Why Evidence-Based Practice in Social Work Matters for the People We Serve

Social workers are known for being compassionate and caring, often serving marginalized or vulnerable groups of people. If you’re considering a career in social work, you likely find satisfaction and joy in contributing to positive outcomes for others.

Evidence-based practice in social work empowers social work professionals to help clients in an effective, timely manner, while also optimizing results based on proven approaches.

What Is Evidence-Based Practice in Social Work?

Social workers often deal with complex situations that have no simple answers. Clients may present multiple interrelated challenges and face a series of roadblocks in finding comprehensive solutions. Entire communities may experience the negative effects of social disparities or traumatic events.

Evidence-based practice in social work is a validated scientific approach that integrates relevant research, client perspectives, and the social worker’s clinical expertise.

The Importance of Evidence-Based Interventions

A social worker is better prepared to deliver thoughtful and constructive service through evidence-based practice. Scientifically proven resources and interventions equip a social worker to move toward positive outcomes for clients and communities. Consider these examples:

Perhaps a school social worker is advocating for a student with learning difficulties who is also experiencing symptoms of depression. The social worker, responsible for developing a multi-layered plan, may follow an evidence-based process for finding the most effective interventions.

A health care social worker may seek long-term care resources for a client with a chronic illness, but economic disadvantages may complicate the search. The social worker must be prepared with contextual understanding and applicable research to navigate potential solutions.

Social workers often partner with community leaders to address social conditions, such as food insecurity or an environmental hazard.

These are just a few examples of the roles social workers can play for the clients and communities they serve. Because of the complex problem-solving involved, evidence-based interventions are vital for providing the best care and the most productive solutions.

The Process of Evidence-Based Practice

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is a scientific approach common in many professional fields, such as medicine and education. Practitioners build applications around the same core components: clinical expertise, research, and client context. A skilled practitioner integrates all three aspects in developing action plans.

Evidence-based practice in social work typically follows this pattern:

• Ask questions,
• Identify research that provides answers to the questions,
• Evaluate and apply knowledge from the research in the form of interventions,
• Assess client outcomes.

Evidence-based practice in social work is relevant both in individual cases and on a broader level. A social worker with clinical expertise may use evidence-based interventions to serve a client or to develop programs and initiatives for a group or a community.

The History of Evidence-Based Practice in Social Work

The emergence of evidenced-based practice in social work allowed professionals to systematically assess how they serve clients, as well as to legitimize the profession.

Today, pursuing evidence and utilizing research for social work practice are part of the NASW Social Worker’s Code of Ethics.

What Evidence-Based Practice in Social Work Looks Like

Evidence-based interventions are valuable in any domain of social work and any setting. A social worker engaged in evidence-based practice can substantiate care plans with a rationale such as “research demonstrates positive outcomes of this treatment” or “studies show measurable results with this type of intervention.”

Let’s consider what the process looks like in various social work contexts:

1. Crisis Intervention

Social workers in settings such as schools, hospitals, and community clinics often encounter crises, such as:

• Abuse
• Family breakdowns
• Life-threatening medical emergencies
• Housing insecurity
• Suicide risk

Urgent situations often require quick action based on a social worker’s clinical expertise and understanding of the client’s environment and individual circumstances. Applying scientific research gives valuable insight into the most effective crisis responses. Because of the time-sensitive nature, social workers must be prepared with a broad range of scientifically ground knowledge and skills before a crisis intervention.

For example, a social worker training for suicide risk intervention may study measurable outcomes from published studies comparing interventions. This data-informed preparation will equip the social worker to better help an at-risk individual when the need arises.

Similarly, a social worker preparing to work with children may access research on actual cases, such as studies that identify common warning signs for child abuse. Equipped with data, the social worker will be ready for evidence-based interventions.

2. Therapy

A licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) is qualified to provide support and therapy for individuals, families, and groups. This may include assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health challenges.

A social worker may use evidence-based approaches to help clients achieve the best possible outcomes. One application is determining what type of therapy to recommend.

Utilizing evidence-based practice, the clinically trained social worker would consider research showing the results of different therapeutic treatments and make recommendations in line with the client’s circumstances and priorities. Some clients are likely to have positive outcomes with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), for example, while others may achieve better results with narrative therapy or exposure therapy. Looking at evidence from exisiting research helps a social worker make recommendations that are most likely to be helpful.

3. Client Support

Social workers also deal with many day-to-day matters for people facing various challenges. A geriatric social worker, for example, may advocate for an at-risk older adult who needs secure housing during a time of financial distress. A medical social worker may work with a client to find the most suitable physical rehabilitation options when discharged from the hospital. A mental health social worker may seek accessible support groups for a person struggling with addiction.

In cases like these, research from similar contexts can be valuable in determining the most helpful plans. As social workers support their clients, evidence-based interventions provide a pathway for optimal outcomes.

4. Community Organizing

The concept of evidence-based practice in social work is also effective for proactive community change. Social workers often lead or participate in interprofessional teams for initiatives such as population health, economic equality, or mental health awareness.

A health care social worker, for example, may lead a community-wide project to promote healthy lifestyles for at-risk groups of people. Using scientific research about common medical conditions, diet, and exercise, the social worker is better prepared to make appropriate recommendations for improving wellness throughout the community.

Community social workers may avoid pitfalls and be better prepared for success when programs are grounded in research from similar communities.

Developing Clinical Expertise for Social Work

Earning a master’s degree in social work (MSW) equips you for evidence-based interventions in social work and gives you the educational credential required by states for licensure. 

Clinical social work licensure also requires two years of postgraduate supervised clinical practice and successful completion of the ASWB clinical exam. These steps are designed to prepare you with the knowledge, skills, and clinical expertise to best serve clients and communities.

Earn Your Online MSW at St. Bonaventure and Equip Yourself for Evidence-Based Practice in Social Work

St. Bonaventure University’s online Master of Social Work program is designed with your life in mind — offering 100% online coursework paired with in-person practicum hours for real-world experience. Other degree highlights include:

• Personalized Placement Support: Get 1:1 assistance securing field placements in New York and across the U.S.
• Ultimate Flexibility: No campus visits, three annual start dates, and one of the fastest paths to becoming a licensed social worker.
• Two Tailored Tracks: Choose between the traditional track or advanced standing to match your background and goals

Connect with an enrollment advisor and start your journey towards social work licensure today.