Practice Behaviors and Competency Outcomes for School of Social ...

ST. AMBROSE UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
COMPETENCIES: GENERALIST FOUNDATION PRACTICE BEHAVIORS AND
EMPOWERMENT CONCENTRATION PRACTICE BEHAVIORS
FILENAME: EPAS SAU COMPETENCIES &PRACTICE BEHAVIORS FINAL OCTOBER 15, 2009
COMPETENCIES GENERALIST FOUNDATION PRACTICE BEHAVIORS EMPOWERMENT CONCENTRATION PRACTICE BEHAVIORS
Professional
Identity
2.1.1 Identify as
a professional
social worker
and conduct
oneself
accordingly.
Social workers serve as representatives of the profession, its
mission, and its core values. They know the profession’s history.
Social workers commit themselves to the profession’s
enhancement and to their own professional conduct and growth.
Social workers
a) develop self awareness to actualize professional roles and
identities
b) engage in professional development with supervisors and
colleagues
c) contribute to the development of the social work
profession through knowledge development and activism
Implementing an empowerment approach requires a social worker’s
extensive self awareness. This awareness is based on self reflection
and information from clients, colleagues, and supervisors as well as
knowledge developed within the social work profession. A praxis
process incorporating these sources of information cycles through
phases of reflection, action, and further reflection. This praxis process
steers empowerment-focused workers toward accountability to clients,
community, and the social work profession. Continuous self evaluation
anchors a social worker’s commitment to life-long learning.
Empowerment social workers
d) continuously evaluate professional actions using a praxis
process informed by clients, colleagues, supervisors, and the science of
the social work profession
Ethical
Practice
2.1.2 Apply social
work ethical
principles to
guide
professional
practice.
Social workers have an obligation to conduct themselves ethically
and to engage in ethical decision-making. Social workers are
knowledgeable about the value base of the profession, its ethical
standards, and relevant law.
Social workers
a) reconcile personal/professional value differences, show
congruence between personal and professional values,
integrate professional values in practice
b) apply social work professional codes of ethics to practice
c) identify ethical issues and resolve ethical dilemmas with
effective decision making strategies
Ethics guide all social work practice. In empowerment-oriented
practice, essential areas for ethical analysis emphasize the extent to
which the worker-client relationship encourages empowerment, a
worker’s socio-cultural location and its impact on practice, and the
ethical implications of all practice decisions and behaviors. The
generalist nature of empowerment practice frequently presents
questions to practitioners about who should benefit from the social
work experience - clients, agency, community, and/or society.
Empowering practitioners acknowledge and resolve these ethical
questions in each practice experience.
Empowerment social workers
d) resolve ethical dilemmas inherent in the empowerment
method

Critical
Thinking
2.1.3 Apply
critical thinking
to inform and
communicate
professional
judgments.
Social workers are knowledgeable about the principles of logic,
scientific inquiry, and reasoned discernment. They use critical
thinking augmented by creativity and curiosity. Critical thinking
also requires the synthesis and communication of relevant
information.
Social workers
a) critically evaluate/integrate sources of knowledge to
guide practice - research, practice wisdom, theory
b) critically analyze situations including context, policy,
social problems, agency practices, practice models
c) communicate effectively with clients and colleagues,
orally and in writing
No where is critical thinking more important to the empowermentoriented
practitioner than the awareness of oppression and privilege
and the implications of a client’s position within the social order.
Empowering practitioners are activists in raising consciousness about
power and the impact of power on a client’s experience.
Empowerment social workers
d) effectively confront in self and others the disempowering
attitudes and behaviors that contribute to social injustices,
oppression, and discrimination
Diversity in
Practice
2.1.4--Engage
diversity and
difference in
practice.
Social workers understand how diversity characterizes and shapes
the human experience and is critical to the formation of identity.
The dimensions of diversity are understood as the
intersectionality of multiple factors including age, class, color,
culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and
expression, immigration status, political ideology, race, religion,
sex, and sexual orientation. Social workers appreciate 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.
Social workers
a) appraise the impact of cultural identity on a person’s
experience of privilege and oppression
b) demonstrate cultural competence in all aspects of social
work practice
c) detect cultural bias and discrimination in professional
practice with diverse clients
Collaboration with clients and community is essential for implementing
an empowerment method. To build collaborative partnerships that
respect, invite, and ensure voice to clients, colleagues, and other
stakeholders empowerment-oriented practitioners require relationship
abilities and communication expertise. The relationship skills of any
social worker are grounded in a worker’s cultural competence.
Empowerment-based practice builds on this cultural competence and
implements a strengths perspective that respects client privileges and
expertise. A strengths perspective moves empowering social workers
to emphasize the strengths of diverse clients and view clients as having
potential to meet their challenges.
Empowerment social workers
d) partner effectively with clients and others who vary by race,
ethnicity, socio-economic class, age, gender, sexual orientation,
and physical and cognitive abilities
e) demonstrate cultural competence in acknowledging the
strengths and inherent power of diverse client populations

