MSW Core Competencies Self-Assessment

Identify as a professional social worker & conduct oneself accordingly:

Current Score= 4
I feel that I am capable of representing the social work profession based on several years
of experience and personal self-growth. I understand the importance of continuing
development and growth in this field. I attend trainings on a regular basis in order to keep
expanding my knowledge base, and also to interact with other professionals in the field.
Apply Social Work ethical principles to guide professional practice:
Current Score= 4
I feel that I use ethical practice when working in the field. I consider ethical dilemmas in
depth in order to provide the best possible care for my clients. My future goals of opening
a private practice indicate that I will need to recruit the assistance of a supervisor/
professional to consult on a regular basis regarding ethical concerns.
Apply critical thinking to inform & communicate professional judgment:
Current Score=3
The score may be improved by making a conscious effort to stay informed on societal
trends and making time to critically evaluate how those trends may affect the populations
I am working with.
Engage in diversity & difference in practice
Current Score=5
The population that I work with is extremely diverse. I make an effort to provide
inclusive services that include culturally appropriate practices. I am continually engaged
in research and training that provides me with a range of techniques and theories to better
support my clientele.
Advance human rights & social & economic justice:
Current Score= 4
I am extremely aware of the effects of oppression and the importance of advocacy for
clients to obtain their basic rights. My work as a domestic violence/sexual assault
advocate is centered around assisting clients in acquiring and maintaining their basic
needs such as housing, employment, and financial assistance. I am aware that clinical
work comes second to this due to the importance of security in order to be able to move
forward with their emotional well being.
Engage in research-informed practice & practice informed research:
Current Score=3
I am aware of the importance to engage in informed research, however sometimes I am
occupied by deadlines and schedules that I do not make a conscious effort to stay up to
date on research, or make it a priority. This area is in need of improvement. Time
management is an important skill to develop in order to make this a priority.

Apply Knowledge of human behavior & the social environment:

Current Score: 5
As a therapist it is often important to get a broad understanding of the persons
environment to get at the underlying issues. I am aware of the effects on children living in
a traumatic environment, so it is important to do an assessment in order to gage the
situation and incorporate that knowledge into treatment.
Engage in policy practice to advance social & economic well-being & to deliver effective
social work services:
Current Score=4
I am aware of the effects of social policy on service delivery as well as the effects on
clients. I am limited in many ways to improve social policy on a macro level, however
any efforts that I make are in the best interest of the client. On a micro level I may be able
to extend sessions if needed which is an effort to advocate against strict limitations that
act as a barrier to clients.
Respond to contexts that shape practice:
Current Score= 3
I am limited in the private practice field to provide advocacy work, however I am aware
of my limitations and often make referrals in the best interest of the client, or community
referrals to assist my clients with accessing community resources.
Engage, assess, intervene, & evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations,
& communities:
Current Score= 4
I feel that I have proven to be capable in this area based on my ability to continuously
assess the effectiveness of the clients needs. I provide routine check-ins to ensure the
client feels that services are effective for their needs. I am also very involved in
community networking in an effort to make any and all resources available to myself and
clients.