Write a brief narrative statement describing your interests and summarizing your accomplishments related to social work. Content may include the following items:
- What you see as your role as a social work professional ● Continued interest in your concentration/field of practice ● Your use of supervision and consultation in the field practicum to foster your professional growth and development ● Major activities and accomplishments in your field sites ● Honors or Awards related to social work/social work education you have received ● Extracurricular activities related to social work ● Work experience related to social work
- Statement of Future Professional Goals (1 page Competency 1,6,7)
Discuss your short term (1-2 years post-graduation) and long term (3-5years post-graduation) professional goals, including social work related causes and organizations with which you are interested in becoming involved.
- Professional Resume (one page Competency 1)
- Name, Address, Phone Number, and Email ● Professional Objective ● Education ● Work Experience (include volunteer activities and field practicum) ● Honors and Awards ● Three References
Competencies, Dimensions and Behaviors
Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Social workers understand the value base of the profession and its ethical
standards, as well as relevant laws and regulations that may impact practice at the
micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Social workers understand frameworks of ethical
decision–making and how to apply principles of critical thinking to those
frameworks in practice, research, and policy arenas. Social workers recognize
personal values and the distinction between personal and professional values. They
also understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions influence
their professional judgment and behavior. Social workers understand the
profession’s history, its mission, and the roles and responsibilities of the
profession. Social Workers also understand the role of other professions when
engaged in inter–professional teams. Social workers recognize the importance of
life–long learning and are committed to continually updating their skills to ensure
they are relevant and effective. Social workers also understand emerging forms of
technology and the ethical use of technology in social work practice.
Social workers:
1. Make ethical decisions by applying the standards of the NASW Code of
Ethics, relevant laws and regulations, models for ethical decision–making, ethical
conduct of research, and additional codes of ethics as appropriate to context;
2. Demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior; appearance; and oral,
written, and electronic communication;
[Objective:4,6,8,9]
Competency 2: Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
Social workers understand how diversity and difference characterize and shape the
human experience and are critical to the formation of identity. The dimensions of
diversity are understood as the intersectionality of multiple factors including but
not limited to age, class, color, culture, disability and ability, ethnicity, gender,
gender identity and expression, immigration status, marital status, political
ideology, race, religion/spirituality, sex, sexual orientation, and tribal sovereign
status. Social workers understand that, as a consequence of difference, a person’s
life experiences may include oppression, poverty, marginalization, and alienation
Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Social workers understand the value base of the profession and its ethical
standards, as well as relevant laws and regulations that may impact practice at the
micro, mezzo, and macro levels. Social workers understand frameworks of ethical
decision–making and how to apply principles of critical thinking to those
frameworks in practice, research, and policy arenas. Social workers recognize
personal values and the distinction between personal and professional values. They
also understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions influence
their professional judgment and behavior. Social workers understand the
profession’s history, its mission, and the roles and responsibilities of the
profession. Social Workers also understand the role of other professions when
engaged in inter–professional teams. Social workers recognize the importance of
life–long learning and are committed to continually updating their skills to ensure
they are relevant and effective. Social workers also understand emerging forms of
technology and the ethical use of technology in social work practice.
Social workers:
1. Make ethical decisions by applying the standards of the NASW Code of
Ethics, relevant laws and regulations, models for ethical decision–making, ethical
conduct of research, and additional codes of ethics as appropriate to context;
2. Demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior; appearance; and oral,
written, and electronic communication;
[Objective:4,6,8,9]
Competency 2: Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
Social workers understand how diversity and difference characterize and shape the
human experience and are critical to the formation of identity. The dimensions of
diversity are understood as the intersectionality of multiple factors including but
not limited to age, class, color, culture, disability and ability, ethnicity, gender,
gender identity and expression, immigration status, marital status, political
ideology, race, religion/spirituality, sex, sexual orientation, and tribal sovereign
status. Social workers understand that, as a consequence of difference, a person’s
life experiences may include oppression, poverty, marginalization, and alienation
3
as well as privilege, power, and acclaim. Social workers also understand the forms
and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and recognize the extent to
which a culture’s structures and values, including social, economic, political, and
cultural exclusions, may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create privilege and
power.
