Introduction to Cultural Competence

Course Description: Participants will explore what it means to be a culturally competent practitioner when interacting with individuals and families receiving services, as well as peers who are providing such services. Core practitioner competencies will be defined and introduced by providing a brief overview of their contribution to increasing one’s abilities as a culturally competent practitioner.

Course Objectives:

• Define cultural competence.
• Define core practitioner competencies* and have a basic understanding of their contribution to the ongoing process of increasing one’s ability as a culturally competent practitioner:
  • Self-knowledge
  • Knowledge of other cultural groups
  • Cultural knowledge of health, illness, and healing
  • Skill development
  • Self-assessment for cultural competence