Competence Assessment

The SWRB Core Competence Standards

The SWRB recognises core competences that reflect practice standards accepted in social work in New Zealand (Section 42 [3]). The core competence standards apply to all competence processes that are set and approved by the SWRB. The requirements of the Act, the International Federation of Social Workers definition of social work and the ANZASW standards of practice have informed the SWRB in determining these standards:

A competent social worker’s practice must demonstrate the following:

• Competence to practise social work with Māori
• Competence to practise social work with different ethnic and cultural groups in Aotearoa New Zealand
• Competence to promote social change
• Competence to promote problem-solving in human relationships
• Competence to promote empowerment and liberation of people
• Competence to utilise theories of human behaviour and social systems
• Competence to utilise social work practice approaches
• Competence to promote the principles of human rights and social justice
• Competence to use systems of accountability in place for their work
• Adhere to professional social work ethics

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Competence to practise social work with Māori:

• The social worker is competent to practise social work with Māori
• Able to engage with Māori in culturally appropriate ways and in an inclusive manner
• Can articulate how the wider context of Aotearoa New Zealand both historically and currently can impact on practice content
• Offers practical support to Tangata Whenua for their initiatives
• Have knowledge of the Treaty of Waitangi, te reo Māori and tikanga Māori
• Supports Mana Whenua and Māori services in their area

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Competence to practise social work with different ethnic and cultural groups in Aotearoa New Zealand:

• The social worker is competent to practise social work with different ethnic and cultural groups in Aotearoa New Zealand
• Creates an environment of respect and understanding
• Able to engage with a range of people in culturally appropriate ways and in an inclusive manner
• Recognises and supports diversity among groups and individuals
• Can articulate how the wider context of Aotearoa New Zealand both historically and currently can impact on practice content
• Displays ethical behaviour and responsibility

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Competence to promote social change:

• Promotes and advocates the needs of social change to provide fairness for all
• Respects the worth and dignity of clients and does not associate with any form of discrimination
• Reflects on social work practice with a view to enhance principles of human rights, social justice and social change

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Competence to promote problem-solving in human relationships:

• Assists and advocates clients to gain control over their own circumstances
• Maintains confidentiality, trust and respect
• Communicates with the client’s community, their families, whānau and caregivers
• Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability
• The social worker is aware of their own bias and values

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Competence to promote empowerment and liberation of people:

• Upholds and promotes the civil and legal rights of the client where possible
• Works with conflict to generate positive outcomes and displays leadership qualities
• The social worker secures the client’s participation in a working relationship
• Facilitates problem-solving and development opportunities with clients
• Is supportive to other social workers

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Competence to utilise theories of human behaviour and social systems:

• Has an understanding of social work theories and the approach of these theories into practice
• Utilises appropriate theories of human behaviour and social cultural systems
• Utilises a range of social work practices
• Discharges statutory functions according to the Aotearoa New Zealand law and meets their obligations to clients

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Competence to utilise social work practice approaches:

• Can demonstrate an ethical base for their practice which informs personal and professional boundaries
• Uses their personal attributes appropriately
• Engages and utilises supervision
• Keeps accurate and current casework records
• Engages in continuing professional development

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Competence to promote the principles of human rights and social justice:

• Respects the client’s right to privacy and confidentiality of any information provided in the course of the professional relationship
• Promotes a commitment to higher global values, such as human rights, self-determination and social change
• Seeks to understand others first, works cooperatively and identifies strengths, opportunities and responsibilities when working with others

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Competence to use systems of accountability in place for their work:

• Practises only within the boundaries set by their skills, experience and knowledge levels
• Is aware of, and responds appropriately to, actual or potential conflicts of interest
• Communicates clearly and accurately
• Manages resources safely and effectively
• Establishes and actively participates in systems of accountability in accordance with social work ethics and standards for professional practice
• Engages with and utilises social work supervision
• Develops professional networks to enhance accountability

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Adhere to professional social work ethics:

• Maintains professional integrity
• Upholds high standards of personal conduct, ethics and acts with integrity
• Establishes high expectations which value and promote social work practices
• Encourages others and participates in professional development
• Adheres to the SWRB Code of Conduct Code Of Conduct
• Meets their obligations to their client within the content of those functions and adherence to the SWRB Code of Conduct guidelines

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