The Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) For every stage of your social work journey For students: PCF for pre-qualifying levels of social work and ASYE document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hi there! Especially in cases where there are tense emotions, pulling something new out of the bag may not be a good idea. But if it persistently happens, you know that this is a pattern. They are specialist to the social work profession and apply to registered social workers in all roles and settings. Recently, I had a Performance Improvement Plan discussion. The PCF is the standard that all British social workers work towards to illustrate their capabilities in social work. The child in need process is underpinned by section 17 of the Children Act 1989.This states that a local authority's initial role is to support the children and their families, facilitating them to remain a family unit and therefore reducing the need for compulsory action. Social work in the UK is currently regulated by Social Work England. %%EOF We can enhance this accountability through continued training of staff and creating scenarios and what if situations to ensure social workers understand how to act and what to say should difficult situations arise. As you can see from the above examples, my supervisor was clear on where I had fallen short of expectations. Examples of learning needs include: I remember that I once made a service user cry because of how clumsy I had been with my intervention. The framework lays out what is expected at all stages of a social workers career, from entry level into training to the most advanced level. Values and ethics form the basis of relationship based social work practice. For example, in teamwork, she pointed out how I tended to disregard my colleagues and do things solo. With an understanding of the various levels of the PCF, a social work will know what they need to demonstrate in the early stages of their career. Values and ethics 3. Looking professional, and being professional, is a key part of being a social worker. Training, supervision, and other development activities should be focused upon social workers developmental needs within this context. Social work is based on respect for the inherent worth and dignity of all people as expressed in the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) It is therefore of paramount importance that a social work professional should work towards promoting the best interests of individuals and groups in society. These skills can be worked on regularly. For starters, grooming and self-care prevents us from getting overwhelmed! In the following examples, they are plucked out of my Practice Learning Report, written by my very own supervisor on placement. It is the role of the social worker to use their therapeutic and facilitation skills to assess the clients risk and then work with the appropriate interventions in order to help promote social change for the individual and their family., I have worked in various social care settings for over 5 years from which I gained a broad knowledge in providing professional support to service users to enable and promote independent living and fulfilment. I would say that most people who engage in social work profession are motivated by the desire to help others as well as the desire to change their world. Raise those learning needs early. During my previous placement, I forgot that I was a representative of the local government. It is also designed to ensure that social workers have the necessary knowledge and skills, and access to learning and support, to help them deliver high-quality services at all stages of their careers. As members of an internationally recognised profession, social workers must continue to demonstrate professional commitment to the role. What is Human Relationship in Social Work? Representing yourself professionally helps to safeguard vulnerable people that you may care for, and protecting yourself, should you be accused of acting inappropriately while at work? ). However, when things go wrong in social work, people are quick to point the finger! Apply social work, ethical principles and values to guide professional practice. The career pathway caters for newly-qualified social workers, as well as experienced practitioners, and the development of new roles such as the Consultant Social Worker. This made me get into lots of trouble. Y, dXiJ(x(I_TS, Trevithick, P. (2009); Social work skills: A practice handbook. In addition, social workers can demonstrate professionalism when they take responsibility of their; I must highlight the fact that although we face challenges as social workers, the professional regulator expects us to maintain professionalism in these challenging circumstances. Thanks for taking the time to share your views , Hey nice article you have there, your thoughts are indeed invaluable. The point is that I did not ask if using this would be helpful. Critical reflection and analysis 7. It is usually represented by a rainbow image and reflects the 9 domains or, This includes the ability to link theory to practice, the ability to analyse situations and a steady growth towards understanding of reflective practice using relevant reflective models such as the, These are designed to evidence a foundation level of capability across all areas and form the starting point for, Once qualified, a Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) will be able to register with, Newly Qualified Social Worker (ASYE)ASYE Year, In addition, social workers can demonstrate professionalism when. This will help you