Engage diversity and difference in practice Core Competency #4 Engage diversity and difference in practice Constructed by A. Reid Murphy

Social workers understand how diversity characterizes an shapes the human experience and is critical to the formation of identity. The dimensions of diversity are understood as the intersectionality of multiple factors including age, class, color, culture, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, immigration status, political ideology, race, religion, sex, and sexual orientation. Social workers appreciate that, as a consequence of difference, a person’s life experiences may include oppression, poverty, marginalization, and alienation as well as privilege, power, and acclaim.

Generalist Practice Behavior 4.1 Recognize the extent to which a culture’s structures and values may oppress, marginalize, alienate, or create or enhance privilege and power Read and comprehend the Cumberland County Schools policy regarding Equal Opportunity for staff and students. This will allow me to understand some of the barriers that have been lifted for my clients

Generalist Practice Behavior 4.2 Gain sufficient self-awareness to eliminate the influence of personal biases and values in working with diverse groups By obtaining as much information from my field supervisor about the demographics of the students in the school, to include family income, race, and attendance records. This will allow me to better understand any barriers prohibiting the students from succeeding academically and socially.

Generalist Practice Behavior 4.3 Recognize and communicate their understanding of the importance of difference in shaping life experiences Allow the students to share their stories as needed and celebrate their differences and uniqueness. Social workers interact with a diverse population and by allowing them to embrace their individuality and life experiences opens the door for tolerance.

Generalist Practice Behavior 4.4 View themselves as learners and engage those with who they work as informants The information our clients provide allows us to gain insight about their issue and forces us to start where the client is. Possessing the ability to listen is a vital skill for a social worker as it shows the client that their story is important.