Engage Diversity and Difference in Practice
Diversity and differences are recognized by social workers as experiences that shape and form our identities. Social workers recognize that there is a wide variety of differences among, culture, age, color, class, disability, gender, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, marital status, immigration status, political views, race, religion/spirituality, as well as others. Social workers strive to understand and learn that these differences may be accompanied by oppression, poverty, marginalization, privilege, power, alienation as well as acclaim. The forms and mechanics of oppression and discrimination are understood by social workers who recognize that these cultural structures and values may marginalize or created privilege for certain individuals.
Practice Behaviors
1. Apply and communicate an understanding of the importance of diversity and difference in shaping life experiences in practice at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
2. Present themselves as learners and engage clients and constituencies as experts of their own experiences.
3. Apply self-awareness and self-regulation to manage the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse clients and constituencies.
Academic Evidence
I assessed, analyzed, and identified ways a Christian social worker integrated their faith and spirituality in the field of social work. I wrote an Integration of Faith Paper which demonstrates how a practitioner manages personal values and maintains professionalism in practice situations.
Internship Evidence
During my time in the Children’s Emergency Department (CHED), I interpreted for a mother who was Spanish-speaking only and sought knowledge from what she believed would help her daughter who was experiencing a psychotic episode. As a social work intern, I sought out knowledge from a diverse client and validated her input as the expert. I shared the information with my social worker as well as the Youth Villages representative to engage the patient and mother appropriately.