Episode 24- Dr. Frederic Reamer: Ethical Dilemmas in Work: Trends and Challenges presented professional ethical standards for social work in a contemporary setting. Dr. Reamer began by identifying the Code’s humble one page beginning which was confirmed in the 1960’s however, it was seen as being very shallow. The reason being, it did not address all ethical dilemmas that existed or would eventually exist within the field of social work. For example, the Code did not address ethical dilemmas regarding client and their social worker’s relationship, value issues, and electronic communication between social worker and their clients, to name a few. The historical one page Code entailed 17 principles which was later re-developed by a team of experts …show more content…
A brief HIV scenario was used to stress the complexity of confidentiality when the client is reluctant to share with his or her sexual partner that they were diagnosed with the disease. Undoubtedly, there are many factors to consider, one being, finding out what the state requires regarding disclosing that information with others, and to whom should it be told. Primarily, confidentiality must be considered, however, the furtherance of it must be evaluated based on the conditions. Similarly, other ethical dilemmas to consider are sexual activity, gifts from clients, and dating or going into business with one’s clients; this list is not exhausted. Unquestionably, the afore mentioned are various conflicts of interest leading towards obscuring the roles between the client and his or her social worker, therefore in due course, undermining the benefits from the social worker’s official actions or influence. Last, technology must be carefully considered as it too can create ethical issues such as Facebook, e-therapy, or skype as in some cases it deprives the client of ever meeting his or her social worker proving insufficient during a time of crises. In other cases, personal information regarding the social worker may be revealed without …show more content…
Ethical dilemmas in work is often encountered however, instructions of how to handle the situation is not always clear. As a social worker, I understand the code of ethics is designed to be used as a tool to guide our professional behavior as it is necessary. Certainly, what becomes an ethical guideline today may shift according to the times and dilemma. Dr. Richardson was an expert speaker in providing us this insight. Furthermore as he mentioned value and duty sometimes clashes, I am reminded when delivering services ethical decision making tactics to manage ethics risks is expected and should be incorporated. The content of this pod-cast is made applicable during field placement giving meaningful instructions, as abiding by the code of ethics is a crucial component of social work education. Certainly, my internship will present its own ethical problems that are distinctive. For this reason, I must give special attention to all policies and procedures pertaining to ethic related topics for the functioning of acceptable
Social workers face complex ethical issues in every aspect of their profession. This work is often ethically challenging because it involves direct contact and interaction with individuals who are vulnerable. There are many factors that influence our decision making especially when working with at risk youths, we often face challenges in wanting to take on certain roles to protect our clients. These roles often conflict with our professional obligations. When our personal and professional values conflicts, our decisions may affect the individual, family, group, community and the organization.
The professional values and ethical practice are at the core of the work of human services practitioners. The practitioner has an obligation to be fully cognisant of the values, principles and standards that guide their conduct O’Hara & Weber (2010, p. 17). Negotiate on how to resolve the issue. This may at times lead to conflict of interest AASW Ethical guidelines ‘if a conflict of interest comes to light. It is important, therefore, that social workers are proactive in discussing any potential/actual conflicts of interests with supervisors or employers so that all possible outcomes and interpretations of actions and situations can be explored’.
There are many publications that would bring value to the overall presentation of knowledge one could gain in search of further understanding of areas related to social work as a profession. Many understandings are attributed to social workers and case managers, who have chosen to work not with raw materials to create a finished product, but precious human life. This challenge brings on many personal and ethical struggles since erred raw materials can typically be discarded and another produced. In the field of social work, a misdiagnosis creates an extenuating circumstance and another attempt to get the medication or therapeutic process correct. In the article Social workers and the NASW Code of Ethics: belief, behavior, disjuncture, the
Ethical standards are very important as a social worker. Social workers strive each day to make a difference in their communities, and in people lives. When boundaries are cross and unethical practices are done, it put distrust among our communities and blocks out all the good work that is being done. Having a strong foundation about the Ethics of social work will ensure that social workers are following proper guidelines and putting their best foot forward each day on the job. The Ethical Dilemma George works at a community mental health center where he is a social worker.
