How Well-Prepared are Graduating MSW Students in Clinical Competencies?

Abstract

In 2008 the Council on Social Work Education made the decision to adopt a competency based assessment as a requirement for re-accreditation. The 2015 EPAS recommends extending the broad competencies for specialty practice, and also further defining the broad competencies into more specific skills. This study explored field supervisors’ and students’ perceptions of how well-prepared graduates are in general and specific clinical competencies. The study was a mixed method design that included a quantitative survey and follow-up focus groups. Results suggested a significant consensus around perceptions of competencies for which graduates are prepared as well as those with which they struggle. This article presents both qualitative and quantitative findings of the study and their implications for increased coordination between faculty of graduate social work programs and field representatives.