Workforce Perceptions of Social Work Professionalism

Introduction

This study examined perceptions of the social work profession among employers of social workers in Alberta, Canada. In contexts where employers often have competing ideas about the unique contributions of social workers, we investigated whether workplace perceptions of social work practice align with the profession’s articulated values and vision. In particular, we explored the ethical imperative to pursue social justice, as codified in the Canadian Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. 

Goals & Methods
Using a critical, emergent constructivist grounded theory approach, the research team explored how employers conceptualize and value unique social work skills, attributes, and professional commitments, and how understandings converge with or diverge from disciplinary values. This design allowed for interrogation of historical, social, and situational factors shaping perceptions of social work, while making visible power dynamics and dominant discourses that influence workplace expectations. Our qualitative interviews with 25 employers across various sectors built on an initial environmental scan that mapped organizational data and a subsequent survey of employers of social workers 

Results
Central themes emerged: Maintaining Professionalism, Working Towards Social Justice, Practicing Ethics Every Day, Assembling Tools for Practice, and Navigating Tensions. Findings point to discrepancies between the profession’s values - particularly commitments to advocacy and social justice - and employers’ expectations of social work practice. These misalignments restrict social workers’ ability to fully apply their professional skill sets, limit opportunities to advance social justice, and contribute to moral injury, diminished wellbeing, and turnover.

Conclusion
The study highlights the need for dialogue and collaboration among social work employers, educators, and regulators to better align workplace practices with the profession’s core values. Strengthening mutual understanding through curriculum design, policy development, and organizational learning can ensure that social workers’ skills and ethical commitments are recognized, supported, and effectively applied across practice environments.