There is a great necessity for the code of ethics in social welfare. The first code of ethics was “adopted in 1960” and was a single page (NASW,1998, para. 8). The last major adoption was in 1996, which was similar to what we see today, in the 2008 edition. In this changing profession it is absolutely necessary for a social worker to have something to reference to when there is an ethical dilemma, because they will transpire from time to time (NASW, 1998).
As a social worker many problems may arise because of the constant grey area of either letting your personal values interfere with your professional opinion. It is essential to provide your client with information and tools to help them succeed and overcome their problems. Following the core values is essential to being a resourceful, competent social worker. In some cases, core values are in conflict. In a situation where more than one core value is in conflict it is considered an ethical dilemma (Hick, 2009). It’s not guaranteed that a perfect solution will arise, therefore one of the core values is subsided because the other has more of an impact on the client.
There are many ways in which social workers can avoid ethical dilemmas. In regards to the Jones case I will explain five ethical dilemmas. I will explain what 3 core values could have benefitted the Jones family and I will give three strategies I will use to practice ethical behavior in my field of social work in the future.
The Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is designed to communicate the fundamental values, ethical principles, and ethical standards of the social work profession, regardless the roles the workers are functioning these codes should always be consulted as guidelines when ethical issues arise while pursuing the best outcome for the Clients. Good human service workers know this and are familiar with the codes of ethics. They are also clear on managing their personal values when making a decision, so as not to cause more harm to the clients as well as themselves. Social work is challenging, faced with many complex ethical issues; for one to be useful in this profession, they need to be knowledgeable enough to know how to engage ethical standards and apply relevant law when confronted with basic problems or ethical dilemmas.
This essay will address the ethical dilemmas faced by social workers and how they address these ethical dilemmas when working with service users and carers. It will be illustrated that codes of practice and codes of ethics are of paramount importance when dealing with these dilemmas as they are ones that guide social workers as to how they should try and solve these dilemmas.
The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics was established as a core value guide for Social Workers when providing services to clients or working with colleagues. The mission of a social worker is to enhance the wellbeing of people through an array of services. On a daily basis social workers are faced with making ethnical decisions and using professional judgement in lives of people. This paper will compare and contrast a social worker personal core values with the NASW core values comparing and contrasting the two. Also, this paper will also look at different vignette and ethical dilemmas that are in conflict with the NASW core values. Moreover, the paper will provide pros and cons for each professional course of actions
the colour of his skin, then it could lead to him having a feeling of
The commitment to act ethically is an essential aspect of social work due to the effect it can have on the quality of the service offered to those who engage with us. Through group discussions in our foundations of social work practice I have become extremely ethically aware and now will always seek to ascertain and respect, as far as possible, each individual’s preferences, wishes and involvement in decision making. From discussions with my fellow classmates I have learnt to strive to respect and uphold the values and principles of the profession by making sure I promote and work towards the code of ethics wherever possible. This in turn enables me act in a reliable, honest and trustworthy manner having worked closely with service users in a professional setting and learned of their good and bad experiences with practitioners through the service user experience we undertook in class. I believe I am now in a good position to apply the social work ethical principles to my professional practice, in a way that seeks to empower my service users and enable me to emulate the best practice. In addition from reading social work journals and staying on top of news regarding the profession more generally I am knowledgeable about the value base of social work as a profession .
Providing social services can sometimes be a difficult task, with uncertainties and challenges. The codes of ethics are a set of core values for social work professionals. It is important for a social work professional to understand the ethics of social work to make ethical decisions. In this, a social worker must provide quality unbiased service. Professional social
When working in a social care environment, ethical practice plays a major part in every aspect of your work. This essay will explain what ethical practise is, how it affects the social care industry, and some examples as to how it could play an important role in daily work.
In the beginning of both codes of ethics and statement of principles it gives a clear detail of what the social worker should be doing to furnish help the community. The same ideas are being shared on each separated document but are formatted in a different way. The preamble list six core values service, social justice, dignity and worth of person, importance of human relationships, integrity, competence. These values are embraced by social workers throughout the profession’s history and are the foundation of social work’s unique purpose and perspective. The preface just listed four bullets on how social workers across the world should reflect on the challenges and dilemmas that face them and make morally informed choices about how to react in each different case.