"Social work management is the management of organisations or enterprises in the social economy and non-profit sector, e.g., public service providers, charities, youth welfare offices, associations, etc."
This entails running a social service organization.
History and philosophy of social work: Understanding the roots and evolution of social work as a profession and social justice movement.
Human behavior and social environment: Examining how various factors, like culture, socioeconomic status, and life experiences, shape human behavior and impact one’s environment.
Social welfare policy and services: Exploring current social policies and programs designed to address social welfare concerns and improve social functioning.
Social work research and evaluation: Learning how to use research and data to assess the effectiveness of social work interventions and inform practice.
Practice methods and skills: Developing practical skills, like case management and counseling, to provide direct services and support to clients in need.
Ethics and professional standards: Understanding and upholding ethical codes of conduct in social work practice and adhering to professional standards.
Diversity and cultural competence: Recognizing and respecting cultural differences and diverse backgrounds to provide equitable and effective services to all clients.
Community organizing and advocacy: Working to create social change through community-based efforts, like organizing campaigns and advocating for policies that promote social justice.
Supervision and leadership: Developing skills in supervising and leading teams and organizations in social work practice.
Field education and practicum: Gaining hands-on experience through supervised field placements and practicum settings to apply learned skills and knowledge to real-world situations.
"Social work management has been traditionally pursued by social workers, social pedagogues, pedagogues, psychologists without additional management skills and knowledge or legal practitioners and business economists – often without reference to the social economy."
"Social work management as a field of social work education and practice was established in many universities in Europe and North America since the 1980s."
"Most scholars and practitioners agree that social work managers need to have a high degree of leadership skills to make considered managerial decisions, to empower social workers, to develop staff within and collaborate with partners outside the social and human service organization."
"It originally focused on person-centred leadership, motivation, and strategic issues."
"It combines management with social pedagogical, psychological, and sociological knowledge and skills."