Readings Linked to Competencies

One of the next steps in the development of gerontological social work competencies is to link each competency with relevant content and readings. Kevin Kawamoto, MSW from the University of Washington and JoAnn Damron Rodriquez, Professor, UCLA have begun such a process with selected competencies. Each competency is linked to specific content and readings. The Gero-Ed Center staff hopes that these are a useful resource for faculty who are teaching competencies in foundation courses. We plan to continue this linking of competencies with content and readings in 2007-08.

I. Values, Ethics and Theoretical Perspectives:

I.5 Address the cultural, spiritual, and ethnic values and beliefs of older adults and families

I.6 Relate concepts and theories of aging to social work practice (e.g., cohorts, normal aging, life course perspective)

I.9 Support persons and families dealing with end of life issues related to dying, death, and bereavement

II. Assessment

II.4 Ascertain health status and assess physical functioning (e.g., ADLs and IADLs) of older clients

II.5 Assess cognitive functioning and mental health status of older clients (e.g., depression, dementia)

III. Intervention

IV. Aging Services, Programs and Policies

IV.1 Outreach to older adults and their families to insure appropriate use of the service continuum (e.g., health promotion, long term care, mental health)

IV.3 Identify and develop strategies to address service gaps, fragmentation, discrimination, and barriers that impact older persons