Identifying Competencies for Geriatric Social Work Practice

Objective: Despite the escalating demand for geriatric social work services to meet the comprehensive needs of a growing number of older persons and their families, no commonly accepted, gerontological knowledge-based skills-or competencies-have been identified for social workers to possess to effectively serve older clients. This inquiry examined the responses of consumers and providers of geriatric social work concerning geriatric social work competencies. Method: A needs assessment was conducted with four focus groups (N = 33) comprised of older adults and caregivers (consumers), as well as employers in the field of aging and recent social work graduates currently working with older people (providers). A content analysis of field notes and transcripts from audio recordings was used to identify common domains and significant feedback. Findings: Consumers identified resource finding as the most important social worker competency. Providers most frequently cited the ability to conduct geriatric assessments and case management, and the capacity for self-awareness as important competencies. Many consumers did not understand the role of social workers. Implications: The results support the need for integrating academic and field curricula to address the lack of commonly accepted geriatric social work competencies, and the need to strengthen public education about the professional role of social work in the field of aging.