1. Michael E. Sherr, Ph.D Johnny M. Jones, Ph.D.
Competence-Based Social Work: The Profession of Caring, Knowing, and Serving Chapter 6—Developing the Professional Identity for Social Work
Michael E. Sherr, Ph.D
Johnny M. Jones, Ph.D.

2. The four ways social workers develop and maintain their professional identity:
Formal education
Licensure and certifications
Networking with social workers and professionals
Practice wisdom

3. Formal Education
The primary pathway for developing one’s professional identity.
Social work is an applied academic discipline and profession.
Courses focus on preparing students to engage people in helping relationships rather than study them.
Students learn to incorporate several areas of study into action.

4. Information for Competent Practice
What kinds of things do social workers need to know for competent practice?
They need information at the micro (individual), mezzo (group) and macro (organizations and communities) levels.
Micro: A holistic understanding of human beings. This also includes information to understand clients as physical, emotional, social, and spiritual beings.

5. Competent Practice Cont.
Mezzo: An understanding of how persons interact and function with others. This includes knowledge of families, different cultures, the ways people develop and maintain relationships within groups.
Macro: An understanding of how individuals and groups interact and function with organizations and communities and how they can be influential within them.
Also requires knowledge of organizational theory, community change, community development, economics, and political science.

6. Courses Required for the Field
Table 6.1
Common courses required as pre-cognates for social work
Psychology (intro, abnormal, neuropsychology)
Biology (intro, human anatomy)
Sociology (intro, human diversity)
Economics (micro, macro, and/or economics of poverty)
Political Science
Principles of Speech Communications
Philosophy (philosophy of ethics and/or philosophy of justice)
Statistics

7. Course Pre-Cognate Relevance
Biology & Psychology-Provides knowledge for working with individuals
Sociology-Understand human diversity and group functioning.
Economics-Help students grasp the importance of resources and services for well-being. Also explains the financial dynamics of poverty.

8. Pre-Cognate Relevance Cont.
Political Science & Philosophy-Give students a foundation for understanding policy and appreciating social work’s emphasis on human rights and justice.
Statistics-Prepare students to assess and incorporate best practice based on evidence founded in research. Students are prepared for research courses where they will analyze and evaluate practice.

9. Levels of Education-Establishing One’s Professional Identity
Crucial to choose a CSWE accredited University.
CSWE-the national social work org. that sets the educational standards for social work programs.
The accreditation standards developed by CSWE are recognized all over the country.
The public recognizes therefore that a student graduating from an accredited University is indeed a social worker.

10. Levels of Education Cont.
Students must decide whether to pursue baccalaureate, graduate, or doctoral education.
Each prepares students for different levels of competent practice and shapes their professional identity.

11. BSW Prepares students for basic professional practice.
Students are ready to apply theoretical knowledge, skills, and values for the service of clients.
CSWE characterizes basic practice as “generalist” practice.
The definition of generalist practice described in the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS) point out the basic elements of competent social work practice. These make up the social work competencies.

12. EPAS Definition of Generalist Practice:
“Generalist practice is grounded in the liberal arts and the person and environment construct. To promote human and social well-being, generalist practitioners use a range of prevention and intervention methods in their practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. The generalist practitioner identifies with the social work profession and applies ethical principles and critical thinking in practice. Generalist practitioners incorporate diversity in their practice and advocate for human rights and social and economic justice. They recognize, support, and build on the strengths and resiliency of all human beings. They engage in research-informed practice and are proactive in responding to the impact of context on professional practice. BSW practice incorporates all of the core competencies”.
(CSWE, 2008, pp. 7-8)
EPAS Definition of Generalist Practice:

13. MSW Prepares students for advanced professional practice.
Equips students with specific and demonstrated mastery of knowledge and skills in at least one specialized area of practice.
Normally takes two years to complete.
First year known as the foundation year-prepares students for basic competent practice.
The first year is quite similar to the undergraduate BSW degree.

14. MSW Cont.
Students graduating from a BSW program which is accredited by the CSWE can apply for Advanced Standing within MSW programs.
After this students can complete the MSW within one year.
After completing the foundation year or admittance to an Advanced Standing program, students select a concentration area for specialized learning.

