TY - JOUR
AU - W. O'Connell
AU - J. Salisbury
A1 - 
AB - PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop and validate a competency framework for a bachelor-level social worker, or related degree type, to work in integrated behavioral healthcare settings under clinical supervision. In Washington state, a new bachelor-level certification called a Behavioral Health Support Specialist or BHSS includes social work, psychology, and related degree programs. METHODS: Focus group interviews with stakeholders from across Washington State (n = 49) were conducted in addition to a confidential survey. A thematic analysis of data and validity check preceded interpretation of results. RESULTS: Qualitative data generated salient recommendations to shape a competency framework tailored to integrated care, and other behavioral health settings. Survey data helped gauge the degree of endorsement for a new mental health provider for integrated care in Washington State. DISCUSSION: Participants recommended specific action steps related to scope of practice, differentiation from other non-specialists, work setting expansion, supervisor qualifications, and ethics to align the competency framework with real-world practice. CONCLUSION: A BHSS competency framework supports the development of a new professional role to prepare a bachelor level social worker to deliver evidence-informed psychosocial interventions under supervision within integrated care settings.
AD - Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA.
AN - 40890606
BT - J Evid Based Soc Work (2019)
C5 - Education & Workforce
DA - Sep 1
DO - 10.1080/26408066.2025.2553011
DP - NLM
ET - 20250901
JF - J Evid Based Soc Work (2019)
LA - eng
N2 - PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop and validate a competency framework for a bachelor-level social worker, or related degree type, to work in integrated behavioral healthcare settings under clinical supervision. In Washington state, a new bachelor-level certification called a Behavioral Health Support Specialist or BHSS includes social work, psychology, and related degree programs. METHODS: Focus group interviews with stakeholders from across Washington State (n = 49) were conducted in addition to a confidential survey. A thematic analysis of data and validity check preceded interpretation of results. RESULTS: Qualitative data generated salient recommendations to shape a competency framework tailored to integrated care, and other behavioral health settings. Survey data helped gauge the degree of endorsement for a new mental health provider for integrated care in Washington State. DISCUSSION: Participants recommended specific action steps related to scope of practice, differentiation from other non-specialists, work setting expansion, supervisor qualifications, and ethics to align the competency framework with real-world practice. CONCLUSION: A BHSS competency framework supports the development of a new professional role to prepare a bachelor level social worker to deliver evidence-informed psychosocial interventions under supervision within integrated care settings.
PY - 2025
SN - 2640-8066
SP - 1
EP - 22+
ST - Competency Framework for Bachelor-Level Social Workers to Deliver Psychosocial Interventions within Integrated Care
T1 - Competency Framework for Bachelor-Level Social Workers to Deliver Psychosocial Interventions within Integrated Care
T2 - J Evid Based Soc Work (2019)
TI - Competency Framework for Bachelor-Level Social Workers to Deliver Psychosocial Interventions within Integrated Care
U1 - Education & Workforce
U3 - 10.1080/26408066.2025.2553011
VO - 2640-8066
Y1 - 2025
ER -