Competency: Five

Jason Branch
 Competency: Five
General Information

Competency Five: Competency five in social work typically refers to the ability to engage in policy practice and advance social
and economic well-being. Social workers with competency in this area are skilled at understanding the broader societal factors
that impact individuals and communities. They can analyze and evaluate policies and programs, advocating for changes that
promote social justice and equity. Competency five also involves collaborating with various stakeholders, such as government
agencies, community organizations, and advocacy groups, to develop and implement effective policies and interventions. Social
workers in this competency area aim to enhance the overall quality of life for vulnerable populations and address systemic issues
that perpetuate inequality and injustice. This competency is crucial for social workers to create lasting positive change at both the
micro and macro levels of practice.
 Competency Behaviors

Policy Policy Policy

Analysis. Advocacy Development::

Ethical and
Community Legal
Engagement Considerations
:
 Dimension 1: Policy Analysis

Social workers need to be proficient in analyzing existing policies, programs, and regulations to
understand their impact on individuals and communities. This dimension involves the ability to
critically assess the strengths and weaknesses of current policies and identify areas for improvement.

Policy Research: Engage in in-depth research on a specific social issue or policy area to understand
its historical context, current implications, and potential gaps or shortcomings. This can involve
reviewing academic literature, government reports, and relevant data.

Policy Impact Assessment: Analyze the impact of existing policies on different demographic groups
and communities. Conduct surveys, interviews, or focus groups to gather firsthand information from
those affected by the policies.

Participate in workshops, seminars, or online courses focused on ethics in social work to deepen
their understanding.
 Dimension 2: Policy Advocacy

Competent social workers are skilled advocates who can articulate the needs and rights of vulnerable
populations. They work to influence and shape policies and practices that promote social justice,
equity, and the well-being of individuals and communities.

Legislative Outreach: Build relationships with local and national legislators to advocate for policy
changes aligned with social justice goals. Attend legislative hearings, town hall meetings, or write
letters and op-eds to communicate your advocacy points.

community Awareness Campaigns: Organize and lead community awareness campaigns to mobilize
support for policy changes. This can include hosting workshops, webinars, or public forums to
educate the community about relevant issues.

Attend diversity and cultural competence training to better understand the experiences of diverse
populations.
 Dimension 3: Policy development

Policy Development: Collaborative Policy Pursue continuing Pilot Programs: Work

This dimension Design: Participate in education and training with organizations or
involves actively interdisciplinary opportunities to government agencies
participating in the teams or task forces enhance skills and to pilot test new
creation and that develop new knowledge. policies or
development of new policies or improve interventions. Collect
policies and programs. existing ones. data and feedback to
Social workers should Contribute your refine the policy before
be able to contribute expertise and insights broader
to the design and to ensure that policies implementation..
implementation of address the specific
effective interventions needs of marginalized
that address social and populations.
economic challenges...
Dimension 4: Community engagement
Community Engagement: Social workers
in this competency are adept at building
relationships and collaborating with
various stakeholders, including
community members, organizations,
government agencies, and advocacy
groups. They engage in community
organizing and mobilization efforts to
address systemic issues and promote
positive change...
Conduct a comprehensive community
needs assessment to identify the specific
challenges, assets, and priorities of a
target community.
Community Organizing: Join or
initiate community organizing efforts
to address pressing social issues. This
may involve door-knocking,
community meetings, or facilitating
dialogues among residents..
Partnership Building: Forge
partnerships with local
nonprofits, schools,
businesses, and other
stakeholders. Collaborative
efforts can amplify the impact
of social work initiatives...
Dimension 5: Ethical and legal considerations
Ethical and Legal Considerations: Competency five also requires a strong understanding of the
ethical and legal principles that guide policy practice. Social workers must navigate complex
ethical dilemmas and legal frameworks while advocating for social and economic well-being..

Engage in discussions and forums within the social work community to promote ethical practices
and share best practices.

Legal Training: Attend training sessions or courses on relevant laws and regulations in your area
of practice. Stay updated on legal changes and their implications for social work.

Ethical Dilemma Workshops: Participate in workshops and case discussions focused on ethical
dilemmas in social work practice. Examine real-life scenarios and explore the ethical decision-
making process.
 Work Place Utilization
1. Policy Analysis:
1. While at the front desk, you may have access to client feedback and concerns.
Consider analyzing this information to identify recurring issues or gaps in
services that could be addressed through policy changes.
2. When completing paperwork, pay attention to any administrative procedures or
documentation requirements that may have policy implications. Document any
inconsistencies or inefficiencies that could be improved through policy advocacy.
2. Policy Advocacy:
1. Use your interactions with clients and therapists as opportunities to learn about
the real-world challenges they face. Advocate for policy changes that would
address these challenges and improve the overall well-being of clients and
therapists.
2. Share your advocacy ideas and insights with your internship supervisor or other
relevant staff members. They may involve you in discussions or initiatives related
to policy advocacy within the organization.
 Work Place Utilization
1. Policy Development:
1. Collaborate with therapists during mock sessions to gain a deeper
understanding of the clinical issues and challenges they encounter. This
knowledge can inform the development of policies or guidelines that
support therapists in their work.
2. Work with your internship supervisor to explore the possibility of
contributing to the development of internal policies or procedures within
the organization, especially those related to client care and therapist
support.
2. Community Engagement:
1. When sitting in with therapists, observe their approaches to client
engagement and community involvement. Consider how their methods can
be integrated into broader community engagement strategies.
2. Use your time at the front desk to engage with clients and their families,
building relationships and gathering insights into their needs and concerns.
This can inform community engagement initiatives aimed at better serving
the client population.
 Work Place Utilization
• Ethical and Legal Considerations:
• As you complete paperwork and engage in mock sessions, be mindful of the ethical and
legal obligations related to client confidentiality and informed consent. Ensure that your
actions align with ethical standards and legal requirements.
• If you encounter any ethical or legal dilemmas during your internship, discuss them with
your supervisor or a mentor. This can help you develop your ability to navigate such
challenges while ensuring client well-being.
 Goals

• Student will Analyze existing policies and legislation related to social work and identify
areas that need improvement.

• Student will Advocate for policy changes by writing letters, making phone calls,
or meeting with legislators to express concerns or support for specific policies.

• Student will Educate the community about relevant policies and their potential
impact on individuals and families..
 References
• NASW, National Association of Social Workers. (n.d.).
https://www.socialworkers.org/about/ethics/code-of-ethics