Identifying and Addressing Implicit Bias: Social Work’s Professional Responsibility

Speaker: Gisele Ferretto, MSW, LCSW-C

Gisele Ferretto, MSW, LCSW-C, is a clinical faculty and manager of training at the University of Maryland School of Social Work and the director of public policy within the newly established UMSSW Office of External Affairs. Ferretto brings extensive expertise in policy and leadership, field education, accreditation, child welfare practice, ethics, supervision, and confidentiality.
She has been a dedicated policy advisor to UMSSW deans, administrators, faculty, and students, offering guidance on proposed legislation, regulations, and current statutes affecting social work practice, confidentiality, and reporting child maltreatment and harm.

Program Description: This three-hour workshop is focused on the development of strategies to address the common yet complex issues concerning implicit bias that behavioral health professionals face in their practice. Content will cover the following: the legal definition of implicit bias, identification of implicit bias in behavioral health practice, strategies for addressing microaggressions, establishing and maintaining a practice of self-awareness, use of self, and examination of implicit bias for effective outcomes. Current legal references will be provided concerning relevant statutes and the codes of practice for behavioral health professionals.

Learning Objectives:
1. Examine the meaning of implicit bias and its impact on the delivery of social work services.
2. Explore cultural humility when delivering services to diverse clients and working with diverse co-workers.
3. Examine the Use of Professional Self for addressing and controlling for implicit bias in behavioral health practice.

Attendees will earn:
3.0 Category l credits approved for social workers through the National Association of Social Workers, Maryland Chapter
3.0 credits for Certified Case Managers through CCMC, pending

The cost of the program is $30 for 3.0 CEUs. Sandwiches and drinks will be provided.

This workshop meets the criteria for MD BSWE 3 Category I continuing education units as defined in COMAR 10.42.06.03 A.(1) (d) and covers anti-oppressive social work practice content focusing on race, culture, or equity, and includes one or more of the following topics: (i) Cultural humility; (ii) Social justice; (iii) Racial equity; (iv) Implicit bias; or (v) Anti-racism practices.

For more information, please get in touch with Barbara Levering at 410-662-4217 or leveringb@ChooseKeswick.org.