SSSW_ SCCS1: Cultural Competency in Social Services

About Course

Cultural Competency in Social Services is a foundational course designed to prepare students for diverse and inclusive work environments within Canada’s social services sector.

The course explores key topics such as cultural awareness, effective communication across diverse populations, anti-oppressive practices, and understanding systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities.

Students will develop critical skills in empathy, cross-cultural dialogue, and adaptability, alongside knowledge of relevant policies and frameworks such as Truth and Reconciliation initiatives.

By emphasizing real-world applications, including case studies and role-playing scenarios, the course equips students to work effectively in entry-level roles such as caseworkers, support coordinators, or community outreach specialists, meeting the growing demand for culturally responsive service professionals.

Analyze the impact of cultural values, beliefs, and systemic barriers on diverse populations' access to social services.
Apply effective communication strategies to engage respectfully and empathetically with individuals from varied cultural backgrounds.
Evaluate real-world case studies to identify biases and propose anti-oppressive solutions in social service delivery.
Create culturally sensitive service plans that address the unique needs of marginalized communities while aligning with Canadian policies and frameworks.
Demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively in cross-cultural teams, reflecting a commitment to inclusion and equity in professional practice.

Course Content

Topic 1 – Introduction to Cultural Competency

Topic 1: Introduction

00:00
LO1: Understand the Importance of Cultural Competency in Social Services

00:00
LO2: Explore the Impact of Cultural Values, Beliefs, and Systemic Barriers on Access to Social Services

00:00
LO3: Discuss the Role of Social Workers in Creating Inclusive and Equitable Practices

Topic 2 – Cultural Values and Beliefs

Topic 3 – Systemic Barriers and Access to Services

Topic 4 – Cultural Sensitivity in Social Services

Topic 5 – Effective Communication With Diverse Populations

Topic 6 – Anti-Oppressive Practice in Social Services

Assessment I

Topic 7 – Identifying Bias in Social Service Delivery & Assignment

Topic 8 – Case Studies in Social Services

Topic 9 – Culturally Sensitive Service Plans

Topic 10 – Ethical Considerations in Cross-Cultural Practice

Topic 11 – Working With Indigenous Communities

Topic 12 – Collaborating With Culturally Diverse Teams

Assessment II

Topic 13 – Intersectionality in Social Work Practice

Topic 14 – Barriers to Effective Collaboration & Assignment

Topic 15 – Community-Based Culturally Competent Practices

Topic 16 – Social Justice and Cultural Competency

Topic 17 – Creating Inclusive Workplaces

Topic 18 – Assessing Cultural Competency in Social Services

Topic 19 – Evaluating and Improving Service Delivery

Topic 20 – Final Exam Review

Final Exam

About Course

What Will You Learn?

Course Content

Topic 1 – Introduction to Cultural Competency

Topic 1: Introduction

LO1: Understand the Importance of Cultural Competency in Social Services

LO2: Explore the Impact of Cultural Values, Beliefs, and Systemic Barriers on Access to Social Services

LO3: Discuss the Role of Social Workers in Creating Inclusive and Equitable Practices

Topic 2 – Cultural Values and Beliefs

Topic 2: Introduction

LO1: Analyze the Role of Cultural Values and Beliefs in Shaping Individuals’ Interactions With Social Services

LO2: Understand How Cultural Norms Influence Social Service Delivery and Decision-Making

LO3: Learn About Cultural Humility and Its Role in Promoting Respectful Interactions

Topic 3 – Systemic Barriers and Access to Services

Topic 3: Introduction

LO1: Examine Systemic Barriers that Prevent Diverse Populations From Accessing Social Services

LO2: Identify Challenges Related to Race, Ethnicity, Socioeconomic Status, and Other forms of Discrimination

LO3: Learn About Canadian Policies Aimed at Addressing Systemic Inequities In Social Service Access

Topic 4 – Cultural Sensitivity in Social Services

Topic 4: Introduction

LO1: Understand the Concept of Cultural Sensitivity in Social Service Delivery

LO2: Learn How to Recognize and Address Cultural Differences that May Affect the Provision of Services