Human
Rights and
Justice
2.1.5 Advance
human rights
and social
justice.
Each person, regardless of position in society, has basic human
rights, such as freedom, safety, privacy, an adequate standard of
living, health care, and education. Social workers recognize the
global interconnections of oppression and are knowledgeable
about theories of justice and strategies to promote
human and civil rights. Social work incorporates social justice
practices in organizations, institutions, and society to ensure that
these basic human rights are distributed equitably and without
prejudice.
Social workers
a) identify the inequities in human rights afforded to various
people
b) assess the forms and mechanisms maintaining oppression
at individual, social, and institutional levels
c) engage in practices advancing human rights and social
justice
As social work professionals, all practitioners commit themselves to
advancing human rights and social justice. An empowerment-oriented
practitioner frames this effort in terms of client’s power. One’s sense
of power can only endure in an environment that supports it.
Empowering practitioners analyze the ways in which a client’s
experience of power is shaped by social and cultural systems, social
policy, legislation, agency protocols, and global dynamics. In keeping
with the goal of empowerment, practitioners act on this knowledge to
contribute to a socially just society.
Empowerment social workers
d) work individually and collectively to advocate policies
supporting social justice and protecting human rights
Research-
Based
Practice
2.1.6 Engage in
researchinformed
practice and
practiceinformed
research.
Social workers utilize 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
a) evaluate practice experience to improve practice
outcomes
b) critically apply evidence-based data to guide practice
c) use qualitative and quantitative research and evaluation
to improve service delivery
A distinguishing quality of empowerment practice is the use of
“evidence” from a client’s perspective in balance with knowledge and
evidence generated through social work research. “What constitutes
valid evidence?” is a critical question in the use of evidence to guide
social work practice, prompting workers to critically evaluate new
knowledge and its sources for credibility and applicability in each
unique practice situation. Empowering workers continuously evaluate
their practices through the lens of new knowledge and by accessing
voices from clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
Empowerment social workers
d) tailor evidence-supported strategies to fit unique client
situations
e) design, implement, and analyze program evaluations that
access stakeholders’ views

Human
Behavior
2.1.7 Apply
knowledge of
human behavior
and the social
environment.
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
a) implement an ecosystems framework to describe
client systems and their environments
b) critically integrate knowledge of biological,
developmental, psychological, social, cultural, and
spiritual influences to understand human behavior
c) effectively apply relevant theories to fit clients and
practice situations
The profession of social work draws on an understanding of human
behavior generated from knowledge in many disciplines. Particularly,
social workers are knowledgeable about social systems and how these
systems affect people in maintaining or achieving well-being.
Empowerment-based social workers are selective in their use of social
work theory and perspectives, choosing those views that support a
client’s perspective and augment a client’s experience of power.
Empowerment social workers
d) critically apply a range of practice theories, models, and
perspectives within an empowerment framework
Policy
Practice
2.1.8 Engage in
policy practice to
advance social
and economic
well-being and
to deliver
effective social
work services.
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:
a) explain the development and structure of social welfare
policy in the US
b) analyze the impact of social policy on service deliver
c) participate with clients and colleagues to advocate policies
that advance social well-being
All effective social work practitioners actively engage in policy practice.
They recognize the role of policy in service delivery and the effects of
social policy on a client’s experience. To implement an empowering
process, workers acknowledge the pervasive influence of social policy
in every practice endeavor and use this understanding in their
consciousness-raising efforts with clients. Empowering practitioners
work individually and collectively to influence service delivery, policy
formulation, and legislative change.
Empowerment social workers
d) challenge unjust social and economic policies in all practice
activities

