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ESCO occupation

community social worker

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Community social workers help people in disadvantage or excluded from society to change their situation and handle their integration problems. They work with communities focusing on specific groups. Community social workers liaise closely with social workers, schools, local authorities and probation officers representing people before policy makers at local and national level.

2635.3.6 ISCO 2635 ESCO source
Competences
80
Groups
4
Essential
68
Optional
12

Competences and skills

80 ESCO relations
Essential knowledge 6 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

5 competences
counselling methods

Counselling techniques used in different settings and with various groups and individuals, especially concerning methods of supervision and mediation in the counselling process.

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legal requirements in the social sector

The prescribed legislative and regulatory requirements in the social sector.

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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 62 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

33 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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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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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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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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perform street interventions in social work

Conduct outreach activities by providing direct information or counselling services to individuals in their neighbourhood or in the streets, usually targeted at youth or homeless people.

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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

29 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 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 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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build community relations

Establish affectionate and long-lasting relationships with local communities, e.g. by organising special programms for kindergarden, schools and for dissabled and older people, raising awareness and receiving community appreciation in return.

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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 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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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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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.

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have computer literacy

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

digital
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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 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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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 fundraising activities

Perform activities which will raise funds for an organisation or campaign, such as speaking with the public, gathering funds during fundraising or other general events, and using online fundraising tools.

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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 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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provide community development services

Provide community based social services to specific groups, individuals or families by assessing their needs, collaborating with appropriate organisations and authorities and facilitating seminars and group workshops that improve their well-being in the local area.

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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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raise awareness on local community's priorities

Intervene and implement programs or activities that raise awareness of issues relevant for the respective local community, such as social or economic inequality, gender issues, violence, and drug abuse.

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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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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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Optional knowledge 5 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Cross-sector

5 competences
adult education

Instruction targeted at adult students, both in a recreational and in an academic context, for self-improvement purposes, or to better equip the students for the labour market.

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assessment processes

Various evaluation techniques, theories, and tools applicable in the assessment of students, participants in a programme, and employees. Different assessment strategies such as initial, formative, summative and self- assessment are used for varying purposes.

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communication

The exchange and conveying of information, ideas, concepts, thoughts, and feelings through the use of a shared system of words, signs, and semiotic rules via a medium.

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community education

Programs targeting the social development and learning of individuals in their own community, through a variety of formal or informal education methods.

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teamwork principles

The cooperation between people characterised by a unified commitment to achieving a given goal, participating equally, maintaining open communication, facilitating effective usage of ideas etc.

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Optional skills and competences 7 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

1 competence
manage volunteers

Coordinate a staff of volunteers. Manage their tasks, recruitment, programmes and budgets.

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Cross-sector

6 competences
adapt teaching to target group

Instruct students in the most fitting manner in regards to the teaching context or the age group, such as a formal versus an informal teaching context, and teaching peers as opposed to children.

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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.

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show consideration for student's situation

Take students' personal backgrounds into consideration when teaching, showing empathy and respect.

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support children's wellbeing

Provide an environment that supports and values children and helps them to manage their own feelings and relationships with others.

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support social service users to live at home

Support social service users to develop their own personal resources and work with them to access additional resources, services and facilities.

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write work-related reports

Compose work-related reports that support effective relationship management and a high standard of documentation and record keeping. Write and present results and conclusions in a clear and intelligible way so they are comprehensible to a non-expert audience.

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