Differential Use of Social Work Knowledge, Skills, and Techniques by MSW, BSW, and BA Level Practitioners

Abstract

The rapid expansion of accredited undergraduate social work programs during the last decade has accentuated the importance of exploring the differential functioning and competencies required of BA, BSW, and MSW level practitioners within the social work employment arena. In the present study, 351 discrete competency areas pertaining to either the knowledge, skills, or techniques required for practice were analyzed from the social work literature, and rated on their importance to practice by over 300 social workers employed in social service agencies. There was minimal functional differential found when comparing BA with BSW respondents, and when comparing BSW with MSW respondents. Of the three groups, techniques tended to differentiate most across both paired comparisons, suggesting that clearer articulation of educational outcomes by BSW and MSW programs is needed.