Social workers:
1. Apply and communicate understanding of the importance of diversity and
difference in shaping life experiences in practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro
levels;
2. Apply self–awareness and self–regulation to manage the influence of
personal biases and values in working with diverse clients and constituencies.
Objectives:3,5,10
Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and
Environmental Justice
Social workers understand that every person regardless of position in society has
fundamental human rights such as freedom, safety, privacy, an adequate standard
of living, health care, and education. Social workers understand the global
interconnections of oppression and human rights violations, and are knowledgeable
about theories of human need and social justice and strategies to promote social
and economic justice and human rights. Social workers understand strategies
designed to eliminate oppressive structural barriers to ensure that social goods,
rights, and responsibilities are distributed equitably and that civil, political,
environmental, economic, social, and cultural human rights are protected.
Social workers:
1. Apply their understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to
advocate for human rights at the individual and system levels;
2. Engage in practices that advance social, economic, and environmental
justice.
[Objective: 5,7,10]
Competency 4: Engage In Practice–informed Research and Research–
informed Practice
Social workers understand quantitative and qualitative research methods and their
respective roles in advancing a science of social work and in evaluating their
practice. Social workers know the principles of logic, scientific inquiry, and
culturally informed and ethical approaches to building knowledge. Social workers
understand that evidence that informs practice derives from multi–disciplinary
as well as privilege, power, and acclaim. Social workers also understand the forms
and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and recognize the extent to
which a culture’s structures and values, including social, economic, political, and
cultural exclusions, may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create privilege and
power.
Social workers:
1. Apply and communicate understanding of the importance of diversity and
difference in shaping life experiences in practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro
levels;
2. Apply self–awareness and self–regulation to manage the influence of
personal biases and values in working with diverse clients and constituencies.
Objectives:3,5,10
Competency 3: Advance Human Rights and Social, Economic, and
Environmental Justice
Social workers understand that every person regardless of position in society has
fundamental human rights such as freedom, safety, privacy, an adequate standard
of living, health care, and education. Social workers understand the global
interconnections of oppression and human rights violations, and are knowledgeable
about theories of human need and social justice and strategies to promote social
and economic justice and human rights. Social workers understand strategies
designed to eliminate oppressive structural barriers to ensure that social goods,
rights, and responsibilities are distributed equitably and that civil, political,
environmental, economic, social, and cultural human rights are protected.
Social workers:
1. Apply their understanding of social, economic, and environmental justice to
advocate for human rights at the individual and system levels;
2. Engage in practices that advance social, economic, and environmental
justice.
[Objective: 5,7,10]
Competency 4: Engage In Practice–informed Research and Research–
informed Practice
Social workers understand quantitative and qualitative research methods and their
respective roles in advancing a science of social work and in evaluating their
practice. Social workers know the principles of logic, scientific inquiry, and
culturally informed and ethical approaches to building knowledge. Social workers
understand that evidence that informs practice derives from multi–disciplinary
4
sources and multiple ways of knowing. They also understand the processes for
translating research findings into effective practice.
Social workers:
1. Use practice experience and theory to inform scientific inquiry and research;
2. Apply critical thinking to engage in analysis of quantitative and qualitative
research methods and research findings.
[Objective: 3,4,6]
Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations,
and Communities
Social workers understand that engagement is an ongoing component of the
dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of,
diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social
workers value the importance of human relationships. Social workers understand
theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and
apply this knowledge to facilitate engagement with clients and constituencies,
including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social
workers understand strategies to engage diverse clients and constituencies to
advance practice effectiveness. Social workers understand how their personal
experiences and affective reactions may impact their ability to effectively engage
with diverse clients and constituencies. Social workers value principles of
relationship–building and inter–professional collaboration to facilitate engagement
with clients, constituencies, and other professionals as appropriate.
Social workers:
1. Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person–in–
environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks to engage with
clients and constituencies;
2. Use empathy, reflection, and interpersonal skills to effectively engage
diverse clients and constituencies.
[Objective:1,3,4,5,6 ][Level of practice: Individuals Families Groups
Communities Organizations ]
Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and
Communities
Social workers understand that assessment is an ongoing component of the
dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of,
diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social
workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and
critically evaluate and apply this knowledge in the assessment of diverse clients
sources and multiple ways of knowing. They also understand the processes for
translating research findings into effective practice.
