The Importance Of Competency In A Professional Social Work

Competencies are “measureable practice behaviors that are comprised of knowledge, values, and skills.” (Kirst-Ashman, 2010). Thus it can be said that competency takes more than skills and knowledge, it requires the right and appropriate attitude that eventually translates to behavior. For the reason, it is the "means" to achieve the "ends." One should always bear in mind that the competencies of each job position differ from one another and may influence our career decision making. I have mastered several skills that would enhance my performance in a professional social work setting. These include but they are not limited to problem identification and solution with the use critical thinking, excellent communication and organizational skills, building collaborative and trust worthy relationships, flexibility etc…
As a past peer counselor at church and at various educational levels, I have developed the

Therefore, I would ensure that every ones work and information were complete and accurate; judiciously preparing meetings and presentations as well as following up with others to ensure that agreements and commitments have been fulfilled within the said time given. However, there was an increased need to become flexible within both my educational and occupational life. This is basically the ability to keep functioning effectively when I came under pressure and thus had to maintain self-control in the face of hostility or provocation. For example I would have to change my studying time to accommodate group meetings or even cancel a movie night to listen to a friend who was having a tough time. This could also be seen at my previous workplace, where my working hours constantly changed and I had to adapt from working 8 hour shifts to 16 hour shifts. Likewise, I also had developed the ability to make difficult decisions in a timely