Practice Standards

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DRAFT

Canberra, ACT - 2013

Practice Standards

Practice Standards for Social Workers | Draft 2 - Consultation April/May 2013

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Table of contentsI. Acknowledgement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples 3

II. Definition of social work 3

III. The Practice Standards in context 3

IV. Aim of the Practice Standards 5

V. Framework of the Practice Standards 5

VI. The Practice Standards 7

1. Ethics and values 7

2. Professionalism 8

3. Culturally responsive and inclusive practice 9

4. Communication and interpersonal skills 10

5. Knowledge for practice 11

6. Social work methods 12

7. Information recording and sharing 14

8.Professional development and supervision 15

VII. GLOSSARY 16

Practice Standards 2013


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I. Acknowledgement of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

• Social workers acknowledge the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the First Australians, whose lands, winds and waters we all now share, and pay respect to their unique values, and their continuing and enduring cultures which deepen and enrich the life of our nation and communities.

• Social workers commit to acknowledge and understand the historical and contemporary disadvantage experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the implication this has for social work practice.

• Social workers acknowledge the strengths, capacities, abilities and contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make to wider society.

• Social workers are responsible for ensuring that their practice is culturally responsive, safe and sensitive.

II. Definition of social work

The social work profession in Australia adheres to the definition of social work jointly agreed by the International Federation of Social Workers and International Association of School of Social Work:

The social work profession promotes social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance wellbeing. Utilising theories of human behaviour and social systems, social work intervenes at the points where people interact with their environments. Principles of human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work (2000).

*Please note this definition is currently under review and may be changed prior to this document being finalised.

III. The Practice Standards in context

The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) Practice Standards (the Practice Standards) have been developed to outline the practice expectations required of all social workers. They are designed to guide social workers’ practice to ensure they fulfill the practice requirements as set out by the AASW. The AASW Code of Ethics (2010), (The Code) provides the foundation for the Practice Standards. The values and ethical responsibilities as detailed in the Code underpin all practice and therefore form the basis of the standards outlined in this document. The Practice Standards inform the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS) which regulate and guide curriculum development for social work programs in Australia. Extensive consultation was undertaken to develop these practice standards and they will be revised periodically to ensure they remain relevant to the changing social and political environment.

The flowchart below sets out the AASW’s key practice documents and policies and how they relate to each other.


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Relationship of AASW key practice documents and policies

Code of Ethics

Purpose:To set out the profession’s values and the ethical principles and responsibilities required for ethical practice, and to provide a mechanism for accountability. The Code of Ethics underpins and informs all AASW documents and policies.

Primary audience:Universal

Practice Standards

Purpose:To outline what is required for effective, professional and accountable social work practice in all areas of social work practice. The Practice Standards inform and guide the Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS).

Primary audience:Universal

Australian Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (ASWEAS)

Purpose:To set the standards for social work education and to regulate and guide curriculum development for social work programs in Australia

Primary audience:Social work educators, students and practitioners with overseas qualifications

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Purpose:The purpose of the AASW’s CPD Policy is to ensure social workers maintain, improve and broaden the skills and knowledge required for effective and professional practice.

Primary audience:AASW members


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IV. Aim of the Practice Standards

The aim of the Practice Standards is to provide:

• A guide to practice;

• A basis for the standardisation of practice across Australia;

• A basis for quality guarantee, expectations and accountability for service users, individuals, employers and other professionals;

• A benchmark for the assessment of practice;

• A guide for planning ongoing professional development.

V. Framework of the Practice Standards

Values Social work is committed to three core values which give rise to general and specific ethical responsibilities as outlined in the Code of Ethics (2010). These values underpin and inform the practice standards outlined in this document.

The values are:

1. Respect for persons

2. Social justice

3. Professional integrityf

Components of social work practiceThe Practice Standards outline what is required for effective, professional and accountable social work practice. The Practice standards in this document apply to all areas of practice listed below and they are categorised under eight components of practice common to all areas. Practice standards are specified for each of these components and each standard has detailed indicators which illustrate the requirements for meeting that standard.

