NASW Standards for Social Work Case Management
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Standards for Social Work Case Management
Overview
The NASW Standards for Social Work Case Management detail the essential practices and frameworks for case managers in the social work field, promoting ethical, knowledgeable, and culturally competent service delivery.
Document Contributors
Jeane W. Anastas, PhD, LMSW – President
Elizabeth J. Clark, PhD, ACSW, MPH – Chief Executive Officer
Expert Panel Members:
Linda Aufderhaar, MSW, LCSW, CCM
Brian Giddens, LICSW, ACSW
Lea Ann Holder, MSW, LCSW
Sharon Mass, PhD, LCSW, C-ASWCM
Jun Matsuyoshi, LCSW-R, ACSW
David Moxley, PhD, ACSW, DPA
Richard Rapp, PhD, MSW, ACSW
Nelly Rojas Schwan, PhD, LCSW, ACSW
Phyllis Solomon, PhD, LSW
Michelle Stefanelli, DCSW, LCSW, C-ASWCM
NASW Staff:
Tracy R. Whitaker, DSW, ACSW
Chris Herman, MSW, LICSW
Copyright ©2013 National Association of Social Workers. All Rights Reserved.
Table of Contents
Standards for Social Work Case Management
Introduction
Background
Goals of the Standards
Definitions
Guiding Principles
Standards with Interpretations
Standard 1: Ethics and Values
Standard 2: Qualifications
Standard 3: Knowledge
Standard 4: Cultural and Linguistic Competence
Standard 5: Assessment
Standard 6: Service Planning, Implementation, and Monitoring
Standard 7: Advocacy and Leadership
Standard 8: Interdisciplinary and Interorganizational Collaboration
Standard 9: Practice Evaluation and Improvement
Standard 10: Record Keeping
Standard 11: Workload Sustainability
Standard 12: Professional Development and Competence
References
Acknowledgments
Standards for Social Work Case Management
Standard 1: Ethics and Values
The social work case manager shall adhere to and promote the ethics and values of the social work profession, guided by the NASW Code of Ethics for ethical decision-making in case management practice.
Standard 2: Qualifications
The social work case manager must possess a:
Baccalaureate or advanced degree in social work from an accredited program by the Council on Social Work Education.
Compliance with state licensing and certification requirements.
Necessary skills and professional experience to practice social work case management.
Standard 3: Knowledge
Social work case managers must acquire and maintain knowledge in:
Current theories related to case management.
Evidence-informed practices, socio-historical context, policy, research, and evaluation methods relevant to their clientele.
Standard 4: Cultural and Linguistic Competence
Social work case managers shall provide access to culturally and linguistically appropriate services in line with NASW cultural competence standards.
Standard 5: Assessment
Engage clients and relevant client system members in an information-gathering process to identify goals, strengths, and challenges consistently.
Standard 6: Service Planning, Implementation, and Monitoring
Social work case managers must collaborate with clients in planning, implementing, monitoring, and tweaking individualized services promoting strengths and overall well-being.
Standard 7: Advocacy and Leadership
They must advocate for clients’ rights and empower them to access resources and supports necessary for their goals.
Standard 8: Interdisciplinary and Interorganizational Collaboration
Social work case managers are expected to facilitate collaboration among various professionals and organizations to enhance service delivery and client achievement.
Standard 9: Practice Evaluation and Improvement
Ongoing and formal evaluation of practice is required to ensure client well-being, service effectiveness, and continuous improvement.
Standard 10: Record Keeping
Document all case management activities promptly, ensuring compliance with applicable laws and professional standards.
Standard 11: Workload Sustainability
Advocate for reasonable caseloads to maintain a high quality of service, taking into account various influences.
Standard 12: Professional Development and Competence
Social work case managers are responsible for their professional development and adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics and continuing education standards.
Introduction
The integration of case management in social work practice began in the late 19th to early 20th centuries and remains vital today.
Case management encompasses various roles including those of nurses, peer counselors, and continues to evolve amid funding constraints and the demand for effective service coordination.
Background
Social work professionals have developed case management practices in response to social issues stemming from industrialization and urbanization.
Historical influences have shaped how social work encompasses varied specialties such as health care, child welfare, and behavior health among others.
Goals of the Standards
Develop clear guidelines for social work case management.
Promote the quality of case management services.
Ensure adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics in practice.
Definitions
Case Management: A process choosing appropriate services and monitoring delivery for clients to prevent fragmentation and enhance outcomes across various systems.
Social Worker: An individual with a degree in social work from an accredited educational institution, licensed or certified per state regulations.
Client System: Refers to the individual receiving services, which can include family, friends, or other support networks.
Cultural Competence: The ability to interact respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds, acknowledging various factors such as ethnicity, gender, orientation, and ability.
Guiding Principles
Optimize client functioning through high-quality service provision.
Acknowledge the socio-political context of services and systemic injustices impacting clients.
Promote client involvement in all aspects of service delivery and planning.
Conclusion
These NASW standards enhance awareness of essential skills necessary for effective social work case management and strive to improve services for clients through continuous professional development and adherence to ethical practices.