Training in Behavioral Social Work: A Pilot Study

Social work practicehasrecentlybecomemuch criticized. Misapplication ofprocedures and ill-definedtheoretical approaches have led to a view of social work as a semiprofession. A thorough theoretical and procedural revision is necessary. In this article, we will argue thata natural science approach to human behavior, such as that offered by behavior analysis, constitutesa fundamentalbasisfor effectiveand accountable socialworkpractice. A program thatwasdesignedaspartofa postgraduate socialworkcourse'is introducedandevaluated. The aim of this program was to establish students ' professional social work competence using well-establishedknowledge oftheprinciples ofbehavior. Contingencyarrangementsfor students includedtests.projectwork,and oral presentations. Program designand studentprogress are reported. A numberofexamplesofstudentprojectsaregiven. Social work as a profession is at a crossroad. Government cutbacks and organizational reconstruction have already replaced social workers in some institutions. The main reasons why social work as a profession is under threat are that too many social workers still base their work on outdated theories and common beliefs rather than scientifically proven facts (O'Hagan & Dillenburger, 1995) and that procedures do not offer adequate guidance or are not properly applied. For social work trainers, the task is clear. To enable social work students to become effective, accountable, pragmatic, and pro-fessionally competent workers, we have to offer them sound, scientifically grounded knowledge, skills, and values, and ensure that they apply these appropriately. The natural science approach of experimental and applie