SWRB Social Work Practice Competencies

Student Self-Evaluation Table of Social Work Practice Theory & Skills.

No

SW Practice Standards

Level of Skill
1

1.

Competence to practise social work with

Mori.

2.

Competence to practise social work with

different ethnic and cultural groups in
Aotearoa New Zealand.

3.

Competence to work respectfully and

inclusively with diversity and difference in
practice.

4.

5.

Competence to promote the principles of

human rights and social and economic
justice.

Competence to engage in practice which

promotes social change.

Rationale
Consider the theories and models of practice that you have based your rationale on .

Though my te reo ability and understanding of tikanga Maori

is yet shallow, I feel that despite these limitations, as I
practise whakawhanaungatanga and other principles
incorporated in Teina Pohatus Ata Theory I can engage
respectfully with tangata whenua to a relatively competent
level.
Having lived fully immersed in another culture for 21 years
and being part of an intercultural family, I am uniquely
positioned to practice with a level of acceptance and
inclusivity that I believe can only come through lived
experience.
For the aforementioned reasons I come from an inclusive
mind-set. I seek therefore to develop an eclectic adaptable
social work practice model that can work for a wide range of
service users.
I have always had a strong sense of justice and have
historically held an egalitarian/equalism positioning. I am
now learning that there are certain situations where equal
opportunity on the surface does not necessarily amount to
fairness. I also have much to yet learn regarding the
specifics of relevant human rights domestic or international
law.
I have a natural tendency to question socially unjust
systems and improvable subpar services in any industry.
This will allow me to comfortably take on the role of
advocate in such a circumstance. I have been exposed to
the concept of transformative practice and so far like what I
am learning of it.

6.

7.

8.

Competence to understand and

articulate social work theories,
indigenous practice knowledge.

Competence to apply critical thinking to

inform and communicate professional
judgments.

Competence to promote empowerment

of people and communities to enable
positive change

9.

Competence to practice within legal and

ethical boundaries of the social work
profession.

10.

Represents the social work profession

with integrity and professionalism.
Level 1 Beginning

Level 2 - Introductory

Level 3 - Intermediate

I have marked myself low in this area as I feel we have only

yet scratched the surface of knowledge and the effective
application of the many theories, models and the vast
indigenous knowledge that exist.
Again because of my somewhat rich life experience to date,
I feel I can bring a level of maturity, objectivity and
pragmatism that will help me to eventually achieve a very
safe and professional and reflective practice.
I have been a long-time proponent of the importance of
goals and goal setting in moving towards positive outcomes.
I also believe in a narrative approach to discussions of a
clients goals, empowering the client to take ownership and
kaitiakitanga of their own future.
In my study of ethics so far, I have found that many of the
items in codes of ethics feel like common sense to me. I feel
comfortable in my abilities to practice ethically, however my
knowledge of the extent of a social workers statutory
authority and fiduciary duty as dictated by the law is yet
incomplete.
I derive my integrity (in part) from my strict Christian
upbringing. II will strive to complement this positive trait with
a deepening understanding of SWRB and other industry
benchmarks of professional and ethical practice standards.
Level 4 - Advanced

Level 5 Professional