Social Work Expertise

Paper Summary:

The paper refers to "Towards and Theory of Social Work Expertise" where authors Fook, Ryan and Hawkins question what social work professionals need in order to achieve and maintain competency. The paper describes the authors' study and their most important conclusion that "rules" do not rule social workers; they are only used in the early stages of social working and then creativity and adaptability come into play. The writer also describes her current social work and the need for her to go beyond theory and use personal expertise in intervention situations.

From the Paper:

"No one can ever negate the importance of research to the field of the social sciences. Since studies began to be conducted in the area of psychology last century, social scientists from all areas have benefited from the results of quantitative and qualitative studies. It has allowed these professionals to learn more about human nature and the world in which people live. In most cases, it is hoped, that the research helped improve the lives of most people or, at least, not changed their lives for the worst. The studies that are being conducted now continue on in this tradition."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Fook, J., Ryan, M. & Hawkins, L (1997) Towards and Theory of Social Work Expertise Br. J. Social Wk. 27: 399-417

More papers on Social Work Expertise:

• Analytical Essay # 147288 : "Social Workers and Collaborative Partnerships"
• Research Paper # 29851 : "Retirement Plans"
• Research Paper # 74628 : "The General Dynamics Company"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: