COre Competency Paper
Shilen Parsons
Professor Gestoso
SWK Practice III
9/172014
Introduction: Before one can begin conducting direct social work practice in a professional manner, he or she must first model their ideology to the standard set by the ten core competencies of social work. In 2008 The National Counsel of Social Work created a manual that serves as an ethical compass showing one the virtues that need to attained to practice appropriate, and efficient social work. Each one of these competencies is an ability that lends to the proficiency with which one can work with, and help to influence individuals on the micro, mezzo, and marco levels. The first competency that is discussed is: identifying as a professional social worker and conducting oneself accordingly. With this comes a heavy responsibility, not only the way a practitioner appears, how they dress or speak but also the way in which they conduct themselves fall into this category. Dressing appropriately to the agency that have enlisted the workers services, being aware of various bias or preconceived notions (often misconceptions) about a particular person or group and having the capacity to put these feelings and thoughts aside to help it crucial. Not only this but having the knowledge to effectively advocate for a client’s needs, understanding and abiding by professional boundaries, and making use of one’s peers, whether that be through supervision or consultation are key in this regard. It is also important to constantly be learning and participating in self-reflection as well as self-correction to grow in experience and maturity (giving takin help 21). The second of the aptitudes focuses on moral compulsion; Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice. This a standard that upon first reading may seem very straight forward “do this, and do not do that,” or “letting one’s conscience guide their actions” however as the cases a practitioner may become involved in become more
Professor Gestoso
SWK Practice III
9/172014
Introduction: Before one can begin conducting direct social work practice in a professional manner, he or she must first model their ideology to the standard set by the ten core competencies of social work. In 2008 The National Counsel of Social Work created a manual that serves as an ethical compass showing one the virtues that need to attained to practice appropriate, and efficient social work. Each one of these competencies is an ability that lends to the proficiency with which one can work with, and help to influence individuals on the micro, mezzo, and marco levels. The first competency that is discussed is: identifying as a professional social worker and conducting oneself accordingly. With this comes a heavy responsibility, not only the way a practitioner appears, how they dress or speak but also the way in which they conduct themselves fall into this category. Dressing appropriately to the agency that have enlisted the workers services, being aware of various bias or preconceived notions (often misconceptions) about a particular person or group and having the capacity to put these feelings and thoughts aside to help it crucial. Not only this but having the knowledge to effectively advocate for a client’s needs, understanding and abiding by professional boundaries, and making use of one’s peers, whether that be through supervision or consultation are key in this regard. It is also important to constantly be learning and participating in self-reflection as well as self-correction to grow in experience and maturity (giving takin help 21). The second of the aptitudes focuses on moral compulsion; Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice. This a standard that upon first reading may seem very straight forward “do this, and do not do that,” or “letting one’s conscience guide their actions” however as the cases a practitioner may become involved in become more