Discussion 1.1 Ethics in General

Here is a brief breakdown of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. For more detailed information go to the NASW website: www.socialworkers.org (NASW, 2021).

^{The Core Values and Principles from the NASW Code of Ethics:}

Service: Social workers are to help others and address social problems

Social Justice: Social workers are committed to advocating for change to assist the vulnerable and oppressed

Dignity and Worth of the Person: Social workers seek to empower and are respectful of all types of diversity

Importance of Human Relationships: Social workers collaborate and interact with others to facilitate change

Integrity: Social workers are honest and ethical in their practice. Social workers should also be sure to practice self-care.

Competence: Social workers are lifelong learners in order to ensure that they provide well-informed services

In 2020 and 2021, the NASW updated the Code to reflect a greater emphasis on self-care, cultural humility, and to be more responsive to various technological challenges that can arise during social work practice and that were heightened during the COVID19 pandemic (NASW, 2021). The changes were made to the Purpose, Principles, and several of the standards. For more detailed information, visit the NASW Code of Ethics online (NASW, 2021).

^{Questions to Consider:}

• What are ethics?
• How do our values influence our personal ethics?
• Why is an ethical code so important to a social work professional?
• What is an ethical dilemma?
• How can I identify the best course of action when faced with an ethical dilemma?
• In what situations could society’s well-being or legal obligations override your commitment to a client?
• What are the LIMITS to confidentiality?
• How might advocating for a client put you in conflict with your agencies’ polices or practices?
• What are some different ways you could evaluate your work?
• What is a population you are interested in working with? How could you advocate for change at each level?

Ethical Standards and what they mean for you as a social work student

This list of Ethical Standards was adapted from National Association of Social Workers (2021). NASW Code of Ethics. Washington, DC: National Association of Social Workers.

Ethical Standard One: Social Workers’ Responsibility to Clients

• Your priority in practice is the well-being of your client
• Clients have the ability to make their own decisions unless they are at serious risk for harm
• Clients need to fully understand what they are agreeing to do with a social worker
• You must avoid having dual relationships with clients
• You should always maintain a client’s privacy and ensure that clients understand what confidentiality is
• Engaging in a sexual relationship or in sexual activities with clients is never appropriate
• You should work to prepare your clients to transition to a new worker before leaving your field placement
• You should work to be competent and proficient in the application of technology during practice
• You should demonstrate awareness and cultural humility by engaging in critical self-reflection and allow the client to be the expert on their own culture

Ethical Standard Two: Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibility to Colleagues

• You should treat your coworkers with respect
• It is always a good idea to seek advice and counsel from your coworkers on cases where they have relevant knowledge
• Engaging in a sexual relationship or having sexual contact (including verbal, written, electronic, or physical contact) with supervisees, students, trainees, or other colleagues is never appropriate.
• When you believe that a coworker is impaired or behaving unethically, talk to them and/or a supervisor

Ethical Standard Three: Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities in Practice Settings

• You should treat your coworkers with respect
• It is always a good idea to seek advice and counsel from your coworkers on cases where they have relevant knowledge
• Engaging in a sexual relationship or having sexual contact (including verbal, written, electronic, or physical contact) with supervisees, students, trainees, or other colleagues is never appropriate.
• When you believe that a coworker is impaired or behaving unethically, talk to them and/or a supervisor

Ethical Standard Four: Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities as Professionals

• It is important to practice within your area of developing knowledge and with appropriate supervision
• Your practice cannot oppress or marginalize others
• How you conduct your personal life should not keep you from meeting your professional obligations

Ethical Standard Five: Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities to The Social Work Profession

• You should take the necessary steps to evaluate your work with clients

Consider This!

Read the scenario and consider the following questions:

Tara is a bachelor’s level social worker in a community mental health center in a small town in the southeastern United States. She has been working with an elderly woman for several months as an Adult Protective Services case manager. Tara and the woman have developed a very positive working relationship and the client has told her on several occasions how very grateful she is for all of the help Tara has provided. One day when Tara comes to the client’s home for a scheduled visit, the woman presents her with a vintage ring as a gift of gratitude. The woman states that she does not have money to buy Tara anything, so she wants to give her this family heirloom. She insists that Tara take the gift, and even becomes tearful when she thinks Tara might refuse the gesture. Tara is conflicted about how to handle the situation. What should she do?

1. Which standards, values, and principles from the Code of Ethics are related to this situation? (Cite specifically from the Code of Ethics)

2. What are the different choices that the social worker could make in this dilemma?

3. What are the pros and cons that result from each possible choice?

4. What would you do in this situation?