Competency Service
ANZASW RECERTIFICATION
Changes to our Competency Service
A paper-based Competency Assessment process option is now available for initial competency assessments. All ANZASW Competency Assessment processes are approved by the SWRB.
The paper-based Competency Assessment option is available to those social workers (ANZASW provisional members and non-members), holding a SWRB recognised qualification. Click on the page opposite ‘SWRB recognised social work qualifications’ to check the status of qualifications.
ANZASW has a proven record in paper-based assessments, having provided paper-based recertification since 1994. Our methodology has proven to be a robust mechanism for assessing competency. Over the last 15+ years, ANZASW Assessors and members have developed considerable expertise in assessing and reviewing portfolios.
What is the initial paper-based competency assessment option?
This additional option provides social workers with a range of choices for their competency assessment process. Importantly, the initial paper-based process provides qualified social workers with a robust assessment model at an affordable price.
For the paper-based process, applicants will be required to submit a competency portfolio and references for assessment by the panel, but will not be required to attend a face-to-face panel.
Applicants holding SWRB recognised qualifications are also able to opt for a face-to-face competency assessment, if this is their preferred option. In exceptional circumstances, assessed on a case-by-case basis and approved by the Chief Executive, applicants may be considered for a face-to-face assessment at the paper-based fee.
How will the new option be assessed?
The paper-based portfolios will be assessed by a Competency Assessor and a panel of two social work peers, using the same process as is currently used in the ANZASW recertification process.
Tangata Whenua members, who elect the face-to-face assessment, are able to select the Niho Taniwha process, in which case the panel is made up of Tangata Whenua peers.
What options do I have if I don’t hold an SWRB recognised qualification?
For applicants who do not hold a SWRB recognised qualification, a face-to-face competency assessment will continue to be required. This option will also be available to both provisional members and non-members.
What standards are the paper-based Competency Assessment option assessed against?
All competency applicants, whether ANZASW provisional members or non-members, will be assessed against the ANZASW Practice Standards and Code of Ethics.
Click here for information on fees.
The Application Process
Applications for Competency Assessment are able to be made on-line using the e-form. Signed hard copies of the following forms will continue to be required before the process can commence, in order to assess ‘fit and proper’:
- ANZASW Declaration form (complaints and convictions)
- Consent to Disclosure of Information (Police check)
- ANZASW LVS Centre consent (Police check)
- ANZASW Employer Attestation (where applicable)
Once an application is received, the first step is an assessment of whether a person is ‘fit and proper’, which is made up of background checks, including:
- A criminal and driving conviction check;
- Disclosure by the applicant of any complaint action in respect of practice as a social worker.
- Depending on the outcome of 1 and 2 above, any other checks that may be necessary.
Once the application process is complete, the applicant will receive:
- A paper copy of the competency pack
- An electronic competency pack, with MS Word copies of all templates, as well as a .pdf version of the ANZASW Competency Handbook.
On completion of the competency portfolio, 3 copies are returned to National Office. They are then checked to ensure that all components are present, before being forwarded to the Assessor and panel for consideration.
