Bridging the Crevasse Between Direct Practice Social Work and Management by Increasing the Transferability of Core Skills

Abstract

The following is a conceptual article that critically examines a longstanding concern in social work administration that involves the promotion of social workers primarily educated for and employed in direct service or clinical positions to entry or middle management levels. A review of the literature identifies four core skills commonly learned in graduate foundational courses and whose applicability could be expanded, making them more relevant to management. The analysis provides specific suggestions to graduate social work programs and human service organizations so social workers in direct practice can better transfer the skills to improve proficiency in the non-technical aspects of human service management.

Keywords:

• clinical
• core skills
• direct practice
• generic skills
• management
• social work
• transferability
• versatility

Notes

The terms clinical and direct practice are used synonymously throughout the paper. The terms middle manager and manager are also used synonymously throughout the paper.