NASWNYS National Association of Social Workers

Core standards provide consistency and guidance to the social work profession and are used as a guide in the development of specialty standards. These standards focus on the core practice for social work, regardless of the specific setting. The NASW Code of Ethics serves as a foundation upon which all standards are promulgated.

Standards relevant to specific fields of practice should be utilized by social workers and their employers. Examples of specialty standards include, but are not limited to:

The social worker shall be knowledgeable of and act in accordance with the guidelines of the NASW Code of Ethics. Standards statements should provide specific guidelines in such areas as:

STANDARD II. QUALIFICATIONS

Prior to engaging in social work practice, the social worker shall obtain the appropriate educational qualifications from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education. Appropriate licensure and/or certification should be obtained from the state in which the worker practices. Social work degrees are:

The baccalaureate degree in social work
The masters' degree in social work
The doctoral degree in social work

Additional experience and credentials for specialized practice/settings are recommended when appropriate

STANDARD III. ASSESSMENT

The social worker shall conduct an assessment with all clients. An assessment determines the nature and cause of a problem, the personalities and the circumstances involved. It should be objective and factual. The assessment may vary, depending on client needs. The major components of an assessment include, but are not limited to:

Identifying demographic information
Identification and development of the presenting problem and relevant data
Client's current level of functioning, strengths, risk factors, and the impact of the environment
A plan that includes goals and method of intervention. The social worker may conduct a more comprehensive assessment as indicated by client need, presenting problem, level of functioning, and relevant systems issues. Data gathered for such assessment may be provided by the client, family, guardian and other relevant professionals.

STANDARD IV. INTERVENTION

The social worker shall have specialized knowledge of individuals, families, groups and systems. Interventions can include work on behalf of an individual client, families and communities. This knowledge should include:

Physical and behavioral health problems and their impact on the client
Community resources and how to use them on behalf of and by the client
Environmental and social cultural influences and their effect on the client

STANDARD V. RECORD KEEPING

The social worker shall maintain confidential records that reflect the needs, services and ongoing activities provided to the client. These records should include:

Identifying information
Relevant, identifying historical and demographic information
Dates of client contacts
Initial assessment and reassessments
Social work plan and goals
Outcomes
Referrals and collaborations
Reason for case closing
Written permission to release and obtain information, where appropriate

STANDARD VI. WORKLOAD

The social worker shall maintain a workload that allows for adequate and appropriate interventions, and monitoring of services and outcomes.

Workload varies by setting, case complexity, geographical distance, and work hours
Evaluative data should be used to determine workload
It is the social worker's responsibility to document how professional performance and services are compromised if the workload is inappropriate
It is the joint responsibility of the agency and the social worker to resolve issues of workload concerns

STANDARD VII. SUPERVISION

The social worker shall engage in supervision to maintain and enhance knowledge and skills.

Social workers should supervise social work functions
Supervision is essential during the first two years of social work practice after graduation
Consultation should be used as needed to increase professional proficiency and competency

STANDARD VIII. PRACTICE MEASURES AND IMPROVEMENT

The social worker shall maintain an ongoing, formal evaluation of her/his practice to assess quality and appropriateness of services, improve practice, and ensure competency. Practice measures and evaluation include, but are not limited to:

Use of appropriate tools such as clinical indicators and consumer satisfaction measures
Evaluation of both key variables and operations related to process and outcome
Making evaluative data available to clients, payers, and other professionals upon request

STANDARD IX. CONTINUING EDUCATION

The social workers shall participate in ongoing professional education. The worker should:

Conform to state licensure laws regarding continuing education
Follow NASW Standards for Continuing Professional Education

STANDARD X. INTERPROFESSIONAL AND INTERAGENCY PRACTICE

The social worker shall treat colleagues with courtesy and respect, and strive to enhance interprofessional and interagency cooperation on behalf of the client. In interprofessional practice settings, the social worker should:

Communicate, cooperate and collaborate with professionals from different disciplines and agencies
Ensure that social work functions and duties are clearly delineated and communicated to other members of interdisciplinary teams
Educate other professionals about the knowledge, skills and values of the social work profession

Adopted by the Professional Development & Advocacy Committee April, 2000