PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCES OF SOCIAL WORKERS: THE BASIS OF A HELPING PROFESSION'S IDENTITY

This paper provides an overview of current understandings of competences in social work, which is shown by the research on assessing competences, and it explains the significance of the development of competence framework for social work in Croatia. Professional competences are understood as a result of the triangle of knowledge, skills and values, which emphasises the efficiency of work, but also the personal dimensions of a professional. Eight areas of generic competences for social work have been systematized, and these are procedural competences (for direct work with clients) and seven meta-competences: professional behaviour and professional identity, professional ethics, multiculturality and inclusive practice, critical structural approach, integration of theory in practice and critical thinking, intersectoral cooperation and macro approach and leadership and functioning in n organisation. In the analysed research practice, competences are usually assessed through self-evaluation and assessment of self-efficiency, and the assessment based on observation are less represented. Regardless of the assessment method, it is suggested that the competence framework and measuring instruments should be developed in accordance with the specific characteristics of the national context. The paper presents specific competence frameworks in individual areas of social work, but due to a marked correspondence with the generic framework, a conclusion is reached that the generic framework can be effectively upgraded for the application in the specific area of social work. The national framework of professional competences of social workers developed through the cooperation of the academic community, practitioners and professional organisations could contribute to the professional identity of social workers, improve their professional and career development, open new areas of research and serve as a basis for the development of specific competences in social work areas.