Practice
Context
2.1.9 Respond to
and shape an
ever-changing
professional
context.
Social workers are informed, resourceful and proactive in
responding to the 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
a) assess the impact of local and national social, political,
and economic conditions on the well-being and needs of
clients
b) analyze the impact of the international context on social
work
c) initiate improvements in service delivery to keep pace
with changing client needs and social conditions
All social workers acknowledge the input of evolving organizational,
community, and societal contexts using knowledge and skill to respond
proactively. Empowerment-based practitioners ensure these efforts are
based on cooperation, and they work to ally client and community
forces in synchronized efforts toward mutual goals.
Empowerment social workers
d) initiate cooperative efforts to develop opportunities and
resources for clients within community contexts
e) create empowering alliances in organizational, community,
and professional contexts.
Professional
Practice
2.1.10 (1-4)
Engage, assess,
intervene, and
evaluate with
individuals,
families, groups,
organizations,
and
communities.
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.
Social workers
a) articulate generalist practice processes that apply to all
client systems including individuals, families, groups,
organizations, and communities
b) explain how a generalist practice approach integrates
research, policy, and practice activities
c) infuse practice with an empowerment perspective
2.1.10 (a) Engagement
a1. build relationships that respect the uniqueness of
clients
a2. engage clients as partners to understand situations
An empowerment practice method acts on the dynamic interplay of
clients with many systems including social, cultural, and political
contexts as well as physical environments. Even problems encountered
at the micro level are recognized to be embedded in a wider system of
influence and amenable to changes initiated at the mezzo- and macrolevels.
Empowerment-based practitioners assess systemically,
intervene broadly, and evaluate the effects of their efforts throughout
the system of focus. Moreover, empowerment practice requires
collaboration with clients and community. As a process, collaborating
has powerful benefits for all involved, elevating subjugated knowledge
and activating energy to achieve goals. Such collaboration exemplifies
the value stance of an empowering social work professional actualizing
the principles of self-determination, individualization, and acceptance.
Empowerment social workers
d) practice competently and ethically from an empowerment
social work perspective
e) demonstrate expertise in empowerment practice processes
at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels
2.1.10 (a) Engagement
a3. use self awareness and feedback to construct
empowering relationships with clients
a4. facilitate client system participation and cooperation

and agree on goals
implement assessment, intervention, and evaluation activities
2.1.10 (b) Assessment
b1. assess clients in context noting strengths and
opportunities
b2. assess resource capabilities in the impinging
environments of the client system
2.1.10 (c) Intervention
c1. construct an achievable plan of action for client
system and environmental change
c2. activate client and contextual resources to initiate
and stabilize change
2.1.10 (d) Evaluation
d1. evaluate change efforts to recognize
achievements and inform continuing actions
d2. evaluate one’s own practice effectiveness
2.1.10 (b) Assessment
b3. practice cultural responsiveness by using assessment
tools in ways sensitive to client diversity
b4. assess factors of risk and resilience that hinder or
promote client system competence
2.1.10. (c) Intervention
c3. use strength-oriented empowerment processes that
heighten efficacy, competence, and political consciousness
c4. demonstrate practice skills necessary to achieve change
through integrated clinical and political social work strategies
2.1.10 (d) Evaluation
d3. continuously monitor and measure practice effectiveness
from the client’s perspective
d4. actively involve clients in all steps of program evaluation
and practice research