ABSTRACT
This chapter presents the oppressive factors experienced by bilingual social workers and identify standards of practices to empower bilingual social workers, people with Limited English Proficiency (LEP), and agencies. It discusses contemporary ethical challenges intersecting all systems of social work practice in relation to bidirectional and reciprocal responsibilities between bilingual social workers, people identified as LEP, agencies, professional associations, and private institutions. Bilingual social workers can effect change by increasing awareness regarding the need to have qualified bilingual services, setting clear limits and boundaries to clarify roles and responsibilities, and advocating for equitable compensation. Shifting the narrative from an unconscious awareness dynamic to a conscious awareness model empowers bilingual social workers and decreases potential for malpractice. The chapter concludes with recommendations to address structural challenges, minimize ethical dilemmas, and empower professionals, people with LEP, and agencies to clarify roles and responsibilities across micro, mezzo, and macro systems.
