Social Work Competencies

In alignment with the 2015 Council on Social Work Education's (CSWE) Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards, the Simmons University Baccalaureate and Master’s Social Work Programs utilize a competency-based educational framework whereby student abilities and Program success are demonstrated by measurable outcomes. The MSW and BSW programs’ pedagogical philosophy is structured around a commitment to ensuring that its graduates are capable of demonstrating their competency in the nine CSWE social work competencies. By the completion of their baccalaureate education, the BSW graduate will demonstrate competency at the generalist level. Likewise, at the end of their generalist year, generalist level MSW students are expected to demonstrate competency at the generalist level. By the completion of their specialist year, MSW students are expected to demonstrate competency at the specialist level.

Definitions of generalist and specialist level competencies, with their associated practice behaviors follow. Embedded in each competency are the dimensions of social work practice: knowledge, values, skills and cognitive and affective processes (K, V, S, C/A). Generalist definitions were developed by CSWE. Simmons School of Social Work faculty developed specialist level definitions.

Generalist Competency Definitions

Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior

Social workers understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards, as well as relevant laws and regulations that may impact practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels. (K, V) Social workers understand frameworks of ethical decision-making and how to apply principles of critical thinking to those frameworks in practice, research, and policy arenas. (C/A) Social workers recognize personal values and the distinction between personal and professional values. (V, C/A) They also understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions influence their professional judgment and behavior. (C/A) Social workers understand the profession’s history, its mission, and the roles and responsibilities of the profession. (K) Social Workers also understand the role of other professions when engaged in inter-professional teams. Social workers recognize the importance of life-long learning and are committed to continually updating their skills to ensure they are relevant and effective. (S) Social workers also understand emerging forms of technology and the ethical use of technology in social work practice. (K) The dimensions of performance which are knowledge, values, skills, cognitive/affective processes, are integrated into and inform the demonstration of competence.

Social workers:

• make ethical decisions by applying the standards of the NASW Code of Ethics, relevant laws and regulations, models for ethical decision-making, ethical conduct of research, and additional codes of ethics as appropriate to context;
• use reflection and self-regulation to manage personal values and maintain professionalism in practice situations;
• demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior; appearance; and oral, written, and electronic communication;
• use technology ethically and appropriately to facilitate practice outcomes; and
• use supervision and consultation to guide professional judgment and behavior

Competency 2: Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice

Social workers understand how diversity and difference characterize and shape the human experience and are critical to the formation of identity. (S, K, V) The dimensions of diversity are understood as the intersectionality of multiple factors including but not limited to age, class, color, culture, disability and ability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, immigration status, marital status, political ideology, race, religion/spirituality, sex, sexual orientation, and tribal sovereign status. (K, V) Social workers understand that, as a consequence of difference, a person’s life experiences may include oppression, poverty, marginalization, and alienation as well as privilege, power, and acclaim. (C/A, K) Social workers also understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and recognize the extent to which a culture’s structures and values, including social, economic, political, and cultural exclusions, may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create privilege and power. (C/A, K) The dimensions of performance which are knowledge, values, skills, cognitive/affective processes, are integrated into and inform the demonstration of competence.

Social workers:

• apply and communicate understanding of the importance of diversity and difference in shaping life experiences in practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels;
• present themselves as learners and engage clients and constituencies as experts of their own experiences; and
• apply self-awareness and self-regulation to manage the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse clients and constituencies.

Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and Environmental Justice

Social workers understand that every person regardless of position in society has fundamental human rights such as freedom, safety, privacy, an adequate standard of living, health care, and education. (C/A, K, V) Social workers understand the global interconnections of oppression and human rights violations, and are knowledgeable about theories of human need and social justice and strategies to promote social and economic justice and human rights. (K, V) Social workers understand strategies designed to eliminate oppressive structural barriers to ensure that social goods, rights, and responsibilities are distributed equitably and that civil, political, environmental, economic, social, and cultural human rights are protected. (K, V, S) The dimensions of performance which are knowledge, values, skills, cognitive/affective processes, are integrated into and inform the demonstration of competence.

Social workers:

• apply their understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to advocate for human rights at the individual and
• system levels; and
• engage in practices that advance social, economic, and environmental justice.

