Elevating Competence in Social Work

by Britany Swinton, Ann Fields, Tonia Frazier, Caleb Sauls, and Krista Capobianco

     One would argue that becoming a competent social worker is enough. Competence allows us to absorb knowledge, apply theoretical concepts, assess, and intervene with accuracy. It is measurable and gets the job done. However, as social workers, we are more than a job. We are encouragers, educators, connectors, innovators, and change agents. These roles demand that we go beyond simply meeting the criteria. Competence is not stagnant; it is a never-ending push for personal and professional excellence. The challenge is to be better than the day before, while promoting the rights, values, and respect of those we serve.

     Our clients are often the most vulnerable citizens. All clients are unique in interests, skills, and composition. Some clients are confronted with constant change, others stagnation. Innovation and inspiration are building blocks of the competent social worker and are enhanced through research, scholarly reading, and engaging in educational opportunities. All of these activities help to increase knowledge and awareness, thus offer a fresh lens to deliver services and resources that meet the needs of clients. 

     It is said that it is not what you know but who you know. Competent social workers engage with professionals and clients. By employing a collaborative approach that is both artful and creative, social workers are more apt to ignite interest to engage families, individuals, groups, and communities who are affected by social issues. Elevating competence gives immeasurable value to the individual who is called a professional social worker.

     Competence includes skill, knowledge, and a positive attitude that empowers. That which expands personal development inherently affects professional development. Social workers who engage in self-help education, self-care, mentorship, therapy, spiritual practices, and sound financial management can potentially build a strong personal foundation. It is in grounding oneself that we become the best version of self; thus, we become models, mentors, and educators for clients.

     We live in a society of diversity where there is constant change. Competence should not be limited to the working professional but should expand to equip all humans with knowledge. To effectively have an impact on the lives of others, one must delve deeply into knowledge and expertise to serve the vulnerable most effectively. Competence is not given; it must be earned through constant research, reading, reflection, and expanding education. Social workers are charged with a responsibility to self and others to advance learning to ensure exceptional delivery of service. Building trust, respect, and discipline requires us, as social workers, to elevate competence, so it becomes a mindset and a passion that drives us to merge authenticity with knowledge.

     As social workers, we are challenged to stretch our minds, our practice, and our colleagues - boldly and innovatively - in practice and thought. It goes beyond the norm and must be at the core of what we do.

Britany Swinton is an aspiring school social worker with an interest in macro social work. She is an MSW student at Winthrop University, expecting to graduate in May 2019.

Tonia Frazier is a Certified Financial Social Worker, aspiring clinician, and MSW student at Winthrop University, expecting to graduate in May 2019.

Caleb Sauls is an aspiring macro social worker and 2019 MSW candidate at Winthrop University, currently organizing and growing the People Are Good Project.

Ann K. Fields is an aspiring clinician, advocate, and innovative change agent who is a 2019 MSW candidate at Winthrop University.

Krista Capobianco is an aspiring medical social worker and MSW student at Winthrop University, expecting to graduate in May 2019.