AASW Practice Standards - 2013

Question 1

Relationship of AASW practice standards to code of ethics

Answer 1

Purpose of code of ethics: identify values and ethics which underpin ethical social work practice and to provide a guide and standard for ethical social work conduct and accountability (universal audience)
Purpose of practice standards: outline what is requires for effective, professional and accountable social work practice in all social work contexts - they inform and guide the Australia Social Work Education and Accreditation Standards (universal audience)

Question 2

Aim of practice standards

Answer 2

Guide to practice
Basis for applying standards across the diversity of practice in Australia
Basis of expected standards of practice
Guide for the assessment of practice
Guide for planning ongoing professional development

Question 3

Standard 1.2: Manage ethical dilemmas and issues arising in practice
Indicators (5)

Answer 3

1. Identifies and critically reflects on ethical dilemmas in accordance with the ethical responsibilities outlined in the Code
2. Raises the ethical issue / dilemma with relevant parties and attempts to seek a solution
3. Seeks supervision / consultation with manager / supervisor / relevant other when faced with an ethical dilemma
4. Reports to supervisor/manager or other appropriate person id they determine they are in a position which contravenes ethical principles outlined in the code
5. Critically reflects on and examines personal and professional ethics and values that influence practice

Question 4

Framework for the practice standards (3 areas)

Answer 4

Values
1. Respect for persons
2. Social justice
3. Professional integrity
Components of practice:
1. Values and ethics
2. Professionalism
3. Culturally responsive and inclusive practice
4. Knowledge for practice
6. Communication and interpersonal skills
7. Information recording and sharing
8. Professional development and supervision
Social work practice - work with:
1. Individuals
2. Families
3. Groups
4. Communities
5. Social policy practice
6. Management, leadership and administration
7. Education and training 
8. Research and evaluation

Question 5

Values and ethics

1. 1 Standard
2. 2 Standard

Answer 5

Social workers demonstrate that the values of social work are integral to practice and they uphold their ethical responsibilities and they act appropriately when faced with ethical problems, issues and dilemmas

1. 1 Practice in accordance with the Code of Ethics (2010)
2. 2 Manage ethical dilemmas and issues arising in practice

Question 6

2. Professionalism

2. 1 & 2.2 Standard

Answer 6

Social workers demonstrate active promotion and support of the social work profession, act with integrity and ensure accountability

2. 1 represent the social work profession with integrity and professionalism
3. 2 behave in a professional manner and be accountable for all actions and decisions

Question 7

3. Culturally responsive and inclusive practice

3. 1, & 3.2 standards

Answer 7

Social workers have adequate understanding and knowledge of cultural diversity in order to work in a culturally responsive and inclusive way

3. 1 Work respectfully and inclusively with cultural difference and diversity
4. 2 respect, strive to understand and to promote the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their cultures

Question 8

4. Knowledge for practice

4. 1 & 4.2 & 4.3 & 4.4 standards

Answer 8

Social workers have and obtain the knowledge required for effective practice

4. 1 understand higher level systemic influences on people with respect to area of practice
5. 2 Understand and articulate social work and other relevant theories and concepts
6. 3 understand the role of research and evaluation in obtaining and generating new knowledge for practice
7. 4 understand and articulate how and when theories, knowledge bases and knowledge sources inform practice

Question 9

5. Applying knowledge to practice

5. 1 & 5.2 & 5.3 & 5.4 Standards

Answer 9

Social workers demonstrate skills required to implement knowledge into practice

5. 1 conduct an assessment ands analysis of needs to inform service being offered
6. 2 work collaboratively with relevant people
7. 3 use a range of specific social work methods and techniques appropriate to area of practice
8. 4 apply critical and reflective thinking to practice

Question 10

6. Communication and interpersonal skills

6. 1 & 6.2 & 6.3 & 6.4 standards

Answer 10

Social workers demonstrate skills required to communicate and work effectively with others

6. 1 effectively communicate with a diverse range of people
7. 2 effectively communicate the details and nature of the service offered to people
8. 3 effectively work with others in a team environment
9. 4 us information technology to communicate and provide services as appropriate

Question 11

7. Information recording and sharing

Answer 11

Social workers are accountable and responsible for the information they collect and keen in the course of their work

7. 1 record and manage information appropriately
8. 2 keep and maintain information in accordance with ethical principles and relevant legislation (until 25 years old for children in leu of relevant legislation)

Question 12

8. Professional development and supervision

8. 1 & 8.2 & 8.3 standards

Answer 12

Social workers demonstrates commitment to ongoing learning though continuing professional development and supervision

8. 1 actively participate in professional supervision
9. 2 engage in continuing professional development as outlined in the AASW continuing professional development requirements
10. 3 contribute to education and professional development of others where appropriate