Examining the Curricula for Entry-Level Social Workers in Aging-Related Fields

Abstract

The rapidly growing older population necessitates the provision of more gerontological social workers. This study evaluates the social work programs that are offered by a university in Hong Kong, based on separate surveys of alumni and employers. It also examines the effects of alumni background characteristics on perceived training adequacy. The training is found to be moderately adequate in preparing the alumni for practice in aging-related jobs, but there is a need to improve the existing curricula. Implications for the improvement of the curricula and suggestions for further studies are also discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Aging–related fields
• alumni
• employers
• evaluation
• practice competencies
• social work programs

Notes

1. The number of gerontological social workers in Hong Kong varies from time to time, depending on the availability of aging-related jobs, student interest in formal gerontology education, and funding for developing gerontology programs that is largely affected by the social service policies of the government. Social workers can have input into the government's social service development plans through advisory committees, such as the Social Welfare Advisory Committee and the Advisory Committee on Social Work Training and Manpower Planning. However, the members of these committees are government appointed and some of them may not necessarily be social service professionals.

2. The Social Workers Registration Board was established in 1998, and one of its main functions is to set and review the qualification standards for registration as a social worker in Hong Kong. A Registered Social Worker must be a holder of a degree or diploma in social work recognized by the Board. As at April 1, 2007, there were 13,018 Registered Social Workers, 57% of whom were degree holders.