grow and become competent in your field of practice. As a public facing career, it is crucial to ensure we are positively representing the industry, establishing relationships and trust and acting in a responsible and ethical way. Engage with, inform and adapt to change contexts that shape practice. PCF 1: Tool 2 - Identifying a student's drivers questionnaire. <>/Metadata 1033 0 R/ViewerPreferences 1034 0 R>> organisation. Lastly, remember, this will help you improve! The skills required in order to have professionalism can be worked on. Being holistic means that this approach moves away from the tick box approach to an approach that steers from competencies to professional capabilities and highlights lifelong learning. Rights, justice and economic well-being 5. This is an example of a reflective log to help you think about your own reflective writing. You can draw lessons in how they are written. If youre dealing with emotional situations or with young and vulnerable members of the society, you need to appear as professional as possible. The Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) domains identifies these domains clearly. What is the Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF)? But rather, look at it as a way to be together with your student, helping your student be better. Its not just about telling people that you are a social worker, but looking like a social worker. (I needed to know the professional appearances for Moms, that might have helped! Social work is truly a career that demands passion and commitment to professionalism. I would love to know how you maintain professionalism in your role. 5.3 Engage in practices that advance social and economic justice. Why is Professionalism Important in Social Work. Give concrete plans on the practical actions the student social worker can do, rather than expecting the student social worker to know how to resolve things independently. The PCF prompts personal and professional development The PCF offers clear guidance about what is expected from students at different levels (first/final placement) and also newly qualified social workers. You see into the future. Domain 2: Values and Ethics Apply social work ethical principles and values to guide professional practice Social workers have an obligation to conduct themselves and make decisions in accordance with our Code of Ethics. Y#1e8txQ{t:9l",H"kc"8LJQ0VCa'e4Oc? If you dont look professional, it can be difficult for people to trust you. For example, during my last placement, I tried a kitbag with a client with learning disabilities. Dont be selfish and share your knowledge with your peers and colleagues who ask for your help. Maintain appropriate personal/professional boundaries in even more challenging circumstances. Practice Support Social Work - PCF mapping tool - end of final placement Last updated: 6 September 2022 Click on the links below to open and download these documents. The social work profession has an obligation to articulate its basic values, ethical principles, and ethical standards (NASW, p.2). x=ks8SV!%wuhYGn | %[TjF`_>eU7Q,BQ There are nine domains within the framework and social work students and qualified social workers are required to evidence their capability against each of these. Take responsibility for the professional learning and development of others. Whether you are a social worker or not, there are some skills or competencies expected of you in your role. Think about a recent training or supervision experience where you reflected and analysed your practice and identified a learning point. PCF 2: Tool 3 - What are values and how do they underpin our practice? 2023 Developing Together Social Work Teaching Partnership |, About Continuing Professional Development (CPD), CPD Frameworks and Training Opportunities, SWE video: How toRecord continuing professional development (CPD), Web Development and SEO Services by Lilo London. (2nd Edition). Think about what professionalism means to you and reflect on what you do that makes you a professional. Retrieved July 13, 2012, from NHS Carrers Social Work: http://www.nhscareers.nhs.uk/details/default.aspx?id=519, References: Coulshed V & Orme, J. PCF 1: Tool 3 - Time management exercise. Thus, knowing the rights and fighting for the rights of service users is essential. endobj The aim was to begin an international conversation by examining the similarities and differences in these examples, around admissions and recruitment processes, professional training, and field practicum to prepare social work students for practice and to consider any implications that differing models of recruitment and training might have for There are online resources you can access via community care or skills for care. By recognising diversity, social workers can put a positive value on those identified differences. These need to be planned, to show that you go in with a clear idea and intention about what you are about to do. However, as you record your answers, they can be used to evidence both your understanding of the PCF and demonstrate how it applies to your practice. PCF - End of last placement/completion What newly qualified social workers should have demonstrated by the end of their last placement Professionalism Identify and behave as a professional social worker, committed to professional development Values and ethics Apply social work ethical principles and value to guide professional practices The proposed career pathway is intended to strengthen the retention of experienced social workers in frontline roles. 