Abstract
This article will discuss the professionalization of social work in the United States (U.S.). The path to the professional development of social work has been shaped by the features of strong professional associations with external influence on control over education, entrance to the profession through a specific knowledge base and accreditation, codified code of ethics, state licensing, restriction of title, and sanctions for breaches of code of ethics. In the United States, three national social work organizations represent the social work profession in education, practice and regulation. These are referred to as the three pillars of the social work profession with separate missions but shared values to promote the professionalization of social work. These organizations together have influenced social work’s progress as a profession in the U.S.
Highlights
Social work has become a global profession practiced in over 144 countries
In studies comparing the success of professionalization of social work in different countries, the path to professional development in social work appears to be most shaped by the features of strong professional associations with external influence on state licensing, restriction of title, state sanctions for breaches of code of ethics, control over education and entrance to the profession (Weiss-Gal and Welbourne, 2008)
Scope of practice describes the services that a qualified professional is deemed competent to perform, and permitted to undertake in keeping with the terms of their professional license. This exploration of the state of the social work profession as it is reflected in education, practice and regulation indicates that social work in the U.S has developed several key professional features
Summary
Social work has become a global profession practiced in over 144 countries. The global definition of social work is “a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. International systematic comparative studies of the profession have focused on eight key features of the social work profession: (i) public recognition (ii) monopoly over types of work (iii) professional autonomy (iv) knowledge base (v) professional education (vi) social work organizations (vii) ethical standards (Viii) prestige and remuneration. This exploration of the state of the social work profession indicates that certain professional features are common to social work. MSW – Master’s Degree in Social Work 296 accredited; 31 in candidacy 2–year program (full-time) and 3–4 years program (Part-time) Required for clinical positions Prepares students for generalist and a specialized area of practice
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