Assessing Readiness of Clinical Social Workers: Using the American Board of Examiners’ Conceptual Model

Abstract

This study examined the practical use of the American Board of Examiners’ (ABE) Conceptual Model for assessing clinical social work trainees’ readiness to become independent licensed clinicians. At present, licensure standards including completion of supervised practice hours, attestation of competence by a supervisor, and passing a national licensure exam are the sole determinants of readiness for independent practice. The ABE Conceptual Model identifies practice expectations for clinical social work. The study analyzed their effectiveness in determining the proficiency of trainees. Nine pairs of supervisors and supervisees from Northern Minnesota used the ABE Conceptual Model in assessing trainee readiness for independent practice of clinical social work in a supervisory context. The results indicated that practice expectations of the ABE Conceptual Model assisted in determining competence of autonomous clinical social work practice. The participants reflected on the importance of having a common understanding of proficiency determination at all phases of supervision. Ancillary analysis reiterated the significance of contextual factors in effective supervision.