Date of Conferral

2-12-2025

Degree

Doctor of Social Work (DSW)

School

Social Work

Advisor

Dr. Yvonne Chase

Abstract

In practice, social workers are expected to translate cultural competency skills and knowledge they have acquired to handle diverse clients whose gender, racial, ethnic, religious, and personal beliefs and orientations can conflict. Using a qualitative research approach, the study addressed perceptions and roles of cultural competence in social work practice. Three research questions guided the study. The Campinha-Bacote framework of culturally competent healthcare was used for this study. The study involved employing thematic analysis to analyze research questions. It was determined that social workers must meet clients where they are culturally, respecting and learning from them to adapt interventions accordingly. The study revealed a mismatch between theoretical training and practical application, with social workers struggling to implement learned concepts due to barriers involving language and subtle cultural differences. This study underscores the importance of empathy, kindness, and self-awareness in fostering supportive and nonjudgmental environments, ultimately enhancing treatment efficacy and client satisfaction. The study recommends that agencies offer ongoing professional development opportunities that improve cultural competence, such as workshops on language skills and navigating subtle cultural differences. Supervisors can create environments that promote self-awareness, empathy, and kindness, enabling social workers to reflect on their biases and learn from their clients' cultural contexts. These insights present implications for positive social justice by fostering inclusive and culturally responsive practices within social work.

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