Getting Started

The cornerstone of professional social work practice is how social workers demonstrate ethics in the diverse and different issues faced each day. As a practitioner, you should be aware of your own personal biases. When the facts of a given case clash with your own values, you must still be empathetic and learn how to negotiate an ethical solution for those involved. Demonstrating ethical and professional behavior extends not only to your work with the individuals and families you serve, but also to your work with people in your organization and community. The skills you acquire now to integrate self-awareness with professional behavior will build the foundation for your future practice as a social work professional.

It is essential to know and demonstrate the NASW ethical concepts and values in your practice each day. Indeed, demonstration of research-based practice and wise professional character as well as promotion of social and economic justice can be the lifetime goals of your practice!

As a social worker, you will be expected to demonstrate character, leadership, and scholarship in practice.

• Character is the product of constant action, striving daily to make the right choices. Through your work in this course, you are demonstrating such qualities as responsibility, fairness, and caring, and proving by example that you value character.
• Scholarship means a commitment to learning. Applying diligence and effort towards learning about evidence-based interventions as a social worker can positively impact your practice as a professional.
• Leadership at your agency means having a positive influence on your colleagues. In taking the initiative to learn about evidence-based, effective practices, you can encourage others to attain the same objective, thus positively affecting your clients and your work towards greater justice.

Resources

• Textbook: The Social Work Practicum: A Guide and Workbook for Students
• Website: National Association of Social Workers
• File: Case Study Jill’s Dilemma.pdf
• File: How to Engage in Substantive Discussion.pdf

Background Information

As you develop a familiarity with the NASW Code of Ethics and the role it plays in everyday situations, it becomes important to identify ethical dilemmas and outcomes in practice. By understanding the NASW Code of Ethics standards for social workers, you can gain insight into how you integrate your own personal values with those of your profession and practice.

Instructions

1. In your textbook The Social Work Practicum: A Guide and Workbook for Students, review Chapter 12, “Social Work Ethics.”
2. Review the Case Study Jill’s Dilemma.pdf file.
3. Review the ethical values and standards as set forth in the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics at https://www.socialworkers.org/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=ms_ArtLqzeI%3d&portalid=0
   1. After landing on the NASW home page, navigate to the “Code of Ethics.”
4. Consider the application of a narrative theoretical approach in this case (with a focus on empathy for the client’s experience), as well as the application of the social work values of self-determination, empowerment, and cultural competency.
5. Navigate to the threaded discussion and respond to the following questions:
   1. What role does the NASW Code of Ethics have in this ethical dilemma? Identify at least one ethical principle and discuss its application to the scenario.
      1. Do you think Jill has an obligation to provide treatment to a client if there is a conflict with her religious beliefs and personal values? Explain why or why not, justifying your answer using the NASW code of ethics.
      2. Describe the agency’s and Jill’s professional responsibilities to the client. Be specific.
   2. What possible ethical outcomes can Jill consider in this scenario? Identify at least one and explain.
   3. Using the ethical decision making guidelines on page 138 of your textbook, provide a response to at least 5 of the bulleted items based on Jill’s Dilemma.