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 designed for social work professionals and clinicians at any stage of their career who are new to artificial intelligence (AI). It provides foundational knowledge of AI concepts, introduces basic prompt engineering, and explores ethical applications of AI in social work practice. The training is ideal for those working in community agencies, hospitals, schools, or private practice who want to leverage AI to enhance efficiency, support decision-making, and improve client care.

  • Experience Level

    This training is applicable for all career stages: entry-level, mid-career, and experienced professionals.

  • Practice Setting

    • Social workers and clinicians in community agencies, hospitals, schools, or private practice

    • Professionals in social work or related fields (e.g., counseling, psychology, case management)

    • Individuals interested in integrating AI tools into their daily practice)

    • Those seeking to understand the ethical implications of AI in client care

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.