Social Workers

Social workers understand that human rights and social justice, as well as social welfare and services, are mediated by policy and its implementation at the
federal, state, and local levels. Social workers understand the history and current structures of social policies and services, the role of policy in service
delivery, and the role of practice in policy development. Social workers understand their role in policy development and implementation within their practice
settings at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels and they actively engage in policy practice to effect change within those settings. Social workers recognize
and understand the historical, social, cultural, economic, organizational, environmental, and global influences that affect social policy. They are also
knowledgeable about policy formulation, analysis, implementation, and evaluation.
Walden’s MSW program expects students in their specialization year to be able to:
Evaluate the implication of policies and policy change in the lives of clients/constituents.
Demonstrate critical thinking skills that can be used to inform policymakers and influence policies that impact clients/constituents and services.
This assignment is intended to help students demonstrate the behavioral components of this competency in their field education.