§ OCCUPATION · GLOBAL STANDARDS

social work researcher

Social work researchers manage research projects aiming to investigate and provide reports on social issues.

Description

Social work researchers manage research projects aiming to investigate and provide reports on social issues. They first perform research by gathering information through interviews, focus groups and questionnaires; followed by organising and analysing the gathered information using computer software packages. They analyse social problems and needs, and the different ways and techniques to respond to them.

Theoretical Knowledge

ESSENTIALTheoretical knowledge required

social sciences action research social justice legal requirements in the social sector social work theory scientific research methodology

OPTIONALAdjacent knowledge that strengthens fit

sociology research design statistics policy analysis

Practical Skills

ESSENTIALApplied skills & competences

relate empathetically integrate gender dimension in research conduct interview in social service develop professional network with researchers and scientists synthesise information manage open publications manage personal professional development protect vulnerable social service users draft scientific or academic papers and technical documentation plan research process demonstrate disciplinary expertise organise social work packages promote social change promote the transfer of knowledge apply research ethics and scientific integrity principles in research activities meet standards of practice in social services advocate for social service users consider social impact of actions on service users undertake continuous professional development in social work write scientific publications refer social service users apply case management address problems critically follow health and safety precautions in social care practices communicate professionally with colleagues in other fields carry out social work research interact professionally in research and professional environments evaluate research activities cooperate at inter-professional level publish academic research apply quality standards in social services manage research data apply holistic approach within social services accept own accountability conduct research across disciplines have computer literacy contribute to protecting individuals from harm make legislation transparent for users of social services assess social service users' situation perform scientific research disseminate results to the scientific community

OPTIONALOptional competences

build helping relationship with social service users apply for research funding apply blended learning promote open innovation in research communicate with social service users teach in academic or vocational contexts promote inclusion develop professional identity in social work promote the participation of citizens in scientific and research activities operate open source software conduct quantitative research apply problem solving in social service apply scientific methods conduct qualitative research deliver social services in diverse cultural communities communicate with a non-scientific audience negotiate with social service users prevent social problems review social service plan

Data Source: Unified Global Standards (ISCED, ISCO, O*NET, ESCO)