3.2 Practice Competencies for Field Education

The Social Welfare MSW Program has established a set of 9 practice competencies based upon the Educational Policies and Accreditation Standards of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), and interpreted for our program mission and context. These competencies guide field placement task assignment, instruction, and evaluation. Because of their importance, these competencies should be periodically reviewed during field practicum and field seminar.

1. Engagement with Individual, Families, Groups, Organizations, and/or Communities

Establishes contact, builds rapport, forms working relationships, and invites a diverse array of clients and/or constituents to participate in clinical services and/or administrative projects.

2. Consultation, Coordination, and Collaboration

Obtains information from a variety of collaterals, stakeholders, and/or other formal or informal sources; integrates collateral information into an effective and coordinated service and/or project plan.

3. Assessment of Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and/or Communities

Collects, analyzes, and applies relevant information and develops relevant, well-formed goals to guide the effective delivery of clinical services and/or the effective execution of administrative and planning projects.

4. Intervention Planning and Implementation

Selects intervention methods to support goal acquisition based upon assessment, the best available evidence and/or knowledge, and client or constituent preferences. Evaluates and modifies implementation so as to maximize the likelihood of reaching the intended outcome(s).

5. Systemic Intervention

Demonstrates interest, understanding, and/or effective participation in the organizational, institutional, policy, and/or community contexts for the purpose of improving the delivery of social work services to vulnerable populations.

6. Professional Communication

Communicates verbally and in writing in an organized, complete, and timely manner. Delivers communication in an effective manner given its purpose and context.

7. Professional Ethics

Considers and applies the professional code of ethics for social workers so as to recognize ethical conflicts and arrive at principled decisions.

8. Professional Conduct

Demonstrates professional behavior, appearance, and communication in accordance with standards identified by the school, agency, community, and profession.

9. Professional Growth and Development

Takes responsibility for learning and demonstrates initiative. Receives, considers, and integrates feedback from instructors. Demonstrates commitment to continual professional development, life-long learning, and leadership development.