Ingrao (2015) outlined five generally agreed-upon core competencies of social work practice: ● Practicing with professionalism : Every social worker is a representative of the profession, and for this reason all social workers should know the history of social work and commit themselves to the conduct and growth of the profession. They should advocate for access to social work services and constantly reflect on their work and ways to improve. They should be aware of professional roles and boundaries, make use of supervision and consultation, and keep learning. It is also important that social workers maintain a professional demeanor. ● Practicing ethically : Practicing in an ethical manner involves education in and an understanding of ethics and a willingness to tolerate the ambiguity encountered in ethical dilemmas. Social workers need to use ethical reasoning to come to principled decisions. ● Using critical thinking and professional judgment : Social workers need to use evidence-based knowledge and good sense, and they need to be able to communicate well. ● Embracing diversity : Social workers need to be aware of the effects of the surrounding culture on individuals,
be it oppression and marginalization or privileging and empowering. They need also to be aware of their own biases and preconceptions. ● Advancing human rights and socioeconomic justice : Social workers must understand the inequities and work to improve social and economic justice. Concerning the core concept of practicing with professionalism, it is important to note that professionalism, though it is in many ways intertwined with ethics, does not have exactly the same meaning. Ethical principles lay the foundation for ethical practice, but the principles in and of themselves mean nothing unless the professional honors them. Professionalism is sometimes hard to define, but it is recognizable. To be a professional implies practicing one’s lifework at a higher level. The relationships among social workers, clients, and society are based on trust. Clients and society trust that social workers will behave in the best interest of their clients at all times, and that they will stay abreast of the latest developments in their profession and in the technology that has become such an integral part of communication and documentation.
ETHICS IN CULTURAL COMPETENCE AND SOCIAL DIVERSITY
Cultural competence and social diversity in mental health practice recognizes that mental health professionals provide services that are sensitive to each client’s culture. Demonstrating ethical cultural competence includes: ● Being knowledgeable about culture and its impact on human behavior. ● Recognizing and appreciating the strengths found in cultures. ● Considering the nature of social diversity and oppression. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (2015), cultural competence, in general, is defined as: The ability of individuals and systems to respond respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, sexual orientations, and faiths or religions in a manner that recognizes, affirms, and values the worth of individuals, families, tribes and communities, and protects and preserves the dignity of each. Defining linguistic competence According to the National Center for Cultural Competence (2020), linguistic competence is defined as: The capacity … to communicate effectively, and convey information in a manner that is easily understood by diverse audiences including persons of limited English proficiency, those who have low literacy skills or are not literate, individuals with disabilities, and those who are deaf or hard of hearing. In positive culturally competent communication climates, trust is established and reaffirmed, allowing freedom to explore sensitive issues and express disagreements. Positive talk climates are: Common errors in demonstrating cultural competence Demonstrating ethical behavior in cultural competency can be somewhat confusing for mental health practitioners, depending on their regional, cultural, and linguistic orientation. However, common errors demonstrated by often well meaning professionals include:
Due to societal and cultural changes occurring in the 21st century, understanding cultural competence is an ongoing learning process and a vehicle to broaden knowledge and understanding about individuals and communities. Mental health practitioners should understand five elements of cultural competence that include: ● Valuing diversity cross-culturally in behaviors, practices, policies, attitudes, and structures. ● Conducting cultural self-assessment to assess for personal and professional proficiency in cultural competence. ● Managing the dynamics of difference within natural, formal, or informal support and helping networks within clinical settings. ● Acquiring and integrating cultural knowledge by seeking out information and consultation and practice application. ● Adapting to diversity and cultural contexts that include policies, structures, values, and services. ● Descriptive. ● Oriented toward problems. ● Spontaneous. ● Empathic. ● Express equality. ● Provisional. Richardson and Molinaro (1996) suggested that self- awareness be a prerequisite for multicultural competence. Self-awareness often develops from personal and professional socializations to divergent cultural experiences (Helms & Cook, 1999). When this self-awareness is integrated into clinical roles, mental health professionals are likely to develop complex perspectives on cultural influences on their roles. ● Lack of personal awareness. ● Insensitivity to nonverbal cues. ● Lapse in discussion of racial/ethnic issues. ● Gender bias. ● Overemphasis of cultural explanations for psychological difficulties.
● Unintentional racism. ● Miscommunication.
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