Competency 4: Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice

Social workers understand quantitative and qualitative research methods and their respective roles in advancing a science of social work and in evaluating their practice. (K) Social workers know the principles of logic, scientific inquiry, and culturally informed and ethical approaches to building knowledge. (K, C/A) Social workers understand that evidence that informs practice derives from multi- disciplinary sources and multiple ways of knowing. (K, V) They also understand the processes for translating research findings into effective practice. (K, S) The dimensions of performance which are knowledge, values, skills, cognitive/affective processes, are integrated into and inform the demonstration of competence.

Social workers:

• use practice experience and theory to inform scientific inquiry and research;
• apply critical thinking to engage in analysis of quantitative and qualitative research methods and research findings; and
• use and translate research evidence to inform and improve practice, policy, and service delivery.

Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice

Social workers understand that human rights and social justice, as well as social welfare and services, are mediated by policy and its implementation at the federal, state, and local levels. (K) Social workers understand 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. (K) Social workers understand their role in policy development and implementation within their practice settings at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels and they actively engage in policy practice to effect change within those settings. Social workers recognize and understand the historical, social, cultural, economic, organizational, environmental, and global influences that affect social policy. (K,S) They are also knowledgeable about policy formulation, analysis, implementation, and evaluation. (K,S, C/A)

Social workers:

• Identify social policy at the local, state, and federal level that impacts well-being, service delivery, and access to social services;
• assess how social welfare and economic policies impact the delivery of and access to social services;
• apply critical thinking to analyze, formulate, and advocate for policies that advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice.

Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Social workers understand that engagement is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. (K) Social workers value the importance of human relationships. (V) Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge to facilitate engagement with clients and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. (C/A, K, S) Social workers understand strategies to engage diverse clients and constituencies to advance practice effectiveness. (S, K) Social workers understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions may impact their ability to effectively engage with diverse clients and constituencies. (C/A) Social workers value principles of relationship-building and inter-professional collaboration to facilitate engagement with clients, constituencies, and other professionals as appropriate. (V, S) The dimensions of performance which are knowledge, values, skills, cognitive/affective processes, are integrated into and inform the demonstration of competence.

Social workers:

• apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks to engage with clients and constituencies; and
• use empathy, reflection, and interpersonal skills to effectively engage diverse clients and constituencies.

Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Social workers understand that assessment is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. (K) Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge in the assessment of diverse clients and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. (K, S) Social workers understand methods of assessment with diverse clients and constituencies to advance practice effectiveness. (K,S) Social workers recognize the implications of the larger practice context in the assessment process and value the importance of inter-professional collaboration in this process. (K,V,S) Social workers understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions may affect their assessment and decision-making. (K, C/A) The dimensions of performance which are knowledge, values, skills, cognitive/affective processes, are integrated into and inform the demonstration of competence.

Social workers:

• collect and organize data, and apply critical thinking to interpret information from clients and constituencies;
• apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the analysis of assessment data from clients and constituencies;
• develop mutually agreed-on intervention goals and objectives based on the critical assessment of strengths, needs, and challenges within clients and constituencies; and
• select appropriate intervention strategies based on the assessment, research knowledge, and values and preferences of clients and constituencies.

Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Social workers understand that intervention is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. (K/V) Social workers are knowledgeable about evidence-informed interventions to achieve the goals of clients and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. (K) Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this knowledge to effectively intervene with clients and constituencies. (K, S, C/A) Social workers understand methods of identifying, analyzing and implementing evidence-informed interventions to achieve client and constituency goals. (S) Social workers value the importance of interprofessional teamwork and communication in interventions, recognizing that beneficial outcomes may require interdisciplinary, interprofessional, and inter-organizational collaboration. (V, K) The dimensions of performance which are knowledge, values, skills, cognitive/affective processes, are integrated into and inform the demonstration of competence.

Social workers:

• critically choose and implement interventions to achieve practice goals and enhance capacities of clients and constituencies;
• apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in interventions with clients and constituencies;
• use inter-professional collaboration as appropriate to achieve beneficial practice outcomes;
• negotiate, mediate, and advocate with and on behalf of diverse clients and constituencies; and
• facilitate effective transitions and endings that advance mutually agreed-on goals.

Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities

Social workers understand that evaluation is an ongoing component of the dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities (S, K). Social workers recognize the importance of evaluating processes and outcomes to advance practice, policy, and service delivery effectiveness (V). Social workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment (K), and critically evaluate (C/A) and apply this knowledge in evaluating outcomes (S). Social workers understand qualitative and quantitative methods for evaluating outcomes and practice effectiveness (S, K). The dimensions of performance which are knowledge, values, skills, cognitive/affective processes, are integrated into and inform the demonstration of competence.

Social workers:

• select and use appropriate methods for evaluation of outcomes;
• apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person-in-environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in the evaluation of outcomes;
• critically analyze, monitor, and evaluate intervention and program processes and outcomes; and
• apply evaluation findings to improve practice effectiveness at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.

Specialist Competency Definitions

Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior

Clinical social workers consistently demonstrate the key values of the social work profession (V); they have knowledge of, and critically apply to practice, the laws, policies, and regulations that are pertinent to clinical practice (K). Clinical social workers recognize ethical dilemmas and apply ethical decision- making frameworks to reach reasoned and principled decisions (C/A). They manage their emotional reactions, communication, behavior, and boundaries in all professional interactions (S). Clinical social workers understand the importance of interprofessional practice and are able to establish effective collaboration with others. They apply ethical and legal frameworks to evaluate the effective use of social media and emerging technology in clinical practice (C/A).

Social workers:

• seek and utilize feedback in supervision to identify and deepen areas of growth and guide professional development in clinical practice (including the use of technology)
• anticipate, identify, and attend to ethical tensions and apply a framework rooted in the NASW Code of Ethics to guide decisions in clinical practice
• understand and manage one's own emotional responses in the best interest of the client system
• consistently demonstrate integrity and professional behavior in: appearance, communication (oral and written), and reliability in accordance with standards identified by the SSW, field agency, and professional codes
• use values and frameworks of the profession to effectively engage in inter-professional partnerships and collaborations

Competency 2: Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice

Clinical social workers apply knowledge of the dimensions of diversity, difference, discrimination, marginalization, social and economic exclusion, and oppression to the engagement, assessment, intervention and evaluation phases of clinical practice (K). Clinical social workers understand the link between social factors and well-being and how pervasive inequities associated with gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, ethnicity, immigration status, poverty, exposure to violence, inadequate housing, and transportation impact overall well-being and access to effective services (V, C/A). Clinical social workers utilize intersectional analysis across multiple practice settings, paying particular attention to racism and its historical context in this country (S). They initiate and engage in professional interactions with cultural humility, and address oppression at the individual, community, and policy levels (S). Clinical social workers use and apply research knowledge of diverse populations to enhance client well-being and to work effectively with diverse populations (S). The dimensions of performance which are knowledge, values, skills, cognitive/affective processes, are integrated into and inform the demonstration of competence.

Social workers:

• consistently identify the impact of inequities, diversity, difference, and oppression upon life experiences and the provision of services
• apply the skills associated with cultural humility, and the knowledge of social inequality to engagement, assessment, intervention, and evaluation at all levels of clinical practice
• use process recordings and supervision to examine and enhance self-awareness of one's own attitudes and beliefs regarding stereotyping, bias and power-imbalances in practice client systems
• commit to raising their social consciousness in the interest of challenging the structures of racism and other forms of oppression

Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic and Environmental Justice

Using knowledge and frameworks of the dynamics of institutional racism, oppression, and discrimination, and their intersections, clinical social workers develop and design strategies to promote human rights, and social, economic, and environmental justice (K, S). Clinical social workers understand the critical use of theories and evidence in designing and developing social action strategies. Utilizing the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, students analyze how these dynamics manifest on the local, state, national, and global level and violate basic human rights of fairness, equity, equality, and social justice (C/A, V). Clinical social workers take action to advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice individually, collaboratively, and in coalitions (S). They develop their capacities to move into political arenas in a way that develops their own self-empowerment as change agents and allies of client systems. Of significant importance is the development of capacities to help others to empower themselves (S). Their practice is bolstered by mastery of advocacy and social action strategies that can then be incorporated into practice behaviors and skills, and applied at the micro, mezzo, and/or macro level of practice to effect change (S). The dimensions of performance which are knowledge, values, skills, cognitive/affective processes, are integrated into and inform the demonstration of competence.

