Spanish Language Self-Efficacy Beliefs Among Spanish-Speaking Social Workers: Implications for Social Work Education

Limited research exists about Spanish-speaking social workers that provide bilingual social work services. To date, studies have not exclusively focused on actual language competence of bilingual social workers or even their self-perceived language beliefs. This study reviews the results of a cross-sectional Internet-based survey exploring self-perceived Spanish language skills of bilingual social workers. The nationwide sample consisted of 321 participants who self-rated their self-efficacy Spanish language skills in relation to 5 social work competency categories. Results indicate that the language that participants reported speaking at home versus at work was significantly associated with the self-efficacy ratings. These associations along with implications for social work education are discussed.