Introducing the Placement Professional Competence Model in Romania

This conference presentation will introduce delegates to the Social Work Placement Professional Competence Model (MacDermott, 2024). This is a heuristic that is designed to be used within the social work placement setting. The Model draws on the author’s extensive experience as a practice teacher and academic, it is designed to be a conceptual shortcut, to make sense of what constitutes good-enough practice for a social work student on placement. The model reflects elements of Wenger’s (1998) mutual engagement, that is, by learning together as practice teacher and social work student in professional supervision. The domain of joint enterprise is evident, in that, part of the role of the ‘oldtimer’ (practice teacher/ practice educator) is modelling professional socialisation and supporting the formation of a professional identity of the ‘newcomer’ (social work student). The lived experiences of learners, who they are and what they bring to the experience are core to the origins of this model, crucially, being aware of how learners make sense of our lived experiences. This is underscored by acknowledging the importance of reflection, critical thinking and problem solving. Thinking reflectively can support alternative ways of engaging in practice and promote better outcomes for families, individuals and groups by avoiding routinisation of practice. Critical reflection influences our understanding of change, challenge, adaptability, encouraging debate and the can do, the how to and the why do. ​


Research Objective

This project aims to test the Model by collecting data from volunteers within a range of audiences at workshops and conferences over five years. This will also permit comparison by gender, experience, location and communities of practice. To achieve this aim, there are four objectives: 

   
(a) Explore the feasibility of the model at conferences/ workshops/ stakeholder engagement events over five years.  

(b) Capture data on stakeholder perceptions of the model as a professional learning and development resource for social work placement and preparedness for practice.   

(c) Test and provide exemplifications for the model.   

(d) Revise/update the prototype model based on evaluation feedback from stakeholders.  


Methodology

A mixed-methods design comprising of survey feedback from attendees at conferences and workshops using an anonymised online survey over period of 5 years. Requests for focus group participants will be made at conferences and workshops.


Implications for social work education


The model is structured to challenge power dynamics, in professional supervision, promoting open discussions and agreeing incremental indicators of competence on how the student is learning to become a professional social worker.