Competencies
Social work education is guided by ten core competencies developed by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and detailed in their Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards. “Competencies are measurable practice behaviors that are comprised of knowledge, values, and skills” – (CSWE, 2008). Each of these competencies are the base behaviors necessary to complete the Social Work Education Foundation and Advanced Learning Plans.
“Social workers serve as representatives of the profession, its mission, and its core values…Social workers commit themselves to the profession’s enhancement and to their own professional conduct and growth” – CSWE (2008)
“Social workers have an obligation to conduct themselves ethically and to engage in ethical decision-making.” – CSWE (2008)
“Social workers are knowledgeable about the principles of logic, scientific inquiry, and reasoned discernment. They use critical thinking augmented by creativity and curiosity. Critical thinking also requires the synthesis and communication of relevant information” – CSWE (2008)
“Social workers understand how diversity characterizes and shapes the human experience and is critical to the formation of identity” – CSWE (2008)
5) Human Rights and Social Justice:
“Each person, regardless of position in society, has basic human rights, such as freedom, safety, privacy, an adequate standard of living, health care, and education. “ – CSWE (2008)
6) Research Informed Practice:
“Social workers use practice experience to inform research, employ evidence-based interventions, evaluate their own practice, and use research findings to improve practice, policy, and social service delivery. “ – CSWE (2008)
7)Human Behavior and the Social Environment:
“Social workers apply theories and knowledge from the liberal arts to understand biological, social, cultural, psychological, and spiritual development” – CSWE (2008)
“Social work practitioners understand that policy affects service delivery, and they actively engage in policy practice. Social workers know the history and current structures of social policies and services; the role of policy in service delivery; and the role of practice in policy development” – CSWE (2008)
9) Contexts that Shape Practice:
“Social workers are informed, resourceful, and proactive in responding to evolving organizational, community, and societal contexts at all levels of practice. “ – CSWE (2008)
10) Engage, Assess, Intervene, and Evaluate:
“Professional practice involves the dynamic and interactive processes of engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation at multiple levels. Social workers have the knowledge and skills to practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities” – CSWE (2008)