Social workers:

• identify and analyze social justice issues impacting the provision of client services
• participate in agency or community level policy practice or social action strategies to promote human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice policies and services
• consistently identify and practice targeted advocacy strategies and serve to improve client outcomes at applicable levels

Competency 4: Engage in Practice-informed Research and Research-informed Practice

Clinical social workers integrate research into practice and consider how to evaluate issues drawn from their current practice (K). They critically review the empirical evidence for clinical interventions (C/A). They acquire skills to perform evidence-informed interventions (S). Clinical social workers assess ethical implications of practicing and implementing evidence-informed practices (V). They critically assess, identify, and work to address gaps in evidence-informed practice, policy and service delivery to improve client outcomes, the service delivery process, and program outcomes (S, C/A). The dimensions of performance which are knowledge, values, skills, cognitive/affective processes, are integrated into and inform the demonstration of competence.

Social workers:

• locate, identify, and select evidence-informed practices
• demonstrate evidence-informed practice in one's own direct clinical practice and system of service delivery
• critically consider practice and organizational context to identify priority for process, outcome evaluation and/or needs assessment in supervision and discussion with field agency staff
• formulate an evaluation plan designed to improve client outcomes, and/or programmatic efforts, with attention to potential areas for social action

Competency 5: Engage in Policy Practice

Clinical social workers develop specialized knowledge about social welfare and economic policies at the agency, organizational, community, local, state, national, or international levels that have impacts on the clients they serve, and on the larger society or global community in terms of availability of resources, service delivery, legal protections, and income supports (K). They understand the steps of policy practice necessary to improve the delivery of and access to social welfare services and benefits for individuals and families (K). They analyze the effects of policies on marginalized and oppressed groups within a social, economic, and environmental justice context (V, C/A). They understand and utilize research to inform and evaluate social policy. They articulate outcomes they would like to achieve that would be congruent with developing and implementing new policies, blocking harmful policies, modifying existing policies (S). To do so, they must draw from specific strategies for policy change, such as advocating, educating, testifying, mobilizing, monitoring, collaborating, and becoming active in coalitions (S). These activities can have an impact on the client, agency, organization, community, larger society, and/or the global community (S). The dimensions of performance which are knowledge, values, skills, cognitive/affective processes, are integrated into and inform the demonstration of competence.

Social workers:

• evaluate social welfare or economic policies that are relevant to clinical social work practice and assess the impact on individuals or families
• analyze advocacy needs within a clinical setting and propose a plan for implementation.
• articulate a deeper understanding of how social welfare policies can either improve or negatively impact client well-being
• develop a plan to apply skills in policy practice with aim of achieving policy change

Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, and Organizations

Clinical social workers have the ability to demonstrate genuineness, empathy, and respect in order to form trustworthy and collaborative alliances with client systems, as the helping relationship evolves over time (C/A, S). Furthermore, clinical social workers use these skills to engage with client systems that have been disenfranchised and marginalized as a result of racism, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, classism, homophobia, poverty, and other forms of structural and institutional oppression (V, S). Clinical social workers develop an awareness of professional use of self and an ability to critically self-reflect in order to form more client-centered relationships. They demonstrate an appreciation for the unique roles, cultures, and interpersonal dynamics of individuals, families, and groups and use this awareness to inform the creation of client-centered relationships. They use psychodynamic, behavioral, social constructionist, and trans-theoretical theories to inform the engagement process over the course of the helping relationship with diverse client systems (K). This approach is commensurate the core values of the profession (V). The dimensions of performance which are knowledge, values, skills, cognitive/affective processes, are integrated into and inform the demonstration of competence.

Social workers:

• consistently demonstrate active listening, attending, and reflecting skills
• consistently demonstrate the patience that is required to build trust
• create a collaborative working alliance before moving into problem solving
• identify and utilize one's own social identity to enhance the engagement process
• seek supervision and mentorship to enhance effective use of self in practice
• use the six core values (social justice, importance of human relationships, dignity and worth of the person, integrity, competence and service) of the social work profession to guide decision- making regarding approaches to engagement

Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, and Organizations

Clinical social workers use genuineness, empathy, and respect throughout the assessment process. They demonstrate attention to matters of safety and the immediate well-being of client systems (S, C/A). They use an ecologically informed approach to consider the impact of disenfranchisement and marginalization on client systems and their current functioning (V, S). They demonstrate an awareness of the ways in which personal bias and social identities may influence the assessment process (K). They demonstrate a commitment to social work ethics and values when examining the nature of problems. Clinical social workers demonstrate an enhanced ability to use psychodynamic, behavioral, social constructionist and reciprocal interactionist theories to inform the assessment process over the course of the helping relationship with diverse client systems (K). This approach is commensurate with the core values of the profession (V). The dimensions of performance which are knowledge, values, skills, cognitive/affective processes, are integrated into and inform the demonstration of competence.

