NSWCF Issue 9: Social Workers' Behavioural Competencies

Issue 9
Behavioural Competency Clusters
In the last 8 issues, we highlighted the knowledge and skills competencies as well as the key
responsibility areas (KRAs) of workers in both Direct and Indirect Practice.
Beyond these, the NSWCF has also identified the behavioural competencies required of all
social workers, both in Direct and Indirect Practice.
There are ten behavioural competency categories, classified into five clusters:
(1) Envision, (2) Empower, (3) Enable, (4) Elevate, and (5) Evaluate and Energise Self.
EMPOWER
Attune to clients' interest
f
l
e
S
alu
ate
Nurture clients
Ev
ENVISION
Commit to social vision
Build collaborative
networks
ENABLE
ELEVATE
Seek insights
Lead teams
Influence change
Develop professional
capabilities
Take courageous action
Evaluat
e And Energise Self
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The five clusters represent the following aspects of a social worker’s job scope:
Community and Networks
ENVISION
Committed individuals and networks who possess a
vision of social and community impact and the desire
to work together and combine extensive efforts to
create new ways of providing social work services that
break the status quo barrier.
Client-focus
EMPOWER
Compassionate social workers who are driven by
deep values and beliefs, who advocate for clients and
work to obtain needed resources to support client’s
capacity to learn and develop their own systems.
Enable Relationships
ENABLE
Individuals who take a series of actions and strategies
to enable clients to achieve solutions, e.g. actively
fights for the rights of the vulnerable even when it is
hard to do so.
Leadership
ELEVATE
EVALUATE
AND
ENERGISE
SELF
Leaders who inspire and drive team effectively to
deliver quality outcomes to impact a client or
community and ensure development of professional
capabilities for social workers.
Self-Management
Individuals who are able to manage emotions and stay
composed and positive under difficult circumstances and
respond to conflict. They have the ability to think clearly
and stay focused under pressure, adapt to harsh
environment and thrive on continuous personal learning.
Produced by the Office of the Director of Social Welfare | Aug 2017
Source: National Social Work Competency Framework, p. 60 & 61;
Find out more: http://www.ssi.sg/nswcf
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