Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Workers

Transcription

1 Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Workers

2 02 Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Workers research in practice warmly welcomes the College of Social Work s launch of the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) which brings to fruition the work of the Social Work Task Force and Reform Board, with which we were engaged alongside colleagues in The College of Social Work, alongside the work of Professor Munro and associated activity such as Ofsted s new inspection framework, combine to deliver a coherent emphasis on professional expertise and quality of practice. The effective use of evidence is key to ensuring these issues are attended to, and to strengthening confidence in the social work profession overall. research in practice are delighted to be supporting social workers in developing evidence-informed practice and are proud to be working alongside colleagues across the sector at this time of important and positive change within social care. Dez Holmes, Director, research in practice

3 02 A framework for the profession The Professional Capabilities Framework provides a structure to support the career development of every social worker: from initial social work education, through continuing professional development, towards the role of principal social worker. The framework provides criteria for career progression and opens new career pathways that will allow experienced workers to sustain engagement with the challenges and rewards of practice. This booklet outlines how our evidence-informed resources map against the PCF framework. It will be useful for individual social workers, and to managers, learning and development leads and all those tasked with implementing the PCF in their agency. The following pages provide examples of how our 360 of fer supports the development of capabilities as defined in the PCF. Further information about our resources, events and the research in practice partnership offer as a whole can be found on our website, or by contacting your Link Officer.

4 03 Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Workers Professional Capabilities Framework The PCF rainbow sets out the required capabilities for each stage of a social work career within nine domains of practice :

5 04 Our focus The research in practice offer speaks most directly to six of these nine domains which are defined by the College in the following ways: Professionalism Identify and behave as a professional social worker, committed to professional development. Knowledge Apply knowledge of social sciences, law and social work practice theory. Critical Reflection and Analysis Apply critical reflection and analysis to inform and provide a rationale for professional decision-making. Intervention and Skills Use judgement and authority to intervene with individuals, families and communities to promote independence, provide support and prevent harm, neglect and abuse. Contexts and Organisations Engage with, inform, and adapt to changing contexts that shape practice. Operate effectively within own organisational frameworks and contribute to the development of services and organisations. Operate effectively within multi-agency and inter-professional settings. Professional Leadership Take responsibility for the professional learning and development of others through supervision, mentoring, assessing, research, teaching, leadership and management. The elements of our offer on the following pages are identified by these icons: publications website e-learning in-house support forum e-bulletin events network At the time of publication of this booklet (May 2012) the PCF was in development and the detailed capabilities for the role of Principal Social Worker were still being finalised please see the College s website for the latest information:

6 05 Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Workers End of Last Placement Demonstrate the ability to work with a range of user groups, undertake a range of tasks at a foundation level and work with more complex situations. While able to work more autonomously, recognise that the final decision will still rest with their supervisor and seek appropriate support and supervision. Understand how to hypothesize Read our literature review: Analysis and Critical Thinking in Assessment Gather information and evaluate its validity E-learning on Finding and Evaluating Research Contribute to effective team working Use the Teamwise Handbook and the tools it contains Communication skills Access workshop content on Communicating Effectively with Children under five Plan and evaluate effective interventions Use the What Works for Troubled Children database Resources for doing your own research and evaluations reason-network.org.uk Understand research methods See Using and Understanding Research and Evaluation reason-network.org.uk Access rip.org.uk/ research-tools Understand forms of harm and their impact Signposts briefings and e-learning modules on safeguarding and impacts of domestic violence Understand inter-agency practice and partnership working E-learning on Integrated Practice on the Frontline Start to support the learning of others Use your university library access to journal articles referred to in the RPU to share with colleagues Make effective use of supervision Use the practitioners briefing rip.org.uk/analysis In-house workshop Getting the Most out of Supervision Commit to your learning and development Sign up to our e-bulletins Understand key concepts of attachment and resilience Frontline briefings on attachment and resilience Webinar content on attachment and neglect ECM briefings on child abuse and neglect demonstrate knowledge of human development Frontline briefing on child development Frontline child development ages and stages tool Professionalism Knowledge Critical Reflection & Analysis Intervention & Skills Contexts & Organisations Professional Leadership