15. MSW cont. MSW programs may offer courses on practice with:
Children and Families
Health and Mental Health
Communities and Organizations
Practice with Older Adults
Specialized Courses in Clinical Work
Forensic Social Work
International Social work
Or Advanced Generalist Practice for students working with rural populations

16. EPAS Definition of Advanced Practice:
“Advanced practitioners refine and advance the quality of social work practice and that of the larger social work profession. They synthesize and apply a broad range of interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary knowledge and skills. In areas of specialization, advanced practitioners assess, intervene, and evaluate to promote human and social well-being. To do so they suit each action to the circumstances at hand, using the discrimination learned through experience and self- improvement. Advanced practice incorporates all of the core competencies augmented by knowledge and practice behaviors specific to a concentration”.
(CSWE, 2008, pp. 8)

17. PhD or DSW
Prepares competent practitioners for teaching, research, or high levels of administration, supervision or leadership in social work.
PhD or DSW programs are not accredited by CSWE therefore doctoral education varies greatly across different schools.
Many schools balance between preparation for teaching, research, and administration.

18. Group for the Advancement in Doctoral Education in Social Work (GADE)
Lists 6 critical areas students may want to consider when assessing different programs.
Should consider:
Institutional context, faculty, students, curriculum, resources, and the presence of an active program review.
Visit the GADE website ( to learn more about doctoral education and social work guidelines.

19. Licensure and Credentials
Helps develop and maintain professional identity.
Mandatory in every state.
State legislation in many states requires licensure before students can refer to themselves as social workers.

20. Purpose of Licensure
Identify, uphold and regulate standards of practice.
Protect citizens from malpractice or professional misconduct.
Normally regulate four levels of licensure-
BSW completion-> LBSW
MSW completion->LMSW
Two years post master’s experience->LISW
Two years post master’s clinical experience->LCSW

21. Credentials Voluntary not mandatory.
Way of communicating advanced competence in specialized levels and areas of practice.
Usually offered as an optional benefit of membership within professional organizations.
NASW offers credentials for BSWs, MSWs, and three different credentials.

22. Certifications and Credentials for BSW
Four different certifications through NASW
Certified Social Work Case Managers (C-SWCMs)
Certified Children, Youth, and Family Social Workers (C-CYFSWs)
Certified Social Workers in Gerontology (SW-G)
Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Social Workers (CHP-SW)

23. Certified Social Work Case Managers (BSW)
Work with clients to attain specific goals using knowledge, values, and skills.
Focus on client strengths and client self-care.
Requirements include:
BSW from an accredited University
Evidence of at least 3 years and 4,500 hours of paid, supervised, and post BSW experience as a case manager.
Current state or passing Association of Social Work Boards BSW level exam score.
Adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics and Standards for Continuing Professional Education.

24. Certified Children, Youth, and Family Social Workers
A professional credential for a select group of social workers who have attained national distinction for their work with children, youth and families.
Work in the areas of direct practice, advocacy, policy, program development, program evaluation, research, supervision, education, and administration, to help children, youth, and families.

25. Certified Children, Youth, and Family Social Worker Cont.
Requirements:
BSW from an accredited University
20 hours of post-degree continuing education specific to children, youth, and families.
At least one year and 1,500 paid, supervised and post-BSW experience with children, youth and families.
Adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics and Standards for Continuing Professional Education.

26. Certified Social Worker in Gerontology (SW-G)
For those who practice primarily with older adults.
Specialized skills including:
Assessment of older adult needs and functional capacity.
Expertise in mental and physical health issues.
Case and care management
Long term care
Elder abuse
quality of life issues,
service planning and advance care planning

27. Certified Social Worker in Gerontology Cont.
Primary goal is to address the specific challenges of the aging process.
Must be knowledgeable about legislation, policies and programs which affect older adults.

28. Certified Social Worker in Gerontology cont.
Requirements:
A BSW from an accredited University.
Evidence of at least three years and 4,500 hours of paid, supervised, and post-BSW experience working with older adults under supervision.
Current state BSW-level or a passing Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) BSW-level exam score.
Adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics and Standard’s for Continuing Professional Education.

29. Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Social Worker (CHP-SW)
For those who practice primarily with clients and families facing a terminal illness.
Focus on the bio-psycho-social-spiritual components of health/mental health from a strengths-based perspective.
Develop intervention plans which contribute to comprehensive care for clients.

30. Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Social Worker (CHP-SW) Cont.
Requirements:
BSW from an accredited University.
At least 20 hours of continuing education related to hospice and palliative care.
Current state BSW-level licensure or a passing Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) BSW-level exam score.
Adherence to NASW Code of Ethics and Standards for Continuing Professional Education.

31. Certification for MSW’s
More certification options than BSW’s.
Advanced certifications for:
Case management (C-ASWCM)
Children, youth and families (C-ACYFSW)
Social work in gerontology (ASW-G)
Hospice and palliative care social work (ACHP-SW).
Difference in eligibility requirements are completion of an MSW from an accredited University and additional years of MSW experience.

