5 More Core Competencies of Social Work Practice

The Council of Social Work Education is in the process of updating its curriculum requirements for all accredited programs. Learn about five core competencies of social work that it previously required as learning outcomes for MSW programs.

Use research in practice and practice in research

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. Social workers comprehend quantitative and qualitative research and understand scientific and ethical approaches to building knowledge. Social workers:

  • use practice experience to inform scientific inquiry; and
  • use research evidence to inform practice.”

Apply knowledge of human behavior and social context

Social workers are knowledgeable about human behavior across the life course; the range of social systems in which people live; and the ways social systems promote or deter people in maintaining or achieving health and well-being. Social workers apply theories and knowledge from the liberal arts to understand biological, social, cultural, psychological, and spiritual development. Social workers:

  • utilize conceptual frameworks to guide the processes of assessment, intervention, and evaluation; and
  • critique and apply knowledge to understand person and environment.”

Engage in policy practice

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. Social workers:

  • analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance social well-being; and
  • collaborate with colleagues and clients for effective policy action.”

Respond to influential contexts

Social workers are informed, resourceful, and proactive in responding to evolving organizational, community, and societal contexts at all levels of practice. Social workers recognize that the context of practice is dynamic, and use knowledge and skill to respond proactively. Social workers:

  • continuously discover, appraise, and attend to changing locales, populations, scientific and technological developments, and emerging societal trends to provide relevant services; and
  • provide leadership in promoting sustainable changes in service delivery and practice to improve the quality of social services.”

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.

Practice knowledge includes identifying, analyzing, and implementing evidence-based interventions designed to achieve client goals; using research and technological advances; evaluating program outcomes and practice effectiveness; developing, analyzing, advocating, and providing leadership for policies and services; and promoting social and economic justice.

Engagement — Social workers:

  • substantively and effectively prepare for action with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities;
  • use empathy and other interpersonal skills; and
  • develop mutually agreed-on focus of work and desired outcomes.

Assessment — Social workers:

  • collect, organize, and interpret client data;
  • assess client strengths and limitations;
  • develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objectives; and
  • select appropriate intervention strategies.

Intervention — Social workers:

  • initiate actions to achieve organizational goals;
  • implement prevention interventions that enhance client capacities;
  • help clients resolve problems;
  • negotiate, mediate, and advocate for clients; and
  • facilitate transitions and endings.

Evaluation — Social workers critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate interventions.”

By practicing according to these 10 core competencies, social workers make a tremendous difference for the clients they serve and greater society as a whole. Armed with a greater understanding of what this field entails, you may decide that a social work career would be a perfect fit for your professional goals. If so, you’ll be joining thousands of professionals in the social work community who use their skills, training, and expertise to help those who need them — and create a better world for us all.