Social Work as a Profession

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• 4.
• Social Work as a Profession

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CASW

• Canadian Association of Social Workers was
  founded in 1927
• Federation of 10 provincial associations that
  regulate the profession, including professional
  conduct

3
CASSW

• Canadian Association of Schools of Social work
  was established in 1967 to replace the National
  Committee of Schools of Social Work (since 1948)
• Advances the standards, effectiveness and
  relevance of education
• Approves social work educational programs

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IFSW and IASSW

• The International Federation of Social Work was
  established in 1950 replacing the International
  Permanent Secretariat of 1928
• Goal is to promote the profession, link social
  workers worldwide and help workers participate in
  social policy
• The International Association of Schools of
  Social Work (IASSW) is an association of
  educators and educational institutions
• See www.ifsw.org http//www.iassw-aiets.org

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Regulating the Profession

• Each Canadian province or territory has
  legislation (Acts) governing the practice of
  social work, most of which has come into effect
  over the last 30 years
• Each Act governs who can call themselves a social
  worker, the qualifications required to use the
  title and penalties for contravening the
  regulatory Act or for unethical behaviour

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Roles of Social Worker

• Enabler
• Broker
• Advocate
• Initiator
• Negotiator
• Educator
• Coordinator
• Researcher
• Group facilitator
• Public speaker

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Comparing Professions

• The three helping professions of social work,
  psychology and psychiatry attempt to do many of
  the same things, but in different ways (see page
  69)

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Code of Ethics

• The CASW Code of Ethics is a set of guiding
  principles that inform specific standards of
  practice
• It encompasses the values and principles of human
  worth, dignity, self-determination and justice
• Best interests of client is priority

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Ambiguity of Social Work

• Balance Code of Ethics and best interests of
  client with laws and agency policy regulations

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In Critical Demand

• Major review of social work profession
• Report available at www.socialworkincanada.ca
• Examines education, employment and profession
  related issues

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Ethical Decisions

• Step One. What are the key ethical issues in this
  situation?
• Step Two. What ethical guidelines are relevant to
  this situation?
• Step Three. What ethical principles are of major
  importance in this situation?
• Step Four. What are the most important

• principles, and what are the risks and benefits
  if these principles are acted upon?
• Step Five. Will I feel the same about this
  situation if I think about it a little longer?
• Step Six - What plan of action will be most
  helpful in this situation?

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Earnings of Social Workers
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Future of the Profession

• Four key factor are contributing to future
  challenges
• Demographic changes
• Devolution of services
• Decreasing financial and public support
• Intensification of workplace technology