The School of Social Work announced today that it will establish a specialization in practice with Latinas and Latinos. This specialization is designed to build the skills of students in their second year of study in the MSW program—including EDP advanced students—who have demonstrated a commitment to Latino populations. It will help to equip them to be effective practitioners with diverse Latino individuals, families and communities by deepening understanding of practice models and advancing intervention skills across practice levels.
Says social work professor Gino Aisenberg, "This specialization responds to the urgent need to develop a culturally responsive and skilled workforce to English and Spanish-speaking Latinos in order to improve the health and well-being of Latino communities."
The specialization is being planned for the start of the 2017–18 academic year in a modified version, while it continues to be developed. The full model is planned for the 2018–19 academic year. An information meeting for interested students will be held in September to present the requirements of enrolling, discuss the application process and answer questions. Stay tune for the date of this meeting. A few things to know for participating students:
- This specialization is open to students in all concentrations.
- Students do not have to speak Spanish to enroll.
- In Winter quarter, a 3-unit course will be taught on Engaging Latinos in Practice.
- In Fall and Spring quarters, students will meet twice each quarter.
For more information, please contact Dr. Gino Aisenberg at ginoa@uw.edu.