845 0 obj <> endobj Many social work students find it hard to show leadership in an organisation where they are expected to be learning, rather than leading. Irrespective of which health and social care sector you work for, you represent the company or industry you work for. Do you know which competencies social workers need to demonstrate at different stages of their career? If you dress sloppily, how do you expect clients to take you seriously? As a social worker advances in their career, the framework highlights what is required of them. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. 5.1 Understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination. hb```(f cf`ah :s\fVv,[}[NLr``zjy*f_tM(j```hhp`Q( g`|" $y`e@ZVf`Rz D . Personally, this helps me to take charge of a situation and prevent it from getting out of hand. Part of the paper was focused again on the skills and status of the workforce in social care and how improvements to the training and development of the staff can lead to improvements in the social care sector as a whole. We have got a few recommendations below which may help you: Example safeguarding dissertation topic 1: The impact of multi-agency working on safeguarding children. Apply knowledge of social sciences, law and social work practice theory. Whilst that can be good in encouraging social workers to take ownership of the change they want to see, that can backfire at times. However, because of the large volume of emails I receive daily, please know that if you are a business reaching out for a partnership, I may not respond to your request unless it matches my current business needs. Everyone has the opportunity to work on this. The professional association for social work and social workers, What newly qualified social workers should have demonstrated by the end of their last placement, Identify and behave as a professional social worker, committed to professional development, Apply social work ethical principles and value to guide professional practices, Recognise diversity and apply anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive principles in practice, Advance human rights and promote social justice and economic wellbeing, Develop and apply relevant knowledge from social work practice and research, social sciences, law, other professional and relevant fields, and from the experience of people who use services, Apply critical reflection and analysis to inform and provide a rationale for professional decision-making, Use judgement, knowledge and authority to intervene with individuals, families and communities to promote independence, provide support, prevent harm and enable progress, Engage with, inform, and adapt to changing organisational contexts, and the social and policy environments that shape practice. A statement by www.dol.gov highlights that Employers want new workers to be responsible, ethical, and team-oriented, and to possess strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. She was clear about the examples where these had been demonstrated. According to the article NASW, the NASW Code of Ethics serves six purposes: It identifies core values on which social workers mission is based, the code summarizes broad ethical principles that reflect the professions core values and establishes a set of specific ethical standards that should be used to guide social work practice, the code is designed to help social workers identify relevant considerations when professional obligations or conflicts arise, the code also provides ethical standards to which the general public can hold the social work profession accountable, the code socializes practitioners new to the field to social works mission, values, ethical principles and ethical standards and lastly the code articulates standards that the social work profession itself can assess whether social workers have engaged in unethical conduct, It is the sole responsibility of the IASSW to critically develop and regularly update the working codes of ethics, to be consistent and in line with IASSW statement. Does it affect the experiences of the people you support in the community? Social workers have a responsibility to conduct themselves ethically and to engage in ethical decision making through a partnership with people who use their services. Be open, and learn from them. Direct observations. Develop personal influence and be part of the collective leadership and impact of the profession. Knowing how to adopt an anti-discriminatory practice is important to ensure that clients who are unlike you do not feel left out or discriminated against. This is really filled with so much knowledge. Poor knowledge of partner agencies and the help they can provide, Poor knowledge of theories to inform assessments, Poor time spent reflecting on work with service users, Inability to understand how personal perspectives might influence work with clients, Poor understanding of personal perspectives and biases, Poor understanding of appropriate skills to use in different contexts, Limited number of skills and interventions to deploy with different types of service users, Poor understanding of organisational policy and values, Poor representation of the organisations image, Ability to display confidence in front of external agencies, Presentation skills at multi-agency meetings, Inappropriate clothes worn (clothes being too revealing etc. While John is a natural reflector he would benefit from developing his skills of critical reflection to develop his practice in several areas: As you can see from the above, examples of learning needs include: Learning needs are not justyour assessment. Here are6 No Fuss Ways to Handle Ethical Dilemmas in Social Work Practice. students with opportunities to practice social work skills, theory and values in real settings, such as the Team programme. John has struggled at times to adapt to team working and a busy office environment. Had I let that overwhelm me as a Mom, I would have had 3 kids abandoned. 