The components of practice are:

1. Ethics and values

2. Professionalism

3. Culturally responsive and inclusive practice

4. Communication and interpersonal skills

5. Knowledge for practice

6. Social work methods

7. Information recording and sharing

8. Professional development and supervision

Social work practiceSocial work operates at the interface between people and their social, cultural and physical environments. Human needs are always seen in the context of socio-political and environmental factors. While social work practice is diverse, it can generally be broken up into the following areas of practice:

• Work with individuals

• Work with families

• Work with groups

• Work with communities

• Social policy practice

• Management, leadership and administration

• Education and training

• Research

These areas of practice are not mutually exclusive and social workers frequently work across a number of these. For example, social workers draw on group work skills when they are community workers, educators, researchers, managers or family support workers. Further, all social workers should draw on research to inform their practice. Many will conduct small evaluation projects to assess their work and some will be part of large scale research and evaluation projects. Across all practice areas, social workers work in partnership with people to facilitate empowerment, build on strengths, enhance wellbeing and social inclusion and promote community development. Social workers are required to meet all standards outlined in this document irrespective of the area or nature of their practice.

The below diagram outlines the framework of the Practice Standards document:


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AASW Code of Ethics

Respect for persons

Social justice

Professional integrity

Social work practice

Ethics and values

Professionalism

Culturally responsive and inclusive practice

Communication and interpersonal skills

Knowledge for practice

Social work methods

Information recording and sharing

Professional development and supervision

Work with individuals

Work with families

Work with groups

Work with communities

Social policy practice

Management, leadership and administration

Education and training

Research

VALUES OF PRACTICE

COMPONENTS OF PRACTICE

AREAS OF PRACTICE


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VI. The Practice Standards

1. Ethics and values

STANDARD INDICATORS

1.1 Practice in accordance with the Code of Ethics (2010)

a. Practices within a social justice and human rights framework.

b. Facilitates people’s empowerment and works to eliminate all violations of human rights.

c. Advocates for change to social systems and structures that preserve inequalities and injustices.

d. Challenges policies and practices that are oppressive and fail to meet international standards of human rights, social inclusion and social development.

e. Upholds ethical responsibilities to relevant others, to the social work profession and in the workplace.

1.2 Manage ethical dilemmas and issues arising in practice

a. Identifies and critically reflects on ethical dilemmas in accordance with the ethical responsibilities outlined in the Code.

b. Applies ethical reasoning, in reference to the ethical responsibilities, when making decisions.

c. Raises the ethical issue/dilemma with relevant parties and attempts to seek a solution.

d. Seeks supervision/consultation with manager/supervisor/relevant other when faced with an ethical dilemma.

e. Reports to supervisor/manager or other appropriate person if they determine they are in a position which contravenes ethical principles outlined in the Code.


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2. Professionalism

STANDARD INDICATORS

2.1 Represent the social work profession with integrity and professionalism.

a. Promotes the social work profession by contributing to social work activities and knowledge development.

b. Articulates the values, processes and outcomes of social work and how they apply to different practice contexts.

c. Models and promotes social work values, responsibilities and objectives in professional practice and consistently acts with integrity.

2.2 Behave in a professional manner and is accountable for all actions and decisions.

a. Acknowledges that social work positions carry power and uses authority responsibly to prioritise peoples’ best interests.

b. Maintains appropriate professional/personal boundaries.

c. Recognises and declares conflicts of interest when they arise.

d. Maintains confidentiality and understands the legal limits to confidentiality.

e. Recognises when personal factors or issues interfere with professional practice and seeks support.

f. Can justify all decisions, recommendations and actions and recognises limits to knowledge, skills and practice competence.

g. Seeks support and information or refers people when professional capabilities are exceeded.


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3. Culturally responsive and inclusive practice

STANDARD INDICATORS

3.1 Respect and strive to understand Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures

a. Acknowledges and identifies the strengths, capacities and contributions that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples make to society.

b. Demonstrates awareness of the diversity among, and differences between, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures throughout Australia.

c. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, protocols and practices in a local context.

d. Acknowledges and understands the historical and contemporary disadvantage of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the impact this has on practice.

e. Recognises that some social work services have impacted negatively on ATSI peoples and works with them to develop and provide culturally responsive practice.