Social workers:

• demonstrate the effective use of a mental status exam in the appropriate context
• demonstrate the use of evidence-based assessment tools to assess for safety and well-being
• demonstrate confidence in the ability to explore all domains of client systems' life and functioning
• demonstrate the capacity to develop an evidence-informed hypothesis of client functioning based on social work paradigms
• consistently practice the skills of empathy, attending, and affective exploration to elicit a client-centered picture of the strengths and challenges with which the client system interacts
• demonstrate an ability to identify the ways in which their own biases and social identities impact the assessment process
• assess client systems from a client-centered perspective, which honors life experiences, personal beliefs, current functioning, strengths and challenges, and barriers related to oppression and marginalization
• demonstrate knowledge of distinct practice approaches in formulations
• write a clear and concise assessment that reflects multi- dimensional understanding of the client/client system

Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, and Organizations

Clinical social workers use empathy, genuineness, and respect throughout the intervention process (S). They have the ability to attend to matters of safety and immediate well-being among client systems throughout the intervention process (S). They use an ecologically informed approach that considers the impact of disenfranchisement and marginalization on client systems and their current functioning when co-creating interventions with client systems (C/A). They demonstrate an awareness of the impact of personal bias and social identities and the ways they influence the intervention process. They demonstrate a commitment to social work ethics and values by considering the ever-changing nature of assessment of client risks and protective factors throughout the intervention process (V, C/A). They demonstrate an enhanced ability to use distinct, client-centered interventions from various practice approaches that are consistent with the values of the profession (S). They understand the theoretical perspectives, empirical foundations, and treatment strategies associated with intervention methods they employ and can describe the strengths and limitations of those methods (C/A). The dimensions of performance which are knowledge, values, skills, cognitive/affective processes, are integrated into and inform the demonstration of competence.

Social workers:

• demonstrate the effective use of a mental status exam in the appropriate context throughout the intervention process
• demonstrate the skills necessary to effectively manage and attend to crises
• use evidence-informed practices for interventions that are consistent with client systems' needs, strengths, and challenges
• use information established during the engagement phase, and learned in the assessment phase, to inform interventions
• determine ongoing treatment needs, access resources, and facilitate referrals as needed
• remain attentive to eco-systemic factors that influence the treatment planning process
• consistently re-evaluate engagement, assessment, and treatment planning over the course of treatment
• engage client systems in a process that honors their thoughts, values, and beliefs with regard to developing mutually agreed upon approaches to treatment
• collaboratively create treatment plans with client systems that accurately reflect needs, challenges, strengths and eco-system factors
• demonstrate awareness of the ways in which use of self, biases, and one's own social identities create a lens through which client systems are interpreted
• demonstrate an understanding of the ways in which oppression, structural and systemic challenges pose barriers to treatment planning
• use supervision to explore challenges in the intervention and treatment planning process

Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, and Organizations

Clinical social workers understand that evaluation practice is an essential and ongoing component of all social work practice with, and on behalf of diverse individuals, groups, families, and organizations (K). Clinical social workers recognize the importance of critically evaluating evidence-informed clinical practice and programs while considering research evidence, practice wisdom and client values and preferences. Clinical social workers apply qualitative and quantitative methods of evaluation to understand clinical needs, clients’ experience of service, outcomes and practice effectiveness (S). Clinical social workers critically analyze the effectiveness and limitations of outcome measures, including standardized assessments and client feedback (V, C/A). The dimensions of performance which are knowledge, values, skills, cognitive/affective processes, are integrated into and inform the demonstration of competence.

Social workers:

• create client-driven service plans that include evidence-informed, measurable outcomes
• use the evaluation process to enhance practice in the agency setting
• use evaluation findings to modify client interventions or improve program level effectiveness