of comprehensive care plans
- Coordination with multiple service providers
- Crisis intervention skills
Senior (5+ years)
- Program development and evaluation
- Staff training and mentoring
- Quality assurance monitoring
- Systems change implementation
Red Flags to Watch For
- Focuses only on problems rather than strengths and possibilities
- Shows no understanding of supported decision-making
- Unable to demonstrate active listening skills
- Lacks experience working with diverse populations
- Shows resistance to involving family/support networks
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