Skills for social workers. The unique contribution of social workers to the care of vulnerable adults and children Mr Sean Holland Chief Social Services Officer Department of Health Social Services and Public Safety Northern Ireland United Kingdom

Social Work: Common Purpose Pursuit of social justice Enhancement of quality of life Development of potential Safeguarding

Social Work is: “concerned with social problems, their personal impact, their causes and their solutions. Solutions for individuals and their causes. Social work operates at both a personal and political level.”

“People want social workers to protect vulnerable children and adults and ensure the safety of those who are entrusted to their care. They want social workers to promote independence.” (Harding & Beresford, The Standards We Expect – NISW)

“They value courtesy and respect, being treated as equals and individuals, and as people who make their own decisions: they value people who are experienced and well-informed, able to explain things clearly and without condescension, and who really listen: they value people who are able to act effectively and make practical things happen.” (Harding & Beresford, The Standards We Expect – NISW)

What Government Expects 1.Early Intervention and Prevention 2.Empowerment 3.Care 4.Protection 5.Control

Social Work Capacity and Capability Professional OrganisationalPersonal

Professional Competence Knowledge Skills Values

Personal Capabilities Intellectual Emotional Energy

Organisational Leadership and management Continuous professional development Support

The Northern Ireland Experience Graduate led profession Assessed year in employment Post Qualifying Education A regulated workforce Social Care Governance Priorities and targets

The Northern Ireland Experience Research SCIE User involvement Partnership Competence based