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ESCO occupation

social work researcher

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Social work researchers manage research projects aiming to investigate and provide reports on social issues. They first perform research by gathering information through interviews, focus groups and questionnaires; followed by organising and analysing the gathered information using computer software packages. They analyse social problems and needs, and the different ways and techniques to respond to them.

2632.6.1 ISCO 2632 ESCO source
Competences
98
Groups
4
Essential
95
Optional
3

Competences and skills

98 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 7 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
company policies

The set of rules that govern the activity of a company.

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Cross-sector

6 competences
action research

The research approach that consists of investigating as well taking action towards an issue. It is employed by educators facing specific issues in teaching as well as by those who do not face issues, but aim to improve their conduct.

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legal requirements in the social sector

The prescribed legislative and regulatory requirements in the social sector.

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scientific research methodology

The theoretical methodology used in scientific research involving doing background research, constructing an hypothesis, testing it, analysing data and concluding the results.

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social justice

The development and principles of human rights and social justice and the way they should be applied on a case by case basis.

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social sciences

The development and characteristics of sociological, anthropological, psychological, political, and social policy theories.

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social work theory

The development and characteristics of social work theories underpinned by social sciences and humanities.

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Essential skills and competences 88 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

35 competences
accept own accountability

Accept accountability for one`s own professional activities and recognise the limits of one`s own scope of practice and competencies.

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advocate for social service users

Speak for and on behalf of service users, using communicative skills and knowledge of relevant fields to assist those less advantaged.

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apply anti-oppressive practices

Identify oppression in societies, economies, cultures, and groups, acting as a professional in an non-oppressive way, enabling service users to take action to improve their lives and enabling citizens to change their environment in accordance with their own interests.

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apply case management

Assess, plan, facilitate, coordinate, and advocate for options and services on behalf of a person.

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apply crisis intervention

Respond methodologically to a disruption or breakdown in the normal or usual function of a person, family, group or community.

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apply decision making within social work

Take decisions when called for, staying within the limits of granted authority and considering the input from the service user and other caregivers.

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apply holistic approach within social services

Consider the social service user in any situation, recognising the connections between micro-dimension, meso-dimension, and macro-dimension of social problems, social development and social policies.

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apply person-centred care

Treat individuals as partners in planning, developing and assessing care, to make sure it is appropriate for their needs. Put them and their caregivers at the heart of all decisions.

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apply problem solving in social service

Systematically apply a step-by-step problem-solving process in providing social services.

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apply quality standards in social services

Apply quality standards in social services while upholding social work values and principles.

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assess social service users' situation

Assess the social situation of service users situation balancing curiosity and respect in the dialogue, considering their families, organisations and communities and the associated risks and identifying the needs and resources, in order to meet physical, emotional and social needs.

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build helping relationship with social service users

Develop a collaborative helping relationship, addressing any ruptures or strains in the relationship, fostering bonding and gaining service users` trust and cooperation through empathic listening, caring, warmth and authenticity.

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carry out social work research

Initiate and design research to assess social problems and evaluate social work interventions. Use statistical sources to connect the individual data with more aggregated categories and interpret data relating to the social context.

Scope note
It includes web-based documentation.
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conduct interview in social service

Induce clients, colleagues, executives, or public officials to talk fully, freely, and truthfully, so as to explore the interviewee`s experiences, attitudes, and opinions.

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consider social impact of actions on service users

Act according to the political, social and cultural contexts of social service users, considering the impact of certain actions on their social well being.

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contribute to protecting individuals from harm

Use established processes and procedures to challenge and report dangerous, abusive, discriminatory or exploitative behaviour and practice, bringing any such behaviour to the attention of the employer or the appropriate authority.

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cooperate at inter-professional level

Cooperate with people in other sectors in relation to social service work.

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deliver social services in diverse cultural communities

Deliver services which are mindful of different cultural and language traditions, showing respect and validation for communities and being consistent with policies regarding human rights and equality and diversity.

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demonstrate leadership in social service cases

Take the lead in the practical handling of social work cases and activities.

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develop professional identity in social work

Strive to provide the appropriate services to social work clients while staying within a professional framework, understanding what the work means in relation to other professionals and taking into account the specific needs of your clients.

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empower social service users

Enable individuals, families, groups and communities to gain more control over their lives and environment, either by themselves or with the help of others.

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follow health and safety precautions in social care practices

Ensure hygienic work practice, respecting the safety of the environment at day care, residential care settings and care at home.

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maintain records of work with service users

Maintain accurate, concise, up-to-date and timely records of the work with service users while complying with legislation and policies related to privacy and security.

Scope note
It includes digitally recorded notes.
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make legislation transparent for users of social services

Inform and explain the legislation for users of social services, in order to help them understand the implications it has on them and how to use it for their interest.

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manage intellectual property rights

Deal with the private legal rights that protect the products of the intellect from unlawful infringement.

