Professional_Knowledge_and_Abilities

Professional Knowledge and Abilities Paper Otis N. Carolina GEN 200 August 24, 2010 Gregory Taylor Professional Knowledge and Abilities Paper The professional organization of interest for this paper will be The National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Established in 1955, the National Association of Social Workers primary function is to promote the professional development of its members, establish and maintain professional standards of practice, advance sound social policies, and provide services to protect members and enhance their professional abilities, positioning, and status (http:www.naswdc.org/pubs). To assist in increasing members’ professional knowledge and abilities the association has drafted and approved a Code of Ethics, developed Specialized Practice Standards, Professional Certification and Specialization Programs, Continuing Education Programs, and a National Association of Social Workers Jobs Link. These are just a few of many resources provided to increase members’ professional knowledge and abilities, and career success. The NASW also publishes books, professional journals, and reference works. Each of these initiatives serves a specific function in the efforts of affecting the career success of every member. The Code of Ethics serves to guide members’ professional conduct. It sets forth the purpose and guides the ethical principle and standards for which all social workers are to follow. The Specialized Practice Standards gives the guidance require for members to become proficient in specific areas of social work practice. It eliminates vagueness and possibilities of malpractice. The Professional Certification and Specialty, and Continuing Education Programs give members the opportunity to achieve the credentials needed and required for practice in social work. This increases their opportunities for advancement as well as keeping them aware of developing and innovative practices in treatment, counseling, and administrative procedures. The National Association of Social Workers Job Link assists members in finding job listings. It lists the knowledge, skill, and abilities as well as qualifications required for each position. Balancing qualifications before submission saves time and allows administrators to dedicate themselves to other resources. The National Association of Social Workers Bylaws and numerous membership initiatives serve to promote professional and career success to members by providing them with the best resources and experienced leadership in the field. Members can affect their own career advancement by taking total advantage of the opportunities presented. The more educated, motivated and prepared your personnel are the better they will perform. Performance on the job is directly proportional to employee awareness and training. Credibility for the National Association of Social Workers comes with its composition of 56 chapters encompassing more than 145,000 members, making it the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world (http://www.naswdc.org/nasw). Governance is by elected officials of which two are student interns. The representative decision making body is comprised of a 277 member delegate assembly, who sets board organizational policy, establish program priorities, and develops a collective stance on public and professional issues (http://www.naswdc.org/nasw). The association has a charitable organization and legislative presence in Washington, DC, and the 50 State Capitols. Members enjoy a variety of benefits, such as insurance protection for malpractice and liability, professional development, resource information, and financial resources. All chapters are an extension of the National Office (http://www.naswdc.org/nasw). Reference National Association of Social Workers. (2010). National Association of Social Workers. Retrieved from http://www.naswdc.org/nasw