Competency Development for Social Work Students for Working as Professional Social Workers: Insights from Thailand

The field of social work is integral to fostering social change, supporting individuals, and promoting well-being within communities. In Thailand, as in many countries, professional social workers play a pivotal role in addressing a variety of social challenges, ranging from poverty and healthcare access to education and social justice. The effectiveness of social workers in this regard hinges on their competencies—skills, knowledge, and values that equip them to navigate complex social issues and provide effective support.However, as the social landscape evolves, it is essential to examine whether the current structure of social work education adequately prepares students for the demands of professional practice. This study is set to analyze the competencies required of professional social workers in Thailand and evaluates how the structure of the social work discipline can be strengthened to ensure that social work students are effectively trained.This study analyzes the competencies of professional social workers in Thailand and examines the structure of the social work discipline to better prepare social work students for professional practice. Data were collected through focus group discussions with social workers from various public agencies and representatives from the Social Work Council of Thailand and were analyzed using thematic analysis across four major competency areas: core competency, functional competency, management competency, and leadership competency. Key findings reveal that the structure and content of the social work curriculum significantly impact the development of core competencies in students, while the licensing system influences the level of functional competency. Management competency is shaped by the collaborative and organizational environment, and leadership competency is enhanced by the ability to adapt to new challenges. These findings suggest that social work educational institutions should establish clear guidelines, systems, and methods for fieldwork to strengthen these competencies.