Social workers are likely to encounter ideas, beliefs or traditions they are unfamiliar with. Through cultural competence, they can
learn to navigate those differences to help clients overcome barriers to obtaining health care
and other services.
Social workers should have a knowledge base of their clients’ cultures and be able to demonstrate competence in the provision of services that are sensitive to clients’ cultures and to differences among people and cultural groups. … Culture may
affect how individuals cope with problems and interact with each other
.
Culturally competent social workers are
vital to the well-being of the community and the people they serve
. They identify problematic situations and unfair societal boundaries, transcend language barriers and understand the nuance of family dynamics across ethnicities.
These cultural orientations affect how individuals understand, express, and respond to issues of health and well-being, illness, relationships, and functioning. … It is important that the social worker
gains awareness into her or his own culture and understands
how this influences work with clients.
- Spend some time getting to know the service user, do not rush meetings and interventions.
- Be continually aware of the social work values you have signed up to as a social worker.
- Be self-aware – remember your personal cultural values and beliefs.
Social workers
help relieve people’s suffering, fight for social justice, and improve lives and communities
. … These pioneers laid the path for social workers of today. They set a great example for our commitment to advocacy, social justice, and helping individuals, families, and communities who need us most.
The following broad ethical principles are based on social work’s core values of
service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence
. These principles set forth ideals to which all social workers should aspire.
Social workers support individuals and their families through difficult times and ensure that vulnerable people, including children and adults, are safeguarded from harm. Their role is to help improve outcomes in people’s lives. They
maintain professional relationships and act as guides and advocates
.
As a profession, Social Work acknowledges that the term cultural implies
integrated patterns of diverse and unique human behaviour including attitudes, thoughts, communications
, actions, traditions, customs, beliefs and values.
What defines cultural diversity?
Cultural Diversity is
the existence of a variety of cultural groups within a society
. Cultural groups can share many different characteristics. … Culture, religion, ethnicity, language, nationality, sexual orientation, class, gender, age, disability, health differences, geographic location and lots of other things.
Social workers value
the dignity and worth of each person
. They treat each client in a compassionate and respectful way that is mindful of individual differences, cultural norms and ethnic diversity. They promote clients’ socially responsible self-determination based on their individual values.
How do you become culturally competent?
- Learn about yourself. Get started by exploring your own historical roots, beliefs and values, says Robert C. …
- Learn about different cultures. …
- Interact with diverse groups. …
- Attend diversity-focused conferences. …
- Lobby your department.
The 10 lessons I’ve learned (and continue to learn) in social work are:
Problems can come from anywhere—but so can solutions
! Be observant and curious. Honor others: your clients, their support systems, the multi-disciplinary team, and the larger network of resources—and let your behavior communicate your respect.
What are cultural strengths?
An organization’s cultural strength refers to
the extent to which norms are widely shared and intensely held among employees
. Given the presumed benefits, both scholars and practitioners are interested in understanding how organizations develop and maintain a strong culture.
What are some examples of cultural competence?
- have an understanding of, and honour, the histories, cultures, languages, traditions, child rearing practices.
- value children’s different capacities and abilities.
- respect differences in families’ home lives.
Why cultural competence is important?
Cultural competence
encourages the acknowledgement and acceptance of differences in appearance, behavior and culture
. In this field, you will encounter diverse clients from a wide range of backgrounds.