Social workers:
1. Use practice experience and theory to inform scientific inquiry and research;
2. Apply critical thinking to engage in analysis of quantitative and qualitative
research methods and research findings.
[Objective: 3,4,6]
Competency 6: Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations,
and Communities
Social workers understand that engagement is an ongoing component of the
dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of,
diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social
workers value the importance of human relationships. Social workers understand
theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and
apply this knowledge to facilitate engagement with clients and constituencies,
including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social
workers understand strategies to engage diverse clients and constituencies to
advance practice effectiveness. Social workers understand how their personal
experiences and affective reactions may impact their ability to effectively engage
with diverse clients and constituencies. Social workers value principles of
relationship–building and inter–professional collaboration to facilitate engagement
with clients, constituencies, and other professionals as appropriate.
Social workers:
1. Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person–in–
environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks to engage with
clients and constituencies;
2. Use empathy, reflection, and interpersonal skills to effectively engage
diverse clients and constituencies.
[Objective:1,3,4,5,6 ][Level of practice: Individuals Families Groups
Communities Organizations ]
Competency 7: Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and
Communities
Social workers understand that assessment is an ongoing component of the
dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of,
diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social
workers understand theories of human behavior and the social environment, and
critically evaluate and apply this knowledge in the assessment of diverse clients
5
and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and
communities. Social workers understand methods of assessment with diverse
clients and constituencies to advance practice effectiveness. Social workers
recognize the implications of the larger practice context in the assessment process
and value the importance of inter–professional collaboration in this process. Social
workers understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions may
affect their assessment and decision–making.
Social workers:
1. Collect and organize data, and apply critical thinking to interpret information
from clients and constituencies;
2. Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person–in–
environment, strengths perspectives, and other multidisciplinary theoretical
frameworks in the analysis of assessment data from clients and constituencies;
[Objective:3,4,5,6,7,8 ][Level of practice: Individuals, Families, Groups]
Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations,
and Communities
Social workers understand that intervention is an ongoing component of the
dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of,
diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social
workers are knowledgeable about evidence–informed interventions to achieve the
goals of clients and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups,
organizations, and communities. Social workers understand theories of human
behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this
knowledge to effectively intervene with clients and constituencies. Social workers
understand methods of identifying, analyzing and implementing evidence–
informed interventions to achieve client and constituency goals. Social workers
value the importance of inter–professional teamwork and communication in
interventions, recognizing that beneficial outcomes may require interdisciplinary,
inter–professional, and inter–organizational collaboration.
Social workers:
1. Critically choose and implement interventions to achieve mutually agreed
upon practice goals and enhance capacities of clients and constituencies;
2. Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person–in–
environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in interventions
with clients and constituencies
[Objective:8,9,10][Level of practice: Individuals, Families, Groups ]
and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups, organizations, and
communities. Social workers understand methods of assessment with diverse
clients and constituencies to advance practice effectiveness. Social workers
recognize the implications of the larger practice context in the assessment process
and value the importance of inter–professional collaboration in this process. Social
workers understand how their personal experiences and affective reactions may
affect their assessment and decision–making.
Social workers:
1. Collect and organize data, and apply critical thinking to interpret information
from clients and constituencies;
2. Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person–in–
environment, strengths perspectives, and other multidisciplinary theoretical
frameworks in the analysis of assessment data from clients and constituencies;
[Objective:3,4,5,6,7,8 ][Level of practice: Individuals, Families, Groups]
Competency 8: Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations,
and Communities
Social workers understand that intervention is an ongoing component of the
dynamic and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of,
diverse individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social
workers are knowledgeable about evidence–informed interventions to achieve the
goals of clients and constituencies, including individuals, families, groups,
organizations, and communities. Social workers understand theories of human
behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and apply this
knowledge to effectively intervene with clients and constituencies. Social workers
understand methods of identifying, analyzing and implementing evidence–
informed interventions to achieve client and constituency goals. Social workers
value the importance of inter–professional teamwork and communication in
interventions, recognizing that beneficial outcomes may require interdisciplinary,
inter–professional, and inter–organizational collaboration.