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meet standards of practice in social services

Practice social care and social work in a lawful, safe and effective way according to standards.

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negotiate with social service users

Discuss with your client to establish fair conditions, building on a bond of trust, reminding the client that the work is in their favour and encouraging their cooperation.

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operate open source software

Operate Open Source software, knowing the main Open Source models, licensing schemes, and the coding practices commonly adopted in the production of Open Source software.

digitalresearch
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organise social work packages

Create a package of social support services according to the service user`s needs and in line with specified standards, regulations and timescales.

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prevent social problems

Prevent social problems from developing, defining and implementing actions that can prevent social problems, striving for the enhancement of the quality of life for all citizens.

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promote service users' rights

Supporting client`s rights to control his or her life, making informed choices about the services they receive, respecting and, where appropriate, promoting the individual views and wishes of both the client and his or her caregivers.

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protect vulnerable social service users

Intervene to provide physical, moral and psychological support to people in dangerous or difficult situations and to remove to a place of safety where appropriate.

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refer social service users

Make referrals to other professionals and other organisations, based on the social service users' requirements and needs.

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review social service plan

Review social service plans, taking your service users' views and preferences into account. Follow up on the plan, assessing the quantity and quality of services provided.

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tolerate stress

Maintain a temperate mental state and effective performance under pressure or adverse circumstances.

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Cross-sector

53 competences
address problems critically

Identify the strengths and weaknesses of various abstract, rational concepts, such as issues, opinions, and approaches related to a specific problematic situation in order to formulate solutions and alternative methods of tackling the situation.

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adhere to organisational guidelines

Adhere to organisational or department specific standards and guidelines. Understand the motives of the organisation and the common agreements and act accordingly.

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apply for research funding

Identify key relevant funding sources and prepare research grant application in order to obtain funds and grants. Write research proposals.

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apply organisational techniques

Employ a set of organisational techniques and procedures which facilitate the achievement of the set goals set such as detailed planning of personnel's schedules. Use these resources efficiently and sustainably, and show flexibility when required.

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apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities

Apply fundamental ethical principles and legislation to scientific research, including issues of research integrity. Perform, review, or report research avoiding misconducts such as fabrication, falsification, and plagiarism.

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apply scientific methods

Apply scientific methods and techniques to investigate phenomena, by acquiring new knowledge or correcting and integrating previous knowledge.

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apply socially just working principles

Work in accordance with management and organisational principles and values focusing on human rights and social justice.

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communicate professionally with colleagues in other fields

Communicate professionally and cooperate with members of the other professions in the health and social services sector.

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communicate with a non-scientific audience

Communicate about scientific findings to a non-scientific audience, including the general public. Tailor the communication of scientific concepts, debates, findings to the audience, using a variety of methods for different target groups, including visual presentations.

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communicate with social service users

Use verbal, non-verbal, written, and electronic communication. Pay attention to the specific social service users' needs, characteristics, abilities, preferences, age, developmental stage, and culture.

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conduct research across disciplines

Work and use research findings and data across disciplinary and/or functional boundaries.

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demonstrate disciplinary expertise

Demonstrate deep knowledge and complex understanding of a specific research area, including responsible research, research ethics and scientific integrity principles, privacy and GDPR requirements, related to research activities within a specific discipline.

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develop professional network

Reach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up to date on their activities.

Scope note
This includes the development of social relationships with patients and customers.
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develop professional network with researchers and scientists

Develop alliances, contacts or partnerships, and exchange information with others. Foster integrated and open collaborations where different stakeholders co-create shared value research and innovations. Develop your personal profile or brand and make yourself visible and available in face-to-face and online networking environments.

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disseminate results to the scientific community

Publicly disclose scientific results by any appropriate means, including conferences, workshops, colloquia and scientific publications.

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draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation

Draft and edit scientific, academic or technical texts on different subjects.

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evaluate research activities

Review proposals, progress, impact and outcomes of peer researchers, including through open peer review.

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have computer literacy

Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.

digital
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implement scientific decision making in healthcare

Implement scientific findings for evidence-based practice, integrating research evidence into decision making by forming a focused clinical question in response to a recognised information need, searching for the most appropriate evidence to meet that need, critically appraising the retrieved evidence, incorporating the evidence into a strategy for action, and evaluating the effects of any decisions and actions taken.

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increase the impact of science on policy and society

Influence evidence-informed policy and decision making by providing scientific input to and maintaining professional relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders.

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integrate gender dimension in research

Take into account in the whole research process the biological characteristics and the evolving social and cultural features of women and men (gender).

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interact professionally in research and professional environments

Show consideration to others as well as collegiality. Listen, give and receive feedback and respond perceptively to others, also involving staff supervision and leadership in a professional setting.

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involve service users and carers in care planning

Evaluate the needs of individuals in relation to their care, involve families or carers in supporting the development and implementation of support plans. Ensure review and monitoring of these plans.