5.2 Advocate for human rights and social and economic justice. In social work practice, it is common to come across ethical dilemmas. How to Build Mindfulness Muscles in Social Work | Best Tips or Hype. When this happens, it is important that we engage in reflection to think of ways to manage a similar situation in future better. They may be of greater consequences in future. (2006) Social Work Practice: An introduction (4th Edition).Basingstoke: Palgrave MacMillan.. The Department will work with the College of Social Work and the sector to map in more detail the relationship between the requirements set out in this Statement, the Knowledge and Skills Statement for Child and Family Social Work and the relevant capabilities in the Professional Capabilities Framework. For further details about application of PCF and the holistic approach, please see the following links: Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. MiM)q Main Menu. Social work requires great skills to do well. endstream endobj 846 0 obj <>/Metadata 33 0 R/PageLayout/OneColumn/Pages 841 0 R/StructTreeRoot 39 0 R/Type/Catalog>> endobj 847 0 obj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/Type/Page>> endobj 848 0 obj <>stream Registering as a social worker also means that your name will appear on the public social work register. Social work as a profession in the United Kingdom acknowledges government precedence in provision of quality service to users., Lena, D (2004). Foundation Practice Behaviors . Being polite to co-workers and clients, dressing professionally and upholding company values is part of being, You dont want people saying comments like, 7. Overall, there is support for the career pathway model and the opportunity it presents for raising the status of the social work profession and standards of practice. What Does it Mean to Have Professionalism? In addition, they will plan their personal development around areas they need more experience or training in. COVID 19 BASW action during COVID Resources during COVID Test, Safe Access, Promote Rights What we do Campaigns Helooo over there, a big thanks to you for sharing this insightful and educatinonal piece on the importance of professionalism in social work practice. http://www.collegeofsocialwork.org/pcf.aspx for an interactive version of the PCF and several articles about its application www.skillsforcare.org.uk, https://www.communitycare.co.uk/2018/03/02/new-professional-capabilities-framework-adds-three-overarching-principles-social-workers/, Guide to the Professional Capability Framework and the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment: by Dr Hilary Lawson; University of Sussex, February 2013: available through Community Care INFORM, Steal My Complete Social Work Success Toolkit, Preparing for Approved Mental Health Professional Practice, The Beginners Guide to Professionalism in Social Work Practice. PCF U.K. Be clear about what the learning needs are PCF 9: Professional Leadership. To be accepting of feedback. The creator of Social Work Haven. This is a straightforward toolkit for Practice Educators to use with their students. However, because of the large volume of emails I receive daily, please know that if you are a business reaching out for a partnership, I may not respond to your request unless it matches my current business needs. Social work students are also allocated time to complete a reflective diary whilst on placement. Social workers can be sued for malpractice in the UK and this is why it is vital to maintain professionalism even when under pressure and in stressful situations. But its to recognise that there are significant shifts that can happen that can improve your students practice. Thanks for stopping by . Then, tell him/her the necessary changes you want to see. Our Champions are real Social Workers who are passionate about the valuable work they do. 4 0 obj The Task Group has agreed that the career pathway and CPEL framework should be recommended to the Deputy Minister when the Task Group reports in November 2010. Glad you stopped by:) It is quite chaotic at present and some calmness certainly helps! I explore how you can maintain professionalism below; Being polite to co-workers and clients, dressing professionally and upholding company values is part of being respectful towards the people you work for/with. How to use the PCF to Structure Your Portfolio, Which PCF domains does your learning apply to? This includes working in partnership with people who use our service. To conclude, this post has highlighted the fact that professionalism is an important element in social work. The Professional Capabilities Framework (PCF) is a supporting structure that helps both aspiring and qualified social workers think about the skills, knowledge, and values they use in their practice. The paper was circulated widely to and discussed by stakeholders including with the National Strategic Advisory Partnership for Social Work Training, the Welsh Assembly Government, the Association of Directors of Social Services. Maintain a positive attitude and inspire those around you. The PCF is a framework for the nine levels of social work in England. Social Work Haven is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Programme, which is an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca.