Stereotypes Of A Social Worker

The people in the world that we live in are extremely diverse, in terms of the nationalities, religions, gender classifications and physical abilities. Social workers must have a clear understanding of the consequences of diversity and difference and the mechanisms of oppression and discrimination as they relate to human development. The range of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds that social workers will practice in is huge. Because of this, social workers must have an understanding of the values and attitudes of a multitude of different cultures as well as an understanding of their own attitudes and

Social workers are often on the forefront in the fight against any form of oppression as against the marginalized society. These demanding but oftentimes unappreciated efforts are often addressed through the conscious use of skills and knowledge of the problems being solved against. When such oppression is however committed against them within the organization where they work, the social worker seems to be mum about the situation, or their efforts perhaps are rendered inutile. North America social workers experience this form of oppression within the social service institution. For this reason, I examine the arguments why the social workers need to be aware of the existence of this unique form of oppression. In order to eliminate oppression in the social welfare workplace, the social workers, in their pursuit of social change, must have a competent understanding of the theory around racism and oppression.

Social work professions need to understand the importance of how individuals interact both with other people and their environment, to have an understanding how individuals are affected by these interactions (Rogers, p. 2). According to Rogers (2016), “Social workers are knowledgeable about human behavior across the life course; the range of social systems in which people live; and the ways social systems promote or deter people in maintaining or achieving health and well-being. Social workers apply theories and knowledge from the liberal arts to understand biological, social, cultural, psychological, and spiritual development (p. 2). Their work with clients begins with assessments to evaluations of intervention and is based in and supports of the core value system of the profession.

In this era, diversity and cultural competence are extremely important to understand, regarding the foundations of human development in the social environment. Diversity can alter or affect an individual’s behavior in many ways. Diversity is considered when an individual is different, or composed of differing elements. Therefore, diversity can include different nationality, gender, sexual orientation, age, class, disability, gender identity, immigration status, political ideology, and religion. At any time, an individual is determined as belonging to another group, different from the majority, the individual is considered to be subject to the effects of diversity. Many children coming from different countries have a problem with language. Not being able to speak the language of the community can cause huge barriers for the children to overcome. Many parents believe that the key to a successful life and fulfillment is to get an education. These parents encourage their kids, that with an education nothing can defeat you. It is also very important for the social worker, or human service provider to be comfortable with diversity, and is culturally competent. Cross-cultured means the individual appreciates and compares the differences and the similarities of different cultures as well as their own.

As a social worker and or a human services worker we must focus on helping the client and the best interest of the client. In certain situations, we all carry to our picked range of work our own particular convictions and qualities. (SWT) Most of the clients that you come across and that you will help will be helpless, that would be why we are working with them, and are in need of a buffer from anymore abuse. We may need to change some of these convictions keeping in mind the end goal to work agreeably and for the best conclusion of our clients in the work setting. Maintaining a healthy relationship with your client you must keep tabs on moral issues identified by the “code of conduct” that you agree to when you decide to work in this field, you have to be attentive to individual qualities and how they may effect of the quality of care that you give.

As a social worker an individual must understand that diversity characterize and shape human experience. In diversity the key words that a social worker should pay attention to is cultural awareness, self-awareness, ethno-conscious practice and sensitivity. Having cultural awareness is being aware of individual’s cultural and values. Self-awareness is being aware of personal biases and values when working with diverse groups. Ethno-conscious practice is being concern with social justice and equality. Sensitivity is understanding the difference in assessment, intervention and evaluation when working with diverse groups.

Not only would the Mexican American client feel like they are understood and cared about, but the social worker would be more comfortable and confident in helping the client. Trevino also mentions that there are clearly defined gender roles among Mexican Americans. Fathers assume key responsibility over the family, while mothers are nurturing and selfless in caring for their husbands and children (Trevino, 1991). The males and females of this Mexican American culture are not allowed to challenge or change their assigned roles and responsibilities. Some people would be outraged by these roles and think that it is sexist, however, an efficient social worker has to be nonjudgmental and realize that every culture is different and has their own values. Another thing mentioned is that family and friends play an important role in the Mexican American life. Extended relatives often live in the same household with their Mexican American family. “Cooperation, loyalty, and respect are emphasized within the family unit” (Trevino, 1991). In assessment it is important that the social worker cooperates with the family and is respectable towards them even if the social worker does not get a good vibe from them. This will make the client and his/her parents gain tremendous trust for his/her social worker. In addition, participation of the family can also influence maintenance of the family unit which is essential in Mexican American culture. “In a study on Mexican

Thank you for sharing the impact on your social worker practice, so your learning about the Hispanic culture has made you confident and competent with the Hispanic culture. Our social worker program has a great deal to offer social workers, individuals, families and communities. As essential first component in the process of becoming a culturally competent social worker is curiosity about oneself. This involves the study and examination of one’s own cultural background and family history (Zayas, Kyriakkakis &Torres, 2010). I know you remember doing that family geno-map and the eco-map. I am glad that you have gained empowerment and competency through your practice because your statement about your ethical dilemma is heart breaking, but as you

Every piece is important ranging from how they got here to what they know about their conditions and the resources they have available to them. The social worker must be culturally competent and understand at least the basics of their background, cultural, beliefs, values, and religion. This will greatly help the worker find the right interventions and resources to solve problems they are facing. The next step is to accurately assess the individual they are working with, there are many assessment tools that can be used it depends on the clients needs of what kind will be

Culture has an effect on behavior based on the beliefs, values, and norms accepted in that culture. To understand a client’s behavior, it’s important to understand their culture and the influences it has on the client. By understanding culture and analyzing it through one or more sociocultural lenses, social workers can understand how society perceives clients and how clients view themselves (Rogers, 2016). According to NASW standard 1.01a (1999), social workers need to understand how culture influences human behavior and society. To efficiently work with clients and understand their behavior, a social worker needs to view a client through an applicable sociocultural lens.

First method of practice when consulting with people of different cultural background is to do research. Educating oneself of the member’s culture will reduce confusion. Before meeting the other members, do research of their cultural background to get an understanding of their values. Although it is impossible to nearly understand all aspects of their culture since each individual are unique, having that idea in mind will help reduce dispute. This is applied to all aspects of communication since the members not only listen to spoken contents but also non-verbal behaviour. To work effectively and efficiently, it is important to understand the values, norms and beliefs of your team members so everyone are able to find a common ground and work towards their goal. This will benefit how they may perceive you as a person. It is important to understand for example, their holidays, their styles of dressing, gift giving, punctuality, forms of greeting, and even negotiation styles. Any small subtle aspects of how one present themselves, may be insulting to another without awareness. In one perspective, it may be to show respect to another, whereas, for the other person, it may be insulting and humiliating. Many times social workers encounter other community services disciplines like children’s aid worker. If a male social worker were to be assigned to work with a children’s aid worker who’s a Muslim women, the social worker’s instincts may be to shake her hand. This

Human services workers have a vast knowledge of working with people from diverse backgrounds. As a result, they are able to help clients realize the positive attributes relating to their cultural identity and utilize strategies to help them identify multicultural issues that may be presenting problems or areas of concern for the client.

Culture plays a significant role in the case of the Sanchez family. Culture can mean different things to different people. Rogers (2016) defines culture as “all things human such as norms, values, customs, symbols, thoughts, traditions, politics, religions, languages, philosophies, and material objects” (p. 130). It is critical that social workers develop cultural competence to help them work better with their clients and also continually grow during their career. As stated in the Standards for Cultural Competence in Social Work Practice, cultural competence “refers to the process by which individuals and systems respond respectfully and effectively to people of all cultures, languages, classes, races, ethnic backgrounds, religions, and other diversity factors…” (2007, p. 12).

Social workers hold themselves to high standards because they have a lot of responsibilities toward their clients and the agency they work for. A social worker must be aware of services that their agency provides and what they do not. They then must be aware of other agencies or programs they can connect their clients to if they need extra services. Finally a social worker must know their client to be able to help them to their fullest extent.

Social workers promote social justice and social change with and on behalf of clients. “Clients” is used inclusively to refer to individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers are sensitive to cultural and ethnic diversity and strive to end discrimination, oppression, poverty, and other forms of social injustice. These activities may be in the form of direct practice, community organizing, supervision, consultation administration, advocacy, social and political action, policy development and application, education, research and evaluation. Social workers seek to enhance the capacity of people to address their own needs. They also seek to promote the