Social workers:
1. Critically choose and implement interventions to achieve mutually agreed
upon practice goals and enhance capacities of clients and constituencies;
2. Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment, person–in–
environment, and other multidisciplinary theoretical frameworks in interventions
with clients and constituencies
[Objective:8,9,10][Level of practice: Individuals, Families, Groups ]
6
Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups,
Organizations, and Communities
Social workers understand that evaluation is an ongoing component of the dynamic
and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse
individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Social workers
recognize the importance of evaluating processes and outcomes to advance
practice, policy, and service delivery effectiveness. Social workers understand
theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and
apply this knowledge in evaluating outcomes. Social workers understand
qualitative and quantitative methods for evaluating outcomes and practice
effectiveness.
Social workers:
1. Select and use appropriate methods for evaluation of outcomes;
2. Apply evaluation findings to improve practice effectiveness at the micro,
mezzo, and macro levels.
[Objective: 1,3,4,5,6,7,10] [Level of practice: Individuals, Families, Groups,
Communities]
Competency 10: Apply knowledge of the historical and contemporary
contributions of African Americans to the field of social welfare as the context
for urban social work research and practice.
Social workers understand how knowledge of the historical and contemporary
contributions of African American scholars, practitioners, social change agents,
communities, and social institutions provide a context for developing the
knowledge base as it relates to context sensitive practice.
Social workers:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of historical and contemporary African American
scholars, practitioners, change agents, communities, and social institutions in the
social welfare field;
2. Utilize African Americans’ contributions to inform culturally appropriate
social work research and practice.
[Objective:6, 8,10 Levels: Individuals, Families, Groups]
Competency 9: Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups,
Organizations, and Communities
Social workers understand that evaluation is an ongoing component of the dynamic
and interactive process of social work practice with, and on behalf of, diverse
individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities. Social workers
recognize the importance of evaluating processes and outcomes to advance
practice, policy, and service delivery effectiveness. Social workers understand
theories of human behavior and the social environment, and critically evaluate and
apply this knowledge in evaluating outcomes. Social workers understand
qualitative and quantitative methods for evaluating outcomes and practice
effectiveness.
Social workers:
1. Select and use appropriate methods for evaluation of outcomes;
2. Apply evaluation findings to improve practice effectiveness at the micro,
mezzo, and macro levels.
[Objective: 1,3,4,5,6,7,10] [Level of practice: Individuals, Families, Groups,
Communities]
Competency 10: Apply knowledge of the historical and contemporary
contributions of African Americans to the field of social welfare as the context
for urban social work research and practice.
Social workers understand how knowledge of the historical and contemporary
contributions of African American scholars, practitioners, social change agents,
communities, and social institutions provide a context for developing the
knowledge base as it relates to context sensitive practice.
Social workers:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of historical and contemporary African American
scholars, practitioners, change agents, communities, and social institutions in the
social welfare field;
2. Utilize African Americans’ contributions to inform culturally appropriate
social work research and practice.
[Objective:6, 8,10 Levels: Individuals, Families, Groups]
7
Competency 11: Apply knowledge of the dynamics and complexities of urban
communities as the basis for urban social work research and practice.
Social workers understand that the context of practice is dynamic and ever
evolving and thus use knowledge and skills to respond proactively.
Social workers:
1. Acquire knowledge of the dynamics, complexities, strengths, and challenges
of urban communities as the foundation for urban social work practice;
2. Applying culturally appropriate knowledge and approaches to research and
practice with urban populations.
Objectives:4,3,6,7,10[Levels: Individuals, Families, groups
Competency 11: Apply knowledge of the dynamics and complexities of urban
communities as the basis for urban social work research and practice.
Social workers understand that the context of practice is dynamic and ever
evolving and thus use knowledge and skills to respond proactively.
Social workers:
1. Acquire knowledge of the dynamics, complexities, strengths, and challenges
of urban communities as the foundation for urban social work practice;
2. Applying culturally appropriate knowledge and approaches to research and
practice with urban populations.
Objectives:4,3,6,7,10[Levels: Individuals, Families, groups