Publications from ODSW Social Insights: Letters by DSW (Vol 2) | Seite 23

Fundamentals of Social Work
Narrative therapy externalizes a person’s problem by examining the story
of the person’s life. In the story, the client is not defined by the problem,
and the problem exists as a separate entity. Instead of focusing on a client’s
depression, a client would be encouraged to fight against the depression
by looking at the skills and abilities that he or she may have previously taken
for granted.

Social Workers in Different Settings
Generally, direct practice involves working with clients (individuals,
groups and communities) to resolve social problems and strengthen the
functioning and quality of their lives. They work in areas of early intervention,
rehabilitation and protection work and end of life programmes. Good social
work practitioners integrate advocacy into their work and seek to influence
systems and policies that impact the lives of the clients they work with.
Indirect social work practice brings about change by influencing the
larger systems, services and policies that impact individuals, groups and
communities. Some work in policy positions such as analysts and legislative
advocates; others work as community organisers, programme designers,
reviewers and resources mobilisers. They aim to address gaps in resources,
inequalities and limitations on access to services because of systemic or
structural issues.

Competencies required of a social worker
The competencies required of a social worker for practice in Singapore
can be found in the National Social Work Competency Framework. Social
work education and post-education professional development now have a
competency reference. The framework enables social workers to progress
beyond foundational competence to proficiency and expert mastery level.
It is important however to understand that competency is necessary and key
to good service delivery and outcomes but not sufficient for a profession.
The key to quality and efficiency is professionalism and accountability for
practice.
A profession is characterised by a job that requires a specific education,
as well as training and skills that are guided by a Code of Ethics. As social
workers we conform to the technical or ethical standards of the Singapore
Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. A high level of professionalism
is a mark of a mature profession. It is marked by the ability to take charge
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