Dear all,
A professional identity is an individual’s image of who they are as a professional (Slay and Smith, 2011).
Keeping in mind the socialization which plays an important role in shaping identification (Caza, B. B., & Creary, S. J. (2016)),
will the personal opinion (and objective facts) of a social worker be enough for indication of his identity?
According to the Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (2015) of the Council on Social Work Education, professional identity is strongly linked to social work values and ethics. I would go so far as to assert that there can be no legitimate professional identity apart from the internalization of the values of the profession:
Service to others above self-interest.
Social justice to empower the disadvantaged and marginalized.
Dignity and worth of the person as demonstrated by respect and self-determination.
Importance of human relationships as the medium for personal and social change.
Integrity demonstrated by honesty and trustworthiness.
Competence and the commitment to life-long learning and expertise.
One may have the title and education associated worth being a social work professional, but if one does not demonstrate these values in practice, then one is merely a charlatan.
Thank you for the useful answer and information, Peter!
Have a great week!
Take a look at the work of Kieran O'Donoghue and Liz Beddoe on Researchgate - they write on the supervision of social workers and this has relevance to questions of professional identity.
We are developing a SW professional development committee and your question has generated a vibrant discussion within our Department. Thank you!
It's an honour to hear such words, Deborah! If everything goes as planned I will soon start a research among social workers in Bulgaria.
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