NASW Standards for Social Work Case Management - National ...

Regardless of such distinctions, however, thesocial work case manager applies knowledgeabout human growth and development,behavioral health, physical health, and familyrelationships to enhance the biopsychosocialwell-being of clients. As a resource expert, thesocial worker supports clients in navigatingservice delivery systems, accessing resources,and identifying service gaps and barriers. Eachcase manager’s understanding of the professionalsocial work role also guides her or hisinteractions with, and on behalf of, clients.Knowledge essential to social work casemanagement includes, but is not limited to, thefollowing areas:■ Human behavior, growth, and development◎ concepts and theories associated with lifespan development and behavioral change◎ cognitive, physiological, and psychosocialprocesses associated with various life stages,including the end of life■ Behavioral health◎ strengths, coping patterns, and pointsof resilience◎ depression, anxiety, and other mentalhealth conditions◎ addictive behaviors and their effect onthe client system◎ signs of trauma, abuse, neglect, andexploitation■ Physical health◎ physiological and cognitive processesassociated with acute and chronic conditions◎ psychosocial effects of acute, chronic,and life-limiting illness◎ psychosocial effects of physical andcognitive disability26