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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.