A Pathway to Social Work Competence – A Step–by–Step Process to Integrate the Nine Competencies into the Social Work Practicum

A Pathway to Social Work Competence: A Step-by-Step Process to Integrate the Nine Competencies into the Social Work Practicum helps readers learn the requirements of the nine competencies set out by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) and to implement them during their social work practicum experience. The guide encourages individual development of professional competence and emphasizes a learn-by-doing approach.

Each chapter addresses a specific competency: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior; Advance Human Right and Social, Racial, Economic, and Environmental Justice; Engage in Anti-Racism, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ADEI) in Practice; Engage in Practice-Informed Research and Research-Informed Practice; The Requirement to Engage in Policy Practice; Engage with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities; Assess Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities; Intervene with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities; and Evaluate Practice with Individuals, Families, Groups, Organizations, and Communities.

For each competency, the guide assists readers in applying the competency, investigating the competency description, and demonstrating one's ability to engage, assess, and evaluate. Development topics for the social work practicum seminar and educational supervision meeting are included.

A Pathway to Social Work Competence is an essential resource for students taking their social work practicum.

Maria Ortiz Bustos holds an M.S.W, an M.A. in TESOL/ESL, a B.S.W., and a B.A. in Spanish language and literature from New Mexico State University. She worked for New Mexico State University for 24 years, and from 2008 to 2021, she coordinated the BSW Field Program in the School of Social Work at NMSU. As a college associate professor, she became familiar with CSWE competency requirements and developed an interest in making social work competency requirements more accessible to students and field educators.