Minnesota State Mankato BSSW Generalist Practice Definition
Preamble:
Generalist practice is the delivery of social work services across systems with all populations, affirming diversity and advocating for human rights and social and economic justice. Generalist practice is built on a liberal arts foundation and incorporates social work knowledge and theories, values and ethics, and skills. Generalist practice is informed by research and responds to the contexts in which services are delivered.
The baccalaureate generalist social work practitioner:
1. Identifies with the social work profession and is committed to the values and ethics of the profession that serve as a guide to professional practice. (EPAS 2.1.1; 2.1.2)
2. Affirms diversity and works to advance human rights and social and economic justice with an emphasis on small communities, families, groups, organizations, and communities. (EPAS 2.1.6; 2.1.7; 2.1.10, a – d)
3. Applies knowledge, values, and skills to engage in planned change and research informed practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities (EPAS 2.1.6; 2.1.7; 2.1.10, a-d)
4. Uses critical thinking to analyze and respond to contexts that shape policy and practice. (EPAS 2.1.3; 2.1.8; 2.1.9)
5. Commits to professional competency through life-long learning, scholarship, and service spanning local to global environments.
