A Framework for Agency-Based Multicultural Training and Supervision

Abstract

SUMMARY Effective agency-based multicultural social work practice requires skillful multicultural assessment and intervention. Multicultural social work practice models and intervention strategies are needed to help train professionals to effectively intervene with clients who are culturally different; however, social work supervisors and trainers in agency settings often lack opportunities for learning how to train agency practitioners for successful multicultural intervention. This paper introduces an eight-step communication process model that social work agency supervisors and training units may use to help social workers become more effective multicultural practitioners. The first three steps of the model-acknowledge cultural differences, know yourself, and know other cultures-are discussed and accompanied by experiential exercises. The exercises will help sensitize practitioners to their owe culture-bound beliefs, help them identify cultural values of others and enhance multicultural practice skills.