The health social work competency rating scale: Development of a tool for education and practice
Craig, S. L., McInroy, L. B., Goulden, A., Eaton, A. D., Kourgiantakis, T., Bogo, M., Adamson, K., Iacono, G., Gagliarda, L., Krasovec, T., Small, M. (2020). The health social work competency rating scale: Development of a tool for education and practice. Social Work Education: The International Journal. https://doi.org/10.1080/02615479.2020.1768233
Highlights
Background
To bolster strategies for student training and staff supervision, social workers can integrate contextual competency frameworks into health social work education and practice.
Study Description
This article describes the iterative development of a Health Social Work Competency Rating Scale (HSWCRS)
The scale was generated using a competency framework tested through simulation and an iterative research process with healthcare social workers
We employed a modified Delphi method (e-mail questionnaire, 2 discussion meetings, and 2 rounds of classroom-based testing) to develop and refine the scale with the participation of clinicians, students, and researchers
Key Findings
The HSWCRS is designed to convey the core competencies required for single-session social work consultations in a healthcare setting by assessing:
(1) Formal elements (e.g., introduction, validation, cultural inclusiveness, client centredness)
(2) Use of self (e.g., self-awareness, positionality)
(3) Overall knowledge and skills
Conclusion:
This scale adds to the competency-based social work education literature by guiding assessment and measurement of key healthcare social work competencies in diverse educational environments.
