Social Work Programme Graduate Profile

The Graduate Profile gives expression to the Conceptual Framework and informs the Learning Intentions for courses in this social and community work programme.

Social work is a practice-based profession and an academic discipline that promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. Principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities are central to social work.  Underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledge, social work engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance well being”. (International Federation of Social Workers, 2015, para. 2)
As such, social work is dependent on a wide range of knowledges (head), beliefs and values (heart) as well as practice skills (hands) to inform excellent practice.
 
To meet the requirements of social work practice, BTI aims to graduate beginning social and community work practitioners who are well prepared to participate in faith-inspired and evidence-informed practice who will “increase the net amount of shalom in the world” (Plantinga, 2002, p. 1). This practice is informed by a wide range of knowledges and understandings (head), critical reflection of beliefs, values and commitments (heart) as well as excellent practice skills (hands) to develop graduates who have an understanding, commitment and ability to: 

• Increase the net amount of Shalom in the world as they outwork justice, mercy and humility (Micah 6:8).
• Practice biculturally within Aotearoa New Zealand in a way that is sensitive, responsive and competent acknowledging the centrality of Te Tiriti o Waitangi to social work as a profession and in practice
• Practice with diverse ethnic and cultural groups within Aotearoa New Zealand in a way that is sensitive, responsive and competent.
• Practice relationally, inclusively and responsively when working with the oppressed, marginalised and with diversity.
• Work for social and economic justice as compassionate agents for change in the world through mercy-full engagement with people and social systems to effect individual and societal empowerment, liberation and social change.
• Engage, critique and apply a number of bodies of knowledge including sociology, economics, social and cultural anthropology, te reo and tikanga Māori, psychology, law, theology, philosophy and ethics, social policy, social history as well as social work tools, models and approaches.
• Practice in a way that maintains a professional identity and applies critical thinking which then informs practice alongside professional competencies and ethics.
• Work confidently within the legal and ethical boundaries of the profession.
• Utilise supervision and professional development opportunities to support and sustain themselves and their ethics-informed practice.
• Establish relationships through the exercise of the core dimensions of warmth, empathy, respect and genuineness and an understanding of who they are in relation to others within challenging social situations.
• Undertake faith-informed and hope inspired practice resulting in developing genuine connection with the vulnerable, disenfranchised and marginalised with humility and a servant heart
• Develop personal awareness and security in who they are, and who they are in relation to others.
• Develop an inquiry stance such that they are teachable and open to continual and on-going growth as a person and a practitioner
• Recognise and appreciate that people are both impacted by their environment and have an impact on the environment around them.
• Work with risk in a way that is informed, inclusive and focused on protecting   and promoting the well-being of vulnerable people and children.
• Develop a heart for community and international development.