3.2 Work respectfully and inclusively with cultural difference and diversity

a. Demonstrates knowledge of diversity within and among culture in its many forms and contexts including ethnicity, disability, economic status, age, sexuality, gender and transgender, faiths and beliefs.

b. Demonstrates understanding of the complexity of cultural identities and how this impacts on practice.

c. Adapts and modifies practice in order to work effectively and inclusively with people who have different and diverse cultural identities, values, affiliations, beliefs and customs.

d. Seeks supervision or consultation to ensure appropriate knowledge and understanding of diverse cultural identities.

e. Reflects on own personal values, cultures and beliefs and how these impact on interactions with people, community members and colleagues, and on organisational policies and practices and seeks supervision or consultation as appropriate.

f. Recognises and appropriately challenges discriminatory and oppressive practice and policies.


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4. Communication and interpersonal skills

STANDARD INDICATORS

4.1 Communicate with a diverse range of people

a. Uses appropriate verbal and non-verbal communication with individuals, community members, colleagues and relevant others.

b. Adapts communication form and style to effectively communicate with a diverse range of people.

c. Uses conflict resolution, mediation and negotiation skills when appropriate to achieve the best outcomes.

4.2 Communicate the details and nature of the service offered to people

a. Engages and includes people in decision making processes that affect them as far as possible including those using services involuntarily.

b. Informs people of policies and procedures of the service being offered.

4.3 Work with others in a team environment

a. Contributes discipline specific social work values, principles and practice to team activities.

b. Relates to social work and other colleagues with respect, integrity and courtesy.

c. Cooperates and collaborates with other disciplines to improve service provision.

d. Proactively and respectfully seeks to resolve conflict with colleagues.

4.4 Use Information technology to communicate and provide services as appropriate

a. Demonstrates an appropriate level of skill in the use of information technology relevant to practice area.

b. Identifies the benefits of communicating and providing services in an online environment.

c. Identifies limitations of communicating and providing services in an online environment when this does not meet people’s needs.

d. Identifies ethical considerations with respect to using online communication for service provision including confidentiality, privacy and professional boundaries and addresses these appropriately.


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5. Knowledge for practice

STANDARD INDICATORS

5.1 Understand higher level systemic influences on people with respect to area of practice

a. Demonstrates awareness of social, political, cultural and organisational contexts and systems and how they impact on people.

b. Demonstrates understanding and awareness of policy, including organisational policy, relevant to practice context and how this impacts on people.

c. Understands changes in society, demography and culture and how this impacts on the social work profession and on people.

d. Understands relevant legislation governing practice and the legal frameworks which inform and mandate practice.

e. Understands how legislation can advance or constrain people’s rights and wellbeing.

f. Identifies policies that contravene social work values and do not prioritise the interests of people, groups, communities and wider society.

5.2 Understand social work and other relevant theories pertaining to area of practice

a. Critically analyses the structure of society and social welfare arrangements with respect to power and disadvantage including the influence of gender, age, ability, sexuality, race and ethnicity and economic disadvantage.

b. Understands human behaviour and development, personality development and life cycle stages.

c. Understands the importance of relationships and key concepts and theories of trauma, attachment, separation, loss and change.

d. Articulates and uses knowledge related to specific area of practice including current research evidence.

e. Articulates and uses knowledge from other relevant subject areas such as sociology, anthropology, politics, economics, history, social theory and psychology.

5.3 Understand different social work models and approaches used when working with people

a. Identifies and describes the model or approach used to provide the service.

b. Identifies and describes current research evidence and client outcomes for different methods and approaches.

c. Understands the principles of the practice area, and works inclusively with people valuing their experiences and expertise.


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6. Social work methods

STANDARD INDICATORS

6.1 Conduct an assessment and analysis of the needs to inform the service being offered

a. Gathers relevant information appropriate to the situation taking into account:

i. strengths, capacities and aspirations

ii. physical health

iii. psychological health

iv. life stage and life events

v. culture and beliefs

vi. social systems

vii. legal systems

viii. environmental factors.

b. Assesses nature and level of risk to people and incorporates into the overall assessment.

c. Analyses this information along with knowledge and theory in specific practice area to provide assistance and develop a service plan if required.

