Construction and validation of a professional suitability scale for social work practice.(Survey)

SOCIAL WORK EDUCATORS are responsible for assessing and screening students' professional suitability to practice social work. Professional suitability is defined as good understanding of social work knowledge, skills, and values and the performance of appropriate behaviors in given practice situations (Lyons, 1999). The assessment and screening processes of students' professional suitability begin at admission to a social work program, continue throughout coursework and fieldwork, and carry on before graduation (Gibbs, 1994a). Assessing and screening students' suitability for social work practice is essential to ensure that only suitable social work graduates are allowed to enter the profession of social work (Moore & Urwin, 1990).

To adequately perform the assessing and screening responsibilities, social work practitioners and social work educators have demanded the development of standardized measurements on professional suitability (Gibbs, 1994a; Gibbs, 2000; Miller & Koerin, 1998; Ryan, Habibis, & Craft, 1997). Some studies have examined professional suitability for social work practice and identified lists of criteria of professional suitability (Barlow & Coleman, 2003; Gibbs, 1994b; Koerin & Miller, 1995; Lafrance, Gray, & Herbert, 2004; Miller & Koerin, 1998). However, transforming these lists of criteria for professional suitability into standardized measures has not yet occurred. This study addresses this research gap and builds on the findings from previous studies and develops a psychometrically sound measurement on professional suitability for social work practice (hereafter, professional suitability scale is used).

The literature review searched keywords on professional suitability and competency from social work abstracts, nursing, education, and dissertation databases in the period between 1982 and 2002. Nondatabase searches included book chapters and unpublished conference papers. Articles that cover research or theoretical discussion on professional suitability or competency in practicing social work were included.

Theoretical Base of the Professional Suitability Scale

Theoretical support for developing the professional suitability scale is embedded in the philosophy of social work and goals of professional education.

Philosophy of Social Work

Social work has developed a unique set of professional values and goals of practice. Fundamental is the belief in the intrinsic worth and dignity of every human being and a commitment to the values of acceptance, self-determination, and respect of individuality (Canadian Association of Social Workers, 2005; Greenwood, 1957; Leighninger, 2000; NASW, 1999; Reamer, 1993). The fundamental values and goals of practice characterize the professional identity of social work and provide a blueprint for schools of social work to develop their programs and standards of practice. Prior to graduation or the completion of field placement, students will be assessed to determine if they demonstrate practice behaviors that reflect such fundamental values of social work or not.