By Zane Josie
Being inclusive is an important part of your job as a social worker if you want to treat everyone fairly and help them access the right help. You may be unaware of your ideas and thought processes, which prevents complete inclusivity. So, here are some tips on how to be more inclusive in your work.
Seek out resources and training
As a social worker, it is crucial to recognize that your knowledge and understanding of diversity and inclusivity should constantly adapt to current changes and needs. Seeking out resources and training will help you stay updated on the best practices while continuing to grow and develop professionally. These resources and training may include attending workshops, conferences, or webinars; reading relevant literature; and seeking out mentorship or supervision from those with expertise in specific areas of inclusivity. By continually improving your understanding of these essential topics, you can provide more effective services and be more inclusive in your work.
This learning is in addition to your qualifications, which also help you prepare for a career in social work. The good news is that you can earn a masters in social work online despite having a busy lifestyle and other commitments. So, you can study at a time and pace that suit your best.
Practice cultural humility
Everyone has unique experiences and values based on their cultural background. Be open to learning about the diverse cultures of the people around you and show respect for those differences.
You can practice cultural humility in many ways. For instance, if you work with a community that has specific cultural practices related to child-rearing or mental health, take the time to understand them and how they may impact your work.
Practicing cultural humility involves recognizing that you do not have all the answers and being open to feedback from the people you work with. Show that you are willing to listen to their concerns, learn from their experiences, and adapt your approach to their needs. It can help create a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone involved.
Think about the language you use
Use language that is respectful and inclusive of people from different backgrounds. Be aware of pronouns and avoid using language that could be offensive or insensitive to its audience. It means using gender-neutral language when the need arises. For example, instead of saying “he” or “she,” use “they” or “their.” Until you are sure it’s okay to use the former terms, this helps to avoid assuming someone’s gender identity.
Moreover, some types of language can be offensive to individuals from different backgrounds. It includes racial slurs or other derogatory terms, stereotypes, or expressions that may be hurtful or disrespectful. Some are more obvious than others, but there may be terms you use so innocently that you’ve never stopped to think about how they sound to others or how they originated.
Try not to describe people in such a way that they are defined by it, such as a disability. So, you shouldn’t say someone is a “disabled person” unless you know them and that they are comfortable using that term for themselves. If you are unsure, it’s best to ask the person rather than assume.
Build relationships
Develop relationships with the people you work with and their communities. It helps build trust and allows you to understand their needs and concerns better. Building relationships is a critical aspect of being inclusive as a social worker.
Here are some examples of how you can build relationships as a social worker:
- Listen actively – It means being present in the conversation and focusing on what the other person is saying. You can show that you are listening by summarizing what is said, asking clarifying questions, and responding empathetically.
- Build rapport – Establish a connection by finding common ground, sharing personal experiences, and showing a genuine interest in the other person’s life and experiences.
- Attend community events – It helps you engage with the people you work with in an informal setting. It builds on your understanding of the community’s values, traditions, and concerns.
- Involve the community in decision-making – It can help build trust and show that you value the community’s input and opinions.
- Stay consistent – It helps to follow through on your commitments and be dependable and transparent in your actions and decisions as a social worker.
Be flexible
You must be flexible with your scheduling, communication style, or service delivery because it is an essential quality of an inclusive social worker. It shows your willingness to adapt your approach to meet the unique needs of the people you work with.
One example of this is being flexible with scheduling to accommodate your client’s needs. Some individuals may have work or family obligations that make attending appointments during traditional business hours challenging. Offer evening or weekend appointments if you can.
Advocate for inclusive policies in the workplace
Most social service agencies provide support to a diverse range of clients. However, you might notice something lacking in your agency. One example would be that the hiring practices do not reflect the diversity of the clients it serves can contribute to cultural barriers and inequities in service delivery.
To address this issue, you might advocate by delving deeper into the data to back up your hunch. Then you can state your case regarding needing more education, staff, or resources to address this. You may also advocate for policy changes that address the problems and provide guidelines to help you and your colleagues make hiring more inclusive.
By following these practices, you can help create a more inclusive society and a better workplace.
