Publications from ODSW Social Insights: Letters by DSW (Vol 2) | страница 24

Fundamentals of Social Work
and be in control and accountable for what is a professional judgement and
opinion. It involves a systems approach at viewing issues that goes beyond
the individual cases. It is professional wisdom that is drawn from among
other things the collective experience of intervening in many social work
practice cases and community development work.

Skills required of a social worker
Social work requires a range of professional, emotional and cognitive
skills. A life-long learner contributes to good practice. There are several
qualities and skills that are at the core. These are: active listening, emotional
intelligence, empathy, case management skills, critical thinking skills, working
with cultural sensitivity and tolerance, setting boundaries, facilitation and
communication skills.

One Goal, One Fraternity, One Good Practice,
Diverse Contexts
Good social work practice is always based on evidence based theories. It
has to be so in order for it to make the most appropriate assessment. There
is only one form of good practice regardless of where it is practised be
it in the Family Service Centres or in specialised centres or programmes.
It is a myth to think that there are different forms of social work such as
traditional and non-traditional practice. Good practice is directed by the
goal of helping individuals, groups and communities to move on in their
lives. Good practice enables those we work with to discover and draw on
their strengths to live lives as independently and with as much support as
possible. This is why the strengths based approach that undergirds most of
our practice applies regardless of the setting and context of our practice.

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