                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA

DEFINITIONS (§ 54.1-3700)

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:
		&#8220;Administration&#8221; means the process of attaining the objectives of
an organization through a system of coordinated and cooperative efforts to make
social service programs effective instruments for the amelioration of social
conditions and for the solution of social problems.
		&#8220;Baccalaureate social worker&#8221; means a person who, consistent with
such person&#8217;s education and training, engages in the practice of social
work under the supervision of a master&#8217;s social worker and provides basic
generalist services, including casework management and supportive services and
consultation and education.
		&#8220;Board&#8221; means the Board of Social Work.
		&#8220;Casework&#8221; means both direct treatment, with an individual or
several individuals, and intervention in the situation on the client&#8217;s
behalf with the objectives of meeting the client&#8217;s needs, helping the
client deal with the problem with which he is confronted, strengthening the
client&#8217;s capacity to function productively, lessening his distress, and
enhancing his opportunities and capacities for fulfillment.
		&#8220;Casework management and supportive services&#8221; means assessment of
presenting problems and perceived needs, referral services, policy
interpretation, data gathering, planning, advocacy, and coordination of
services.
		&#8220;Clinical social worker&#8221; means a social worker who, by education
and experience, is professionally qualified at the autonomous practice level to
provide direct diagnostic, preventive and treatment services where functioning
is threatened or affected by social and psychological stress or health
impairment.
		&#8220;Consultation and education&#8221; means program consultation in social
work to agencies, organizations, or community groups; academic programs and
other training such as staff development activities, seminars, and workshops
using social work principles and theories of social work education.
		&#8220;Group work&#8221; means helping people, in the realization of their
potential for social functioning, through group experiences in which the members
are involved with common concerns and in which there is agreement about the
group&#8217;s purpose, function, and structure.
		&#8220;Master&#8217;s social worker&#8221; means a person who, consistent with
such person&#8217;s education and training, engages in the practice of social
work and provides non-clinical, generalist services, staff supervision and
management, and clinical services under the supervision of a licensed clinical
social worker.
		&#8220;Planning and community organization&#8221; means helping organizations
and communities analyze social problems and human needs; planning to assist
organizations and communities in organizing for general community development;
and improving social conditions through the application of social planning,
resource development, advocacy, and social policy formulation.
		&#8220;Practice of social work&#8221; means rendering or offering to render to
individuals, families, groups, organizations, governmental units, or the general
public service which is guided by special knowledge of social resources, social
systems, human capabilities, and the part conscious and unconscious motivation
play in determining behavior. Any person regularly employed by a licensed
hospital or nursing home who offers or renders such services in connection with
his employment in accordance with patient care policies or plans for social
services adopted pursuant to applicable regulations when such services do not
include group, marital or family therapy, psychosocial treatment or other
measures to modify human behavior involving child abuse, newborn intensive care,
emotional disorders or similar issues, shall not be deemed to be engaged in the
&#8220;practice of social work.&#8221; Subject to the foregoing, the disciplined
application of social work values, principles and methods includes, but is not
restricted to, casework management and supportive services, casework, group
work, planning and community organization, administration, consultation and
education, and research.
		&#8220;Research&#8221; means the application of systematic procedures for the
purpose of developing, modifying, and expanding knowledge of social work
practice which can be communicated and verified.
		&#8220;Social worker&#8221; means a person trained to provide service and
action to effect changes in human behavior, emotional responses, and the social
conditions by the application of the values, principles, methods, and procedures
of the profession of social work.

HISTORY: 1976, c. 608, § 54-941; 1979, c. 398; 1981, c. 555; 1988, c. 765;
2018, c. 451; 2025, c. 146.