6.2 Work in partnership with relevant people

a. Facilitates and enables people to make an assessment of their own needs where appropriate.

b. Supports people to decide what service/s they want, to assist in meeting needs, taking into account any limitations to their capability, their voluntary / involuntary status and the choices available.

c. When appropriate, develops a service plan with the person that outlines what is being offered, objectives/goals and planned outcomes.

d. Develops a contingency plans with people to address potential risks.

6.3 Use specific social work methods and techniques

a. Utilises a range of social work methods appropriate to their area of practice such as:

i. Counselling

ii. Case work/management

iii. Clinical/therapeutic processes (individual and group)

iv. Mediation

v. Advocacy

b. Demonstrates competence and skill in the chosen method.

c. Challenges systemic and policy injustices using social work methods such as:

i. Social action

ii. Advocacy

iii. Research and evaluation


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6.4 Conduct research when appropriate

a. Conducts research consistent with the values and ethical responsibilities outlined in the Code of Ethics (2010) and the National Health and Medical Research Council’s framework for the conduct of research with human subjects.

b. Proposes research that aims to resolve social work problems in practice and policy.

c. Has the appropriate knowledge of research methodologies, limits to these and how to select and implement these to undertake research.

d. Conducts evaluations of practice where possible to help inform future practice.

e. Ensures service people’s views are included where appropriate and their interests safeguarded.

f. Promotes and advocates for social work research, knowledge and learning where appropriate.

6.5. Apply critical and reflective thinking to practice

a. Routinely reflects on practice and applies critical thinking with a particular focus on principles of self-determination, empowerment, inclusion, equality, human rights, social justice and professional boundaries.

b. Critically reflects on the role of social worker paying particular attention to power imbalances, use of authority in statutory positions and work with people who are using services involuntarily.

c. Distinguishes and evaluates various sources of knowledge including practice evidence; practice experience; personal and community knowledge and experience; research evidence; organisational and policy knowledge; and legal and ethical knowledge to help inform practice and decision making.


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7. Information recording and sharing

STANDARD INDICATORS

7.1 Record and manage information appropriately

a. Informs people of social work records and the purpose for which a record is made.

b. Informs people of who will/may have access to their record.

c. Provides people with free access to their social work record/reports in most circumstances. In instances where it is not possible, feasible or seen as not being in their best interests, the reason is explained including the extent to which the limitation applies such as agency or legislative policy.

d. Writes information in an accurate, objective and contemporaneous manner.

e. Documents all contact including phone calls, emails and meetings.

7.2 Keep and maintain information in accordance with ethical principles and relevant legislation.

a. Keeps information in accordance with ethical principles including confidentiality informed consent and accountability.

b. Stores records securely including electronic and paper records.

c. Understands relevant legislation with respect to record keeping in area of practice.

d. Stores adult records for seven years following last contact with them (in the absence of relevant legislation).

e. Stores child records until the day the child would turn 25 years of age (in the absence of relevant legislation).


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8. Professional development and supervision

STANDARD INDICATORS

8.1 Value and participate in supervisory processes

a. Understands the role, purpose and function of supervision and the importance of seeking supervision regarding practice.

b. Takes responsibility for obtaining appropriate supervision, including cultural supervision when necessary.

c. Actively engages in supervisory processes for effective and accountable practice, career development and reflection.

d. Actively seeks opportunities for feedback, mentoring, support and constructive criticism from senior colleagues/social workers in order to continuously improve practice.

8.2 Engage in continuing professional development

a. Develops, implements and regularly reviews a professional development plan.

b. Identifies learning needs and seeks out opportunities to address these needs through training, consultation, supervision and support.

c. Keeps abreast of new research, evidence and developments in specific field of practice and ensures knowledge and skills are up to date.

8.3 Engage in reflective practice

a. Reflects on issues arising in practice as they relate to values and principles of social work.

b. Reflects on the broader organisational, societal and political context of practice.

c. Develops necessary skills and knowledge identified through reflective practice.

8.4 Contribute to education and professional development of others where appropriate

a. Provides supervision to students, co-workers, and staff when appropriate that includes administrative, educative and supportive elements and is consistent with ethical values and responsibilities as outlined in the Code of Ethics (2010).

b. Ensures education and training are provided in a manner consistent with ethical values and responsibilities as outlined in the Code of Ethics (2010).

c. Is appropriately experienced and qualified to provide supervision, education or training.


