Ashley Lontine

WK 11
Intro to Human Services
Im choosing Cultural Competence for my article. Going over policys and what cultural
competence is. For policies, they state, by promoting respect and understanding of diverse
cultures, social groups and individuals, we create and maintain an environment that supports
Cultural Competence. What is cultural competence? Cultural Competence is the way that
people treat one another and Department policies that come together, making it possible for
people to work together in cross-cultural situations. In doing so, you see that understanding and
respect of other cultures, and social groups, can be achieved.
For all of this to be possible, people need to put forth the ability and willingness to
respond to the unique/different needs of every client, that not only sit at their desk, but that walk
in to the agency as well. You can use the clients culture as a resource tool to assist in the
interventions and you will also be showing the client that you are there for them. To help them in
whatever way that is possible, this is also showing the client that you respect their culture and
this will help the client feel more at ease.
Professionals work on their skill and add to their knowledge about understanding cultural
competence better, while the organization learn about their cultural community, to become aware
of who they may, or may not be serving, then they develop the competence to serve them
appropriately. They then hire and train culturally skilled and knowledgeable people, if they are
lacking in culturally knowledgeable staff, the workers help one another and get the job done
successfully. Example: I have a client that can hardly speak English, their native tongue is
Hebrew, and one of my colleagues speaks Hebrew fluently, and is not with a client. So, after

trying everything to break through the language barrier, I would go and get my colleague and ask
her to assist me in translating.
For components of cultural competence plans, the community needs assessments, and the
demographic characteristics of the service population need to be analyzed, and then figure out
how a specific groups service needs are different from the main populations. Then you should
do an over view of your organizations capabilities to be able to properly provide the appropriate
cultural services, and access for diverse populations. While designing, and implementing cultural
competence plans, involve your client(s). While talking with other community organizations and
other providers, share with them how youre working in cultural competence, and your visions
on it.
Another thing that a worker, and organizations should be aware of are, the definitions of
certain words, like what is Diversity, and culture. As well as Cultural Competence, and what
R.E.G.A.R.D.S. is.
What is Diversity? It means difference, Inclusion is the end-goal, Can have diversity
w/o inclusion, but not the reverse, Beyond Tolerance to Acceptance and Appreciation.
What is Culture? Values, attitudes, beliefs, experiences of a group of people. Includes
laws, customs, morals, language, traditions. Shared by members of a group. Transmitted from
one generation to the next. Culture shapes behavior, impacts perceptions (world view). Culture is
ever-dynamic, ever-changing.
Cultural competence is A process, not a goal; a way of being. Todays standard of
doing business. A way of improving our service delivery. A way of expanding our capacity to
work with one another. A tool to improve DSHS decision-making. A lens that allows us to look at
client impact. Not new to the health and medical industry, though it is new to social services

R.E.G.A.R.D.S. federally protected groups Race Ethnicity Gender Age

Religion Disability Sexual Orientation

Source:
Cultural Competence Planning Guide (2011-2014). (Washington State Department of
Social & Health Services)