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listen actively

Give attention to what other people say, patiently understand points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times; able to listen carefully the needs of customers, clients, passengers, service users or others, and provide solutions accordingly.

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manage ethical issues within social services

Apply social work ethical principles to guide practice and manage complex ethical issues, dilemmas and conflicts in accordance to occupational conduct, the ontology and the code of ethics of the social services occupations, engaging in ethical decision making by applying standards of national and, as applicable, international codes of ethics or statements of principles.

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manage findable accessible interoperable and reusable data

Produce, describe, store, preserve and (re) use scientific data based on FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable) principles, making data as open as possible, and as closed as necessary.

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manage open publications

Be familiar with Open Publication strategies, with the use of information technology to support research, and with the development and management of CRIS (current research information systems) and institutional repositories. Provide licensing and copyright advice, use bibliometric indicators, and measure and report research impact.

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manage personal professional development

Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders. Pursue a cycle of self-improvement and develop credible career plans.

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manage research data

Produce and analyse scientific data originating from qualitative and quantitative research methods. Store and maintain the data in research databases. Support the re-use of scientific data and be familiar with open data management principles.

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manage social crisis

Identify, respond and motivate individuals in social crisis situations, in a timely manner, making use of all resources.

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manage stress in the work place

Cope with sources of stress and cross-pressure in one's own professional life, such as occupational, managerial, institutional and personal stress, and help others do the same so as to promote the well-being of your colleagues and avoid burn-out.

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mentor individuals

Mentor individuals by providing emotional support, sharing experiences and giving advice to the individual to help them in their personal development, as well as adapting the support to the specific needs of the individual and heeding their requests and expectations.

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negotiate with social service stakeholders

Negotiate with government institutions, other social workers, family and caregivers, employers, landlords, or landladies to obtain the most suitable result for your client.

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perform project management

Manage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific goal within a set time and budget.

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perform scientific research

Gain, correct or improve knowledge about phenomena by using scientific methods and techniques, based on empirical or measurable observations.

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plan social service process

Plan the social service process, defining the objective and considering the methods of implementation, identifying and accessing available resources, such as time, budget, personnel and defining indicators to evaluate the outcome.

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promote inclusion

Promote and respect diversity, and advocate for equal treatment of genders, ethnicities and minority groups in organisations in order to prevent discrimination and ensure inclusion and a positive environment.

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promote open innovation in research

Apply techniques, models, methods and strategies which contribute to the promotion of steps towards innovation through collaboration with people and organizations outside the organisation.

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promote social change

Promote changes in relationships between individuals, families, groups, organisations and communities by taking into consideration and coping with unpredictable changes, at the micro, macro and mezzo level.

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promote the participation of citizens in scientific and research activities

Engage citizens in scientific and research activities and promote their contribution in terms of knowledge, time or resources invested.

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promote the transfer of knowledge

Deploy broad awareness of processes of knowledge valorisation aimed to maximise the two–way flow of technology, intellectual property, expertise and capability between the research base and industry or the public sector.

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provide social counselling

Assist and guide social service users to resolve personal, social or psychological problems and difficulties.

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provide support to social services users

Help social service users identify and express their expectations and strengths, providing them with information and advice to make informed decisions about their circumstances. Give support to achieve change and improve life opportunities.

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publish academic research

Conduct academic research, in universities and research institutions, or on a personal account, publish it in books or academic journals with the aim of contributing to a field of expertise and achieving personal academic accreditation.

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relate empathetically

Recognise, understand and share emotions and insights experienced by another.

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report on social development

Report results and conclusions on society's social development in an intelligible way, presenting these orally and in written form to a range of audiences from non-experts to experts.

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speak different languages

Master foreign languages to be able to communicate in one or more foreign languages.

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synthesise information

Critically read, interpret, and summarise new and complex information from diverse sources.

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think abstractly

Demonstrate the ability to use concepts in order to make and understand generalisations, and relate or connect them to other items, events, or experiences.

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undertake continuous professional development in social work

Undertake continuous professional development (CPD) to continuously update and develop knowledge, skills and competences within one`s scope of practice in social work.

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work in a multicultural environment in health care

Interact, relate and communicate with individuals from a variety of different cultures, when working in a healthcare environment.

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work within communities

Establish social projects aimed at community development and active citizen participation.

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write scientific publications

Present the hypothesis, findings, and conclusions of your scientific research in your field of expertise in a professional publication.

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Optional knowledge 1 competence

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Cross-sector

1 competence
research design

The set of methods and techniques of research that are used to conduct a study. It includes practical steps in research such as purpose statement, data collection, methodology, and data analysis.

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Optional skills and competences 2 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Cross-sector

2 competences
apply blended learning

Be familiar with blended learning tools by combining traditional face-to-face and online learning, using digital tools, online technologies, and e-learning methods.

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teach in academic or vocational contexts

Instruct students in the theory and practice of academic or vocational subjects, transferring the content of own and others' research activities.

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