2 Hours / 2 CEs

On Demand | Self-Paced Professional Training

This on-demand professional training program on AI for Social Work 101 - Basics of Generative AI for Social Work Responsible & Ethical Practice is presented by Marina Badillo-Diaz, DSW.

This program provides a comprehensive introduction to the world of AI, including foundational concepts, basic prompt engineering, and practical applications of ChatGPT and other tools. Designed for social work professionals with minimal prior experience with AI, this session aims to enhance your productivity while saving time, and navigating the ethical landscape of AI in Social Work. The session starts with a primer on the foundational concepts of AI, the different types of AI systems and their capabilities. 

Participants gain an understanding of key terms like machine learning, natural language processing, and generative AI, which are the building blocks of tools like ChatGPT. There is a significant focus on prompt engineering, which is the art of crafting queries to effectively communicate with AI. For social workers, learning this skill is vital, as it can shape the AI’s responses to be more aligned with the nuanced needs of their service. 

The program includes a demonstration of prompting and then interactive exercises to practice writing prompts for participants to practice. In addition, as we discuss the capabilities of AI, it’s imperative to address the ethical considerations that accompany its use in social work. This session provides guidelines for responsible AI use, ensuring that professionals understand how to maintain confidentiality, ensure privacy of data, and cultural bias in AI-assisted processes. We’ll discuss the implications of AI in decision-making and how to integrate human judgment and social work expertise.

This program is intended for all career levels of a clinician or social worker's career. This is targeted at novice users of artificial intelligence. 

Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  • 1 Describe AI and generative AI applications like ChatGPT and how to use in their social work practice
  • 2 Describe basic prompt engineering techniques for generative AI tools
  • 3 Describe the need for ethical and responsible practices about generative AI usage

  • Intended Audience

    This training is intended for social work professionals, clinicians, and individuals in related fields who are new to artificial intelligence (AI) and want to learn foundational AI concepts, basic prompt engineering, and how to apply these skills ethically in their practice. It is ideal for those interested in integrating AI tools into their daily work to enhance efficiency, support decision-making, and improve client care, while understanding the ethical implications of AI in client interactions.


    Examples of Relevant Professionals:
    • Social Workers
    • Mental Health Professionals
    • Counselors
    • Psychologists
    • Case Managers

  • Experience Level

    This training is designed for licensed and pre-licensed mental health professionals at all experience levels, with a focus on those new to artificial intelligence in social work practice.

    • Beginner: Participants with little or no prior experience with AI or prompt engineering, seeking foundational knowledge and practical skills for integrating AI tools like ChatGPT into their practice.

    • Intermediate: Participants with some familiarity with AI concepts or tools, looking to deepen their understanding of prompt engineering, ethical considerations, and practical applications in social work settings.

    • Advanced: Participants with substantial experience using AI in professional contexts, interested in refining their skills, exploring complex ethical scenarios, and contributing advanced insights to group discussions.

  • Practice Setting

    Professionals practice in client-centered, multidisciplinary environments focused on assessment, care planning, and coordination, delivered through both in-person and virtual services. Workplaces rely on secure documentation and digital tools to enhance efficiency, support decision-making, and uphold ethical, privacy, and culturally responsive standards.


    Examples of Practice Settings:
    • Community mental health clinics
    • Hospital inpatient and outpatient behavioral health units
    • School-based counseling services
    • Private and group practices
    • Nonprofit social service agencies
    • Government/county human services departments
    • Residential treatment and crisis stabilization programs
    • Integrated primary care and telehealth platforms

Presented By

Marina Badillo-Diaz, DSW Consultant

Dr. Badillo-Diaz is an experienced school administrator and counseling director with a demonstrated history of working in community mental health and in education as a social worker. Currently, Dr. Badillo-Diaz is a consultant focusing on the training of educators and social workers with MABD Consulting. She is also an adjunct professor and board member of the National School Social Work Association of America. She is also the author of the blog, “The AI Social Worker”, a 21st Century Skills and AI guide for Social Workers. Her areas of interest include 21st-century skills, social-emotional learning programming, school social work practice, education, youth mental health, clinical supervision for social workers, AI Applications, data management, and career development.

View More Programs from this Presenter
Marina Badillo-Diaz, DSW

Training Outline

Key topics covered in this training include:

  • Overview of AI and Large Language Models

  • Review of Basic Prompting

  • Prompting Demonstration and Participant Practice

  • Review of AI Applications in Social Work Practice

  • Ethical Considerations of AI for Social Work Practice

CE Sponsorship Information

Palo Alto University, Continuing & Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by, recognized by, or maintains sponsorship provider status with the following boards and agencies. We maintain responsibility for all content in our CE/CPD programs. For more information, visit here. 

  1. American Psychological Association (APA): Approved sponsor of continuing education for psychologists.

  2. Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB): Approved continuing education provider (ACE program, Provider #1480), 11/22/2023–11/22/2026.

  3. Canadian Psychological Association (CPA): Approved to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.

  4. National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC): Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP No. 7190).



Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) maintains responsibility for this program and its content. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT), SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0356 and the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0073. Palo Alto University, Continuing and Professional Studies (CONCEPT) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6811. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CONCEPT Professional Training, #1480, is approved to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Organizations, not individual courses, are approved as ACE providers. State and provincial regulatory boards have the final authority to determine whether an individual course may be accepted for continuing education credit. CONCEPT Professional Training maintains responsibility for this course. ACE provider approval period: 11/22/23-11/22/26. Social workers completing this course receive (clinical or social work ethics) continuing education credits.