clinical social work
The branch of social work that deals with assessing, making diagnoses, treating and preventing bio-psychological problems and other behavioural disturbances.
Mental health social workers assist and provide counselling to people with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems. They focus on providing personalised support to cases and monitor the recovery process of their clients by providing therapy, crisis intervention, client advocacy and education. Mental health social workers may contribute to mental health services improvement and mental health outcomes for citizens.
Competences and skills
81 ESCO relationsEssential knowledge 9 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
3 competencescompany policies
The set of rules that govern the activity of a company.
diagnosis of mental health issues
The diagnosis of mental health issues such as disorders or illnesses, and psychological factors in other diseases within different issues and different age groups.
Cross-sector
6 competencesadolescent psychological development
The developments needs of children and young persons, their behaviour and the attachment relationships and the possible signs of developmental delay.
legal requirements in the social sector
The prescribed legislative and regulatory requirements in the social sector.
older adults' needs
The physical, mental, and social needs of frail, older adults.
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.
social sciences
The development and characteristics of sociological, anthropological, psychological, political, and social policy theories.
social work theory
The development and characteristics of social work theories underpinned by social sciences and humanities.
Essential skills and competences 67 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
39 competencesaccept own accountability
Accept accountability for one`s own professional activities and recognise the limits of one`s own scope of practice and competencies.
advise on mental health
Advise persons of all ages and groups in terms of the health-promoting aspects of individual behaviour and institutions with regard to the personal, social and structural factors on physical and mental health.
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.
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.
apply case management
Assess, plan, facilitate, coordinate, and advocate for options and services on behalf of a person.
apply crisis intervention
Respond methodologically to a disruption or breakdown in the normal or usual function of a person, family, group or community.
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.
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.
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.
apply problem solving in social service
Systematically apply a step-by-step problem-solving process in providing social services.
apply quality standards in social services
Apply quality standards in social services while upholding social work values and principles.
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.
assess the development of youth
Evaluate the different aspects of development needs of children and young people.
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.
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.
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.
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.
cooperate at inter-professional level
Cooperate with people in other sectors in relation to social service work.
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.
demonstrate leadership in social service cases
Take the lead in the practical handling of social work cases and activities.
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.
diagnose psychiatric symptoms
Recognise and diagnose the common medical, neurologic and primary psychiatric symptoms such as delirium, dementia, violent episodes, self-injurious behavior, etc.
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.
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.
identify mental health issues
Recognise and critically evaluate any possible mental health/illness issues.
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.
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.
meet standards of practice in social services
Practice social care and social work in a lawful, safe and effective way according to standards.
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.
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.
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.
promote mental health
Promote factors that enhance emotional well-being such as self-acceptance, personal growth, purpose in life, control of one`s environment, spirituality, self-direction and positive relationships.
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.
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.
refer social service users
Make referrals to other professionals and other organisations, based on the social service users' requirements and needs.
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.
support traumatised children
Support children who have experienced trauma, identifying their needs and working in ways that promote their rights, inclusion and well being.
tolerate stress
Maintain a temperate mental state and effective performance under pressure or adverse circumstances.
use clinical assessment techniques
Use clinical reasoning techniques and clinical judgement when applying a range of appropriate assessment techniques, such as mental status assessment, diagnosis, dynamic formulation, and potential treatment planning.
Cross-sector
28 competencesaddress 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.
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.
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.
apply socially just working principles
Work in accordance with management and organisational principles and values focusing on human rights and social justice.
communicate professionally with colleagues in other fields
Communicate professionally and cooperate with members of the other professions in the health and social services sector.
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.
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.
evaluate older adults' ability to take care of themselves
Assess the condition of an older patient and decide if he or she needs assistance in taking care of him- or herself to eat or to bathe and in meeting his/hers social and psychological needs.
have computer literacy
Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.
digital
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.
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.
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.
manage social crisis
Identify, respond and motivate individuals in social crisis situations, in a timely manner, making use of all resources.
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.
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.
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.
prepare youths for adulthood
Work with children and young people to identify the skills and abilities they will need for their transition to become independent and self-sufficient adults.
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.
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.
promote the safeguarding of young people
Understand safeguarding and what should be done in cases of actual or potential harm or abuse.
provide social counselling
Assist and guide social service users to resolve personal, social or psychological problems and difficulties.
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.
relate empathetically
Recognise, understand and share emotions and insights experienced by another.
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.
support the positiveness of youths
Help children and young people to assess their social, emotional and identity needs and to develop a positive self image, enhance their self esteem and improve their self reliance.
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.
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.
work within communities
Establish social projects aimed at community development and active citizen participation.
Optional skills and competences 5 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
4 competencescarry out psychiatric assessment of child
Evaluate the child or young person's problems with attention to physical, genetic, developmental, emotional, cognitive, educational, family, peer, and social components and use the information to determine a diagnosis for the mental disorder.
conduct forensic evaluations
Participate in evaluations required to attest the presence and severity of a mental illness, according to the requirements of a criminal or civil court.
work with healthcare users' social network
Get involved with the friends, families and other relevant actors important for the client or patient being treated, under the conditions of confidentiality and transparency.
work with patterns of psychological behaviour
Work with the patterns of a patient or client's psychological behaviour, which may be outside of their conscious awareness, such as non-verbal and pre-verbal patterns, clinical processes of defence mechanisms, resistances, transference and counter-transference.
Cross-sector
1 competencesupport social service users to manage their financial affairs
Work with individuals to access information and advice about their financial affairs and support them to manage and monitor their finances.