32. Additional Options for MSW’s
MSW’s can also seek certification for/from:
Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW)
Certifications for social work practice in schools and health care settings
Certifications in clinical social work.

33. Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW)
Perhaps the most common and respected credential in social work.
Those holding the ACSW are recognized as qualified providers across an array of different practice settings.

34. Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW) Cont.
Requirements:
An MSW from an accredited University.
At least 20 hours of continuing education.
At least two years of post-MSW experience working under the supervision of an MSW credentialed supervisor.
Professional evaluations which validate their knowledge, understanding, and application of social work values from an MSW supervisor and two social work colleagues
Adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics and Standards for Continuing Education.

35. Certified School Social Work Specialists (C-SSWS)
Use theories of human behavior and development and methods of social work practice to support students in school settings.
They provide a variety of services to students and their families.
They recognize the elements and systems which significantly shape student’s experiences in schools.

36. Certified School Social Work Specialists (C-SSWS)
Requirements:
An MSW from an accredited University.
At least 20 hours of continuing education related specifically school social work.
At least two years of supervised experience working in a school setting.
Current state clinical licensure or a current exam-based school social work license.
Registration or certification by a designated state office.
Adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics and Standards for Continuing Professional Education.

37. Certified Social Workers in Health Care (C-SWHC)
Practice in health care settings.
Signifies specialized experience and expertise helping clients, families, and groups enhance their well-being in relation to their health.
Focus on the bio-psycho-social-spiritual components of health from a strengths perspective.
Use their knowledge to:
develop standards of practice, recommend health policy, improve health programs and ensure clients, families and organizations receive high quality and state of the art services.

38. Certified Social Workers in Health Care (C-SWHC) Cont.
Requirements:
MSW from an accredited university
At least 20 hours of continuing education related specifically school social work.
At least two years of supervised experience working in a health care setting.
Current state clinical licensure
Adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics and Standards for Continuing Professional Education.

39. Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW)
Expertise and experience engaging in clinical assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, including psychotherapy and counseling, with individuals, families, and small groups.
Knowledge of theories of human development and professional application of social work theory and methods.

40. Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW)
Requirements:
MSW from an accredited university
At least 30 hours of continuing education specific to clinical social work within the last two years
Evidence of at least three years of supervised, post-MSW clinical social work employment in an agency or organization that provides mental health assessment and treatment, current state clinical licensure,
Adherence to NASW Code of Ethics, and Standards for Continuing Professional Education.

41. Diplomat in Clinical Social Work (DCSW)
For social workers that can demonstrate the highest level of expertise and experience in clinical settings.
Requirements:
In addition to requirements of the QCSW;
An MSW from an accredited university with at least 20 hours of clinical coursework
An additional three years of clinical practice experience that has occurred within the last 10 years
Two satisfactory colleague references; completed by clinical social workers.

42. Professional Organizations
Students strongly encouraged to join and participate in professional social work organizations.
Important to consider participating in other organizations specific to practice interests.
Interacting with colleagues builds accountability, professional development, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Expands the network of connects when advocating for human rights and social/economic justice.

43. National Association of Social Workers
Largest social work organization in the world.
As members, students will have opportunities for continuous professional growth and networking with other social workers to create and maintain standards of practice (NASW, 2012b)
Primary benefit is the opportunity to become active in one of the state chapters.
Students can visit the NASW website at to learn more about the benefits of membership.

44. Council on Social Work Education
An important organization for developing one’s professional identity.
Consists of practitioners, educators, social service agencies, and undergraduate and graduate programs of social work education (CSWE, 2012).

45. Council on Social Work Education Cont.
Fulfills three important functions for the profession:
Sets and maintains educational policy and program standards.
Credits bachelor's and master's degree programs in social work.
Develops and advocates for social work education throughout the United States.

46. Practice Wisdom
Developing one’s professional identity also occurs through practice experience.
Refers to the ability of social workers to combine and translate empirical and theoretical knowledge and previous experience, into current and future practice (Klein & Bloom, 1995).
Dybicz (2004) describes it as going beyond pure knowledge to the actualization of social work values.
Graduating from a CSWE accredited social work program demonstrates competence in the profession and the ability to develop practice wisdom after years of experience.

47. Summary
Professional identity is a key social work competence that shapes and influences one’s practice.
The expectation of competence in combination with on-going self-reflection, with formal education, licensure and certification, participation in professional organization and practice wisdom makes social work unique among other helping professions.
The contemplative cycle needed for social work practice is a lifelong commitment.