An Examination of the Factor Structure of the Hartford Geriatric Social Work Competency Scale-II Assessment and Intervention Subscales

The Hartford Geriatric Social Work Competency Scale II (GSWCS-II) is the gold standard for assessment of social work competency and confidence in gerontological practice behaviors, but minimal research to date has examined the factor structure of this important instrument. This study employed exploratory factor analysis to determine the underlying structure of the measure's subscales related to assessment and intervention. Results indicate that the Assessment and Intervention subscales each have two underlying components that differentiate between core geriatric competencies necessary for all social workers and competencies required for specialists in aging. Findings have implications for the evaluation of competency and self-efficacy in gerontological social work, furthering the application of the GSWCS-II for both social work education and practice settings.