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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples‘An Aboriginal person is often defined legally as a person who is a descendant of an Indigenous inhabitant of Australia, sees himself or herself as an Aboriginal person and is recognised as Aboriginal by members of the community in which her or she lives. Torres Strait Islanders have cultural origins in nearby Melanesia. Traditionally they lived in the Torres Strait, which separates the North of Queensland from New Guinea, though today many have migrated and now live on the mainland’ (Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies 2008).

Advocacy‘Advocacy is a term with roots in legal practice. It refers to the activities associated with negotiating or representing on behalf of a person’ (Burke & Dalrymple 2009, p. 265).

Anti-oppressive practice‘A form of social work practice which addresses social divisions and structural inequalities … to provide more appropriate and sensitive services by responding to people’s needs regardless of their social status. Anti-oppressive practice embodies a person centred philosophy, an egalitarian value system concerned with reducing the deleterious effects of structural inequalities upon people’s lives; a methodology focusing on both process and outcome; and a way of structuring relationships between individuals that aim to empower users by reducing the negative effects of hierarchy in … the work they do together’ (Dominelli, cited in Dominelli 2009, p. 53).

Culture‘The distinctive ways of life and shared values, beliefs and meanings common to groups of people’ (Quinn 2009, p. 266).

Discrimination‘Negative discrimination is the prejudging and unfavourable treatment of people on the basis of perceived difference. Positive discrimination refers to policies, programs or actions that favour disadvantaged persons or groups’ (Chenoweth & McAuliffe 2012, p. 310).

Ethical decision making‘Ethical decision making is the process by which social workers engage in an exploration of values – that may be evident in the personal, professional, social and organisational spheres – in order to establish where an ethical dilemma might lie according to what competing principles, and what factors take priority in weighing up the alternatives’ (McAuliffe 2010, p. 41).

Ethics‘Ethics is a branch of philosophy which addresses questions about morality, such as what is the fundamental nature of morality and the way in which moral values are determined’ (Gray & Webb 2010, p. 1).

Human Rights‘Human rights refer to the basic rights and freedoms to which all humans are entitled. They are socially sanctioned entitlements to the goods and services that are necessary to develop human potential and well-being’ (Ife 2010, p. 148).

Inclusion‘A social inclusion approach encompasses the facilitation of participation of individuals or social groups in the four key dimensions of social life: consumption, production, political engagement and social interaction’ (Lui, Warburton, Winterton, & Bartlett, H. 2011, p. 268–269).

Informed consent‘In general, for consent to be considered valid, six standards must be met: (1) coercion and undue influence must not have played a role in the client’s decision; (2) clients must be mentally capable of providing consent; (3) clients must consent to specific procedures or actions; (4) the consent forms and procedures must be valid; (5) clients must have the right to refuse or withdraw consent, and (6) clients’ decisions must be based on adequate information’ (Reamer 2006, pp. 167, 168).

VII. GLOSSARY


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National Health and Medical Research CouncilThe National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is Australia’s peak body for supporting health and medical research; for developing health advice for the Australian community, health professionals and governments; and for providing advice on ethical behaviour in health care and in the conduct of health and medical research.

Oppression‘Oppression designates the disadvantage, marginalisation and injustice some groups of people experience as part of their everyday life. It involves the devaluation of people’s attributes and contributions to society on the grounds of who they are as members of a group socially configured as inferior’(Dominelli 2010, p. 160).

PeopleThe word “people” refers to individuals, families and other kinship arrangements, groups, communities, organisations and societies with whom social workers work.

Reflective practice ‘Reflection is the process of learning from experience. It involves the process of questioning the foundation of one’s beliefs with a preparedness to change them in the light of that questioning’ (Fook 2013, p.3).

Social justice‘Social justice refers to the concept of a society in which justice is achieved in every aspect of society, rather than merely through the administration of law. It is generally considered as a social world which affords individuals and groups fair treatment, equality and an impartial share of the benefits of membership of society’ (Ife 1010, p. 148).

Values‘Professional values are a particular grouping and ordering of values within a professional context. In social work such values tend to focus on human functioning, capabilities and development’ (Congress 2010, p. 19).

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