social work guiding principles
“True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.” – Martin Luther King
The National Association for Social Workers (NASW) outlines seven guiding principles of the social work profession in healthcare settings1. Even though required for social workers, these person-centered principles are greatly beneficial for anyone working in any social services profession.
Self-Determination
Respect the individual’s right to make their own choices – even if you disagree with them. Assist in their efforts to identify and clarify their own goals. Do not force someone to adopt a goal they did not choose.
Cultural
Competency
Treat everyone equally in a caring and respectful fashion. Actively learn about and acknowledge the cultural contexts of people’s lives, and how it influence’s their beliefs and understandings about the world.
Person-In-Environment
Understand that each individual is greatly influenced by their social and physical environments. Recognize systematic injustices affecting the person due to their place in their family/community/society.
Strengths Perspective
Elicit, support, and build upon an individual’s strengths towards achieving their goals. Foster resilience and the potential for growth and change. Assume that everyone has the best intentions.
Therapeutic Relationship
Foster a relationship built upon transparency, empathy, learning-teaching, and trust. The therapeutic relationship is often cited as the most important component towards successful recovery and meeting one’s goals.
Human Rights
& Social Justice
Support social equality (equal worth of all people) and advocate for universal human rights that promote economical, social, political, environmental, and cultural values.
Social Work Research
Educate yourself on the various social and cultural matters that are unfamiliar to you. Conduct continuous research about current-day best practices and emerging frameworks of care.