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MSW Student Guide

Section 4.01.07: CSWE Social Work Competencies and Field Education Course Statements

Becoming proficient in each competency and the associated practice behaviors is at the core of the Educational Agreement and the student and field instructor are responsible for developing professional assignments that will allow the student to demonstrate proficiency in the identified practice behavior related to a specific competency.
Competencies are standard and cannot be changed. Students develop fieldwork site-based assignments that meet the competencies, demonstrate practice behavior proficiency and reflect their educational interests.

A. 
Foundation Field Education (SW 515) - “Driven” by the CSWE: to establish social work competencies and focus on the development of knowledge and skills related to generalist practice. Students should be exposed to various social work roles and skills which are applicable to different problems at varying levels at the fieldwork site. Students should develop professional assignments that are micro and macro in nature and demonstrate beginning level practice behaviors.

B. 
Advanced Field Education (SW 691) - Learning objectives focus on the development of knowledge and skills specific to the student’s practice method concentration and practice area using the required SW competencies and practice behaviors that are based on the respective course statements for their method. Professional assignments must meet the rigor and expectations of advanced field education. Students should be able to demonstrate advanced practice behaviors which exhibit depth and breadth, increasing complexity, and show signs of greater independence.

The following competencies have been adopted by the School of Social Work based on the Educational Policies and Standards (EPAS) 2015 established by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE):


1. Demonstrate ethical and professional behavior
2. Engage diversity and difference in practice
3. Advance human rights and social, economic, and environmental justice
4. Engage in practice-informed research and research-informed practice
5. Engage in policy practice
6. Engage with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
7. Assess individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
8. Intervene with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities
9. Evaluate practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities