Bridging the Gap: Clinical Competence for Bilingual Social Workers

Title: DC20260714- Bridging the Gap: Clinical Competence for Bilingual Social Workers

Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Presenter: Anne M. Garcia, LICSW, LCSW-C

Synopsis: Language proficiency is only one component of effective cross-cultural practice. This training is designed to equip bilingual social workers with the advanced frameworks necessary to move beyond linguistic translation toward true clinical equivalence. Participants will explore the nuances of power dynamics in clinical encounters, the impact of linguistic barriers on diagnostic accuracy, and strategies for navigating cultural idioms of distress. By integrating ethical decision-making with regulatory compliance, this course empowers clinicians to bridge the gap between intent and impact in diverse professional settings.

Learning Objectives: At the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to: 
1. Deconstruct Linguistic Barriers: Identify how language-based power imbalances affect the therapeutic alliance and client self-determination.
2. Enhance Assessment Accuracy: Apply culturally congruent assessment
techniques to distinguish between normative cultural expressions and clinical
symptomatology.
2. Mitigate Bias: Recognize and address the impact of implicit bias and historical
trauma within bilingual clinical interactions.
3. Optimize Ethical Practice: Demonstrate the ability to maintain professional
boundaries and clinical standards when serving as both a provider and a
cultural/linguistic bridge.
 

Ethical & Regulatory Alignment: This training addresses key mandates essential for Maryland social work practice:
 

NASW Code of Ethics Focus: 1.05 Cultural Competence: Ensuring competence in social diversity and oppression; 1.06 Conflicts of Interest: Navigating dual-role complexities when functioning as a translator/clinician; 1.07 Privacy and Confidentiality: Managing communication risks in multilingual clinical settings.
 

COMAR (Code of Maryland Regulations) Focus:
10.42.03.01 (Professional Ethics): Adhering to standards of conduct that protect the public and ensure the delivery of competent,
non-discriminatory services; 10.42.03.02 (Competence): Maintaining the necessary knowledge and
skill to provide services to diverse populations within the scope of practice
 

CEUs: 2 Cat I in Public Health Priorities (Cultural Competency)

Cost: NASW Members - $30; Non-Members - $50; Retired Members - $20; Student Members - $0

Please Note: This workshop fulfills 2 of the 4 CEUs in Public Health Priorities (Cultural Competency)

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