Social workers can be employed in a variety of contexts, and each role they fill requires special competencies. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the field will grow by 7% through 2032, making social workers in-demand employees.
The day-to-day work of a social worker can be challenging but gratifying. For those studying to become social workers, an emphasis on cultural competence can make a substantial difference in one’s ability to find job prospects and to fulfill the job to a high standard. Some social work programs — like Avila University’s Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) online program — offer exactly this kind of focus in their courses to prepare students for the demands of the role.
What Is Cultural Competence?
Social workers help individuals and families in a variety of circumstances, including those who need psychological support, who need health or substance abuse support, who deal with financial precarity and more. Social workers can work in various settings including health facilities, schools or local and state government organizations.
Because social workers deal with different types of cases and challenges on a daily basis, they must communicate effectively. Sensitivity to cultural differences is an essential part of effective communication. In fact, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) — which presents itself as “the largest membership organization of professional social workers in the world” — has a dedicated list of “Standards and Indicators for Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice” for this reason.
NASW explains that these standards are “intended to be inclusive of all populations served and focused on self-awareness, cultural humility, and the dynamics of power and privilege.” An adequate understanding and application of these standards can help social workers perform their jobs well and provide the best support possible.
Applying Cultural Competence to Social Work
There are different ways in which a social worker can apply cultural competence to their work. In fact, Avila University’s online BSW program addresses cultural competence directly within its coursework by emphasizing “social problems and institutional responses to sexism, racism, and classism” as a learning outcome.
Required courses give students a necessary foundation for social work, including education in psychology, sociology, research methods and more. Students are supported through hands-on field experience in order to practice and receive feedback. The Social Problems/Social Change course also prepares students in cultural competence by focusing on human rights, social justice and civic responsibility within their local communities and beyond.
The program’s Human Behavior in the Social Environment I and II courses emphasize cultural competence as well. They focus on various elements that comprise an individual’s identity and cultural awareness, helping social workers apply a holistic view of a person’s strengths, capacities and more.
Cultural Competence in Social Work Action
Good social workers have cultural competence when addressing their cases, whatever the situation. That means an ability to approach any individual with respect, understanding, openness and a degree of knowledge about their cultural context.
The blog Social Work Portal also explains that social workers should practice cultural humility as well as competence. This means professionals must demonstrate a willingness to learn and self-reflect, rather than assuming they have all of the answers. It notes that the NASW guidelines can help social workers “develop strategies for providing culturally sensitive and responsive services.”
All in all, cultural competence is an essential part of a practitioner’s social work values. Social workers preparing to work in today’s industry must prepare themselves as much as possible for the various challenges they may encounter in the role. Enrollment in a supportive, hands-on program like Avila’s prepares future social workers for success.
Learn more about Avila University’s online Bachelor of Social Work program.
