- 1. The Ten Social Work CompetenciesUse this tool to explore the
competencieswithin the social work profession. See howthe
University of Southern Maine field workexperience can help you
achieve thesecompetencies.
2. Identify as aEngage,ProfessionalApplicationAssess, Social
Workerof Ethical Intervene Principlesand Evaluate Contextsthat
ShapeUsing Critical Practice Thinking Skills Social
WorkCompetenciesPublic PolicyEngage Diversity in Practiceand
Difference CommitmentKnowledgeto Social andof Economic
HBSEResearchJustice 3. Competency 2.1.1: Identify as a professional
social workerIdentify as a and conduct oneself
accordingly.Professional Social Develop self-confidence and
capacity forWorkerindependent and interdependent functioningas a
professional social worker Professional Social Workers: Practice
personal reflection and self-correction Understand boundaries
Utilize supervision time efficiently Function as active listeners
Demonstrate Professional demeanor (dress, behavior, etc.) Time
managements skills Return toMap 4. Competency 2.1.2: Apply social
work ethical principles toApplication guide professional practice
of Ethical Reflect on, identify the impact of, and manage personal
values, feelings, Principles and behavior in a way that allows
professional values to guide practiceApply social work ethical
principles to guide professional practice byapplying strategies of
ethnical reasoning to arrive at principleddecisions Social Workers:
Recognize their own personal values in a way that is consistent
with professional practice Make ethical decisions by applying
standards of the National Association of Social Workers Code of
Ethics.Returnto Map 5. Competency 2.1.3: Apply critical thinking to
inform andcommunicate professional judgmentsUsing CriticalThinking
Skills Demonstrate the ability to distinguish between facts,
impressions,opinions, and feelings in their work with clients and
collateral systemsApply critical thinking skills in the context of
practiceAnalyze models of assessment, prevention, intervention,
andevaluation.Demonstrate effective oral and writtencommunication
in working with:a) Individualsb) Familiesc) Groupsd)
Organizationse) Communitiesf) ColleaguesReturnto Map 6. Competency
2.1.4: Engage diversity and difference in practiceEngage Diversity
View and treat all people with dignity and respect and Difference
Understand the importance of difference in shaping life
experiencesDemonstrate self- Recognize ways in awareness of which
cultural personal biasesstructures and normsand/or values, and may
oppress, how they informmarginalize, alienate,culturally
sensitivecreate, or enhance practiceprivilege and power.Returnto
Map 7. Competency 2.1.5: Advance human rights and social
andCommitmenteconomic justiceto Social and Appreciate and
understand forms and mechanisms of oppression
andEconomicdiscrimination and work to advance social justice
JusticeIdentify gaps in services and resourceswith an understanding
of the Advocate connection between resource disparities and the
forcesof oppression. EmpowerReturnto Map 8. Competency 2.1.6:
Engage in research informed practice and practice informed research
ResearchMakePeer reviewed journalsobservations and pose questions
for furtherinvestigativeCorrelational researchBase practiceUse
practiceinterventions on experience to accepted researchinform
scientific findings inquiry Qualitative vs. Quantitative
Experimental Literature reviews Evaluate theUse research
effectiveness of evidence to practice inform practiceinterventions
Return toMap 9. Competency 2.1.7: Apply knowledge of human behavior
and the socialKnowledge environment of Apply theories, such as
strengths perspective and systems model, withinHBSEthe context of
generalist social work practice in the field Apply knowledge of
human behavior in assessments, interventions, and evaluations.Apply
critical thinking skills toexamine theoretical constructsTheories
Demonstrate understanding of theories of human behavior Return
toMap 10. Competency 2.1.8: Engage in policy practice to advance
social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work
servicesPublic Policy in Practice Continuously discover, appraise,
and attend to changing needs/problems within communities and
propose solutions for organizational or policy changeAnalyze,
formulate, and advocate for policies that advance social well
beingCollaborate with colleagues and clients for effective policy
action Return toMap 11. Competency 2.1.9: Respond to contexts that
shape practiceContexts thatDevelop awareness of the various social
and Shape economic forces and trends that influence thePractice
delivery and accessibility of social services Understand how
organizations and institutions may impede service user
needCollaborate in promoting sustainablechanges in service
deliveryAssist users of services by developingstrategies of
intervention that canpromote improvement of accessPractice to
improve the quality ofsocial services Return toMap 12. Competency
2.1.10: Engage, assess, intervene and evaluate
withEngage,individuals, families, groups, organizations, and
communitiesAssess, InterveneA. ENGAGEand EvaluateConnect with
client systems using empathy, active listening and
otherinterpersonal skillsDevelop mutually agreed upon goals and B.
ASSESSdesired outcomes with client systemsCollect, organize, and
interpret client data to C. INTERVENEassess client strengths and
limitations in order Help clients resolve problems by
implementingto select appropriate intervention strategies
preventive interventions that enhance client capacities -
facilitate transitions and endings Negotiate, mediate, and advocate
for clients while working to support Agencys missions, goals, and
objectivesD. EVALUATECritically analyze, monitor,and evaluate
interventions Return toMap
