NASW Social Work Case Management

• NASW Standards are nationally applied as an eternal reminder to social workers to remain competent in the knowledge and skills necesssary to adequately practice casework.

• The standards present as a guideline to govern the actions surrounding social casework; it provides a standard quality of service each social worker should abide by.

• There are 12 general principals that fall under the NASW Standards that we will review.

1. Ethics and Values

Standard 2. Qualifications

• The social work case manager requires a baccalaureate or advanced degree in social work from a school accredited by the Council on Social Work Education.
• Compliance with the licensing and certification varies dependent on state or jurisdiction

2. Qualifications

ASWB - Association Social Work Boards:

• Masters-level exam
• PA requires a 70% or above to successful pass board exam
• Licensed Social Worker need at least 3000 clinical setting over 2-6 years.

3. Knowledge

There is a constant need for the social worker to stay current on theory, evidence-informed practice, socio-historical context, policy,

research, and evaluation methods relevant to case management. - Either from national, legal, organizational standards.

• VAPHS utilizes a Talent Management Software system to educate employees of current and updated process as they are implemented. Social workers are mandated to adhere to all established standards and are reminded to remained informed of policy and its amendments.

4. Cultural and Linguistic Competence

• NASW Standards state that social wokrers should express cultural and linguistic competence in their client interacion.
• Awareness of cultural and linguistic diversity is necessary while executing affirming and respectful service in a social work setting.
• The rule reminds social workers to remain empathetic and considerate when approaching diverse backgrounds.

** The veteran population is a specific group that consists a lot of varying cultural backgrounds. Staff is well-versed on cultural diversity. The VA relies on a culture of ethics that support an array of ethnicity and lifestyles.

6. Service Planning, Implementation & Monitoring

Social workers shall collaborate with clients to plan, implement, monitor, and modify individualized services that promote client strengths and advance clients’ well-being.

VHAPS Standards

5. Assessment

The assessment standard expresses a need for the social worker to continually strive to receive information that can assist in achieving client goals. There is an on-going quest to gather information and revise planning while identifying client needs, strengths, or challenges.

Standard 10. Record Keeping

"The social work case managers are required to appropriately document client records in a timely manner. Social work

documentation shall be recorded on paper or

electronically and shall be prepared, completed,

secured, maintained, and disclosed in accordance

with regulatory, legislative, statutory, and organizational requirements." - Standards for Social Work Case Management

• All VA providers are expected to accurately and appropriately document veteran progress. Each encounter and pertinent fact should be collected and safely stored.
• An abundance of documentation is required to uphold social work standards.
• Electronic systems are utilized to store and share information.

VAPHS

Perspective

8. Interdisciplinary and

Inter-organizational Collaboration

The social work case manager shall promote

collaboration among colleagues and organizations

to enhance service delivery and facilitate client

goal attainment.

Standard 8. Advocacy & Leadership

The social worker is expected to advocate for

the rights, decisions, strengths, and needs of

clients and should re-enforce client access to

resources, supports, and services.

The VA Hospital of Pittsburgh encourages employees on all levels to advocate for patient needs and build upon a progressing system. We encourage forward & innovative thinking from not only our social workers but the rest of our care team as well.

Standard 12. Professional Development & Competence

Each social worker shall assume responsibility in their personal development and competence in accordance to the NASW standards, code of ethics, and certification.

Standard 11. Workload Sustainability

It is imperative for social workers to responsibly

advocate for caseloads and that involve high-quality planning, provision, and evaluation of services.

• Caseloads that require assistance from outside sources requires sometimes the facilitation of the social worker

• Access to technology and shared communication assists social workers in completing extensive caseloads.

• Strong teamwork is encouraged to support the intricate details of a caseload.

• Social workers should evaluate the current workload prior to accepting new responsibility.

Being sure not to create a burdensome situation

Standard 9. Practice Evaluation & Improvement

• The social work team performs ongoing, formal evaluation of her or his practice to promote client wellness.
• Assessment of the appropriateness and effectiveness of services and supports, ensure competence.
• Practice improvement should be implemented when the need presents.

Not only is it important for the social worker to constantly practice evaluation & Improvement with their current client and caseloads, these are essential in improving quality of service for future cases also.

References:

• National Association of Social Workers

Jeane W. Anastas, PhD, LMSW

President

Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH

Chief Executive Officer

Social Work Case Management