RESPOND TO THE STUDENTS ON THE TWO DISCUSSION / DUE RIGHT NOW pT2
Alexia Young
RE: Discussion - Week 6
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The NASW Code of Ethics (2017) identifies one of the main values that a Social Worker must practice by as a Social Worker's competence. The NASW Code of Ethics identifies the value of competence having an Ethical Principle in stating that, "Social workers practice within their areas of competence and develop and enhance their professional expertise." (NASW, 2017). Competence is further described as a social worker investing in the opportunity to obtain knowledge that can better improve their knowledge and skills in the practice (NASW, 2017).
Using the provided definition from the NASW Code of Ethics I would identify education and experience as two criteria that would define competency in the field of Social Work. The field of Social Work is ever-changing due to the constant changes within people, society and the needs of the population. Reardon (2011), provides a synopsis of how the field of Social Work has changed in the last years concluding that due to the changes in society we as Social Workers must be flexible and ready to adapt to change. As our knowledge of our changing society increases are experience in the field will change as well. The more experiences we encounter in the field will increase our competency of the practice. One way we within this program at Walden University will increase our competency is through field experience. The University has constructed a curriculum that will must abide by to gain knowledge and competency before practicing in the field (Master of Social Work Curriculum).