LO3: Develop Strategies for Respecting Cultural Diversity While Providing Services

Topic 5 – Effective Communication With Diverse Populations

Topic 5: Introduction

LO1: Learn Effective Communication Strategies for Engaging With Individuals From Diverse Cultural Backgrounds

LO2: Explore Active Listening, Empathy, and Non-Verbal Communication Techniques

LO3: Discuss the Challenges and Opportunities of Working With Culturally Diverse Clients

Topic 6 – Anti-Oppressive Practice in Social Services

Topic 6: Introduction

LO1: Understand the Principles of Anti-Oppressive Practice and Its Importance in Social Work

LO2: Learn About Power Dynamics and How they Impact Service Delivery for Marginalized Populations

LO3: Apply Anti-Oppressive Frameworks to Real-World Social Service Challenges

Assessment I

Quiz I

Topic 7 – Identifying Bias in Social Service Delivery & Assignment

Topic 7: Introduction

LO1: Learn How to Identify Personal and Systemic Biases in Social Service Delivery

LO2: Understand the Effects of Unconscious Bias On Decision-Making and Client Outcomes

LO3: Develop Strategies for Addressing and Challenging Biases in Social Services

Topic 8 – Case Studies in Social Services

Topic 8: Introduction

LO1: Analyze Real-World Case Studies to Understand the Impact of Cultural and Systemic Barriers On Clients

LO2: Identify Potential Biases in Case Handling and Propose Anti-Oppressive Solutions

LO3: Discuss the Role of Critical Thinking in Addressing Complex Cultural and Systemic Issues in Case Management

Topic 9 – Culturally Sensitive Service Plans

Topic 9: Introduction

LO1: Learn How to Develop Culturally Sensitive Service Plans for Clients From Diverse Backgrounds

LO2: Understand How to Tailor Services to Meet the Unique Needs of Marginalized Communities

LO3: Apply Canadian Policies and Frameworks to Ensure Culturally Competent Service Delivery

Topic 10 – Ethical Considerations in Cross-Cultural Practice

Topic 10: Introduction

LO1: Examine Ethical Challenges in Working With Diverse Populations

LO2: Understand the Role of Cultural Ethics in Guiding Social Service Practice

LO3: Develop Strategies for Resolving Ethical Dilemmas in Cross-Cultural Social Work Contexts

Topic 11 – Working With Indigenous Communities

Topic 11: Introduction

LO1: Learn About the Unique Cultural and Historical Factors Affecting Indigenous Communities in Canada

LO2: Understand the Challenges Indigenous Peoples Face in Accessing Social Services

LO3: Explore Ways to Engage With Indigenous Communities Respectfully and Meaningfully in Social Service Delivery

Topic 12 – Collaborating With Culturally Diverse Teams

Topic 12: Introduction

LO1: Learn How to Collaborate Effectively With Cross-Cultural Teams in Social Service Settings

LO2: Understand the Importance of Inclusion and Equity in Team-Based Practices

LO3: Develop Strategies to Manage Cultural Differences and Enhance Team Dynamics

Assessment II

Quiz II

Topic 13 – Intersectionality in Social Work Practice

Topic 13: Introduction

LO1: Understand the Concept of Intersectionality and How It Impacts Social Service Delivery

LO2: Learn How Race, Gender, Class, Ability, and Other Social Identities Intersect to Create Unique Experiences of Oppression

LO3: Apply Intersectional Approaches to Case Assessments and Service Planning

Topic 14 – Barriers to Effective Collaboration & Assignment

Topic 14: Introduction

LO1: Identify Common Barriers to Effective Collaboration in Cross-Cultural Teams

LO2: Learn Strategies to Overcome these Barriers and Build Inclusive, Effective Teams

LO3: Discuss the Role of Cultural Competence in Fostering Successful Teamwork

Topic 15 – Community-Based Culturally Competent Practices

Topic 15: Introduction

LO1: Learn How to Implement Community-Based Practices that Are Culturally Competent