skills knowledge and professional behaviour required of a social worker in contemporary social work
Critical reflection on the skills, knowledge and professional behaviour required of a social worker in contemporary social work.
It is vital that social workers gain a plethora of professional skills and knowledge to work effectively within their field. To ensure the same level of professionalism is achieved, standards have been put in place by various regulatory bodies which must be adopted by all social care graduates and professionals. To fully appreciate the requirements of a social worker is to be acquainted with a brief overview of the history of social work and the regulatory frameworks. This essay will critically reflect on the importance of theory, research, personal and practical knowledge in relation to skills, knowledge and professional behaviour. Additionally, further focus will be placed on the importance of building relationships to promote anti-oppressive practice and how the use of language, evidence in practice, research and reflexivity can cause a crisis of knowledge. Furthermore, this essay will aim to reflect on inter professional involvement and boundaries making reference to practitioner values and ethics, legislation and difference of opinion.
According to Edmondson (2014), the industrial revolution and the introduction of The Poor Law in the 19th century created poverty and major social hardships. The main response to social problems was to incarcerate people into institutions such as workhouses, boarding schools and hospitals (Horner 2006). It was not until the 20th century when individual’s wellbeing took precedence, which contributed to changes in policy and practice, and the need for a social worker was acknowledged (Kate et al, 2008).
In 1957 The International Federation of Social Workers' (IFSW) definition of a social worker was very much based on a patriarchal medical approach, encapsulating a client as one who needs to be adapted into society by a male professional. However, today IFSW and International Association Social
It is vital that social workers gain a plethora of professional skills and knowledge to work effectively within their field. To ensure the same level of professionalism is achieved, standards have been put in place by various regulatory bodies which must be adopted by all social care graduates and professionals. To fully appreciate the requirements of a social worker is to be acquainted with a brief overview of the history of social work and the regulatory frameworks. This essay will critically reflect on the importance of theory, research, personal and practical knowledge in relation to skills, knowledge and professional behaviour. Additionally, further focus will be placed on the importance of building relationships to promote anti-oppressive practice and how the use of language, evidence in practice, research and reflexivity can cause a crisis of knowledge. Furthermore, this essay will aim to reflect on inter professional involvement and boundaries making reference to practitioner values and ethics, legislation and difference of opinion.
According to Edmondson (2014), the industrial revolution and the introduction of The Poor Law in the 19th century created poverty and major social hardships. The main response to social problems was to incarcerate people into institutions such as workhouses, boarding schools and hospitals (Horner 2006). It was not until the 20th century when individual’s wellbeing took precedence, which contributed to changes in policy and practice, and the need for a social worker was acknowledged (Kate et al, 2008).
In 1957 The International Federation of Social Workers' (IFSW) definition of a social worker was very much based on a patriarchal medical approach, encapsulating a client as one who needs to be adapted into society by a male professional. However, today IFSW and International Association Social