Registration for this event will open June 1st.

Ethics & Boundaries: The Use of AI in Human Services
Presented by Marina Badillo-Diaz, LCSW, DSW

*Up to 4 CE credits will be issued to those attending this virtual opportunity.
Details: July 16, 2026 (10:00am - 2:30pm) via Zoom (Includes a 30-minute lunch break)

Description: This interactive four-hour webinar is designed for human service professionals to explore the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) across human service practice. As AI technologies become increasingly embedded in service delivery, they create opportunities to streamline administrative tasks, enhance efficiency, and support treatment planning, supervision, and client engagement. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of AI in human services, examining current applications and emerging trends shaping the future of practice in mental health and beyond. The session will highlight both the benefits and risks of AI, including issues of equity, bias, data privacy, and the transparency of AI-informed decisions. Ethical considerations will be woven throughout, ensuring alignment with core clinical ethics, supervisory responsibilities, and professional values. The webinar will feature case examples, live discussions, and opportunities to reflect on how AI can be integrated responsibly into diverse human service contexts. All participants will receive a practical guidebook with resources, frameworks, and prompts to support continued learning and the ethical integration of AI into their professional roles. 

Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to...

• Explain the core functions and practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in human services, highlighting how AI can enhance efficiency, strengthen treatment planning, and support effective service delivery.
• Analyze ethical challenges in the use of AI, such as bias, privacy, and decision-making transparency, and apply strategies to address these issues responsibly in alignment with clinical, supervisory, and professional ethics.
• Practice using AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT and related technologies) for human service tasks such as treatment planning, client communication, and supervision documentation, while critically evaluating their ethical implications and ensuring values-driven practice. 

Presenter Information: Dr. Badillo-Diaz is an experienced former school administrator and counseling director with a demonstrated history of working in community mental health and in education as a social worker. She is the founder of MABD Consulting, where she conducts training for educators and social workers to ethically and responsibly integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their practice. Dr. Badillo-Diaz is also an adjunct professor, teaching at New York University, Columbia University, Hunter College, and Louisiana State University. She is the author of "The AI Social Worker", a widely recognized blog that serves as a 21st-century skills and AI guide for social workers. Her teaching portfolio includes courses for NYU’s Silver School of Social Work postgraduate certificate programs, specifically focusing on school social work practice, data and technology, and AI in mental health. She currently serves on the NASW-NY State Chapter Board as secretary and is a former northeastern rep board member of the School Social Work Association of America. She has presented nationally and internationally on AI and social work practice, including engagements with the National School Social Work Association of America, the Canadian Association for Social Work, and the School Social Work Association of America, and has conducted trainings for over 3,000 social workers across the United States and Canada. Dr. Badillo-Diaz’s areas of expertise include 21st-century skills, social-emotional learning, school social work practice, youth mental health, clinical supervision, AI applications, and data management. Her current research explores how school social workers are integrating AI into their daily practice.

A Note on WAFCA Webinars: Webinars are live virtual learning opportunities designed to be accessed by individuals. Group participation is not encouraged; post-webinar group discussions are a recommended alternative.

In order to offer CE credits for these virtual learning opportunities via NBCC, WAFCA verifies attendance using Zoom. Each registrant receives a unique link that confirms their attendance and email address for CE certificates. Link sharing is not permitted, and CE credits are not available for unregistered participants.

About our Offerings: WAFCA has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 6778. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. WAFCA is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. Visit the WAFCA-CE registration page for more information on fees and policies.