Reflection On Social Work Ethics

Social workers encounter ethical dilemmas every day during their work. Banks, in her explanations says these are occurrences whereby a social worker encounters two unwelcoming situations and there is a conflict of moral values, and there is no clear choice as to which decision to make.(Banks, 2006).To elaborate on this , Banks implies

All social workers can attest that at some point in their career they’ve had a situation that was an ethical dilemma. They work with people who are experiencing some very difficult and sensitive situations, and there are instances where issues arise that put social workers in a difficult position in regards to ethics. Whether it be from conflicting responsibilities of a social worker or an issue that lies in an ethical gray area. Fortunately, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) has a code of ethics for social workers that lays out what is expected and required of a social worker when dealing with a variety of issues. Also, since social workers are considered covered entities under the Health Insurance Portability and Affordability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), they are also held responsible for protecting their clients’ health information. When faced with an ethical dilemma, if a social worker chooses to not follow the standards laid out by the NASW and HIPAA then they could face professional, and potentially legal, disciplinary actions.

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.

Benkova. K., an author of the article Social Work Ethics as Applied Ethics, describes “ethics as a systematic drive to understand our individual and social moral experience in such a way that enables establishing rules which are to govern people’s behavior, to define values which are worth sticking to, and also to encourage such character traits in people which oneself is worth to develop”(Benkova 2009).

standard for social workers. Social and Political Action has four sections; the first two are relatable to the advocacy of social workers on the issue presented. According to this ethical standard code, social workers should advocate for changes in policy and legislation to improve social conditions to meet basic human needs and promote social justice as well as act to expand choice and opportunity for all people. If a social worker abides by the Code of Ethics and fights for a cause such as homeless youth with mental disorders, there is no way that change will not happen. Social workers can speak up and become the unheard voice for those in need.

To begin with, the client whose name is Mr. Sam Pilsudski has an obstructed airway secondary to cancer of the larynx. He is a 67-year-old widower, and a father of one son and two daughters, who is unconscious and terminally ill, if not for a much-needed operation to remove both his cancer and larynx to save his life. However, one of Mr. Pilsudski’s daughters has adamantly refused to consent to the surgical procedure despite the physician explaining that although the operation would unfortunately render his patient disabled without a voice consequentially, but ultimately surviving the procedure to live and recover. Moreover, the physician attempted with rational and clear communication to express the gravity of the rather poor prognosis of his illness to his daughter that in the event of foregoing the surgery, his patient would surely die (Ralph Dolgoff, Donna Harrington, and Frank M. Loewenberg (2012), Ethical Decisions for Social Work Practice. 9th Ed; p. 279).

Ethical Decision-Making Exercise Frequently, social workers encounter situations in their social work practice in which requires the social worker to make an ethical decision. In preparation for these ethical dilemmas, it is important for social workers to familiarize themselves with profession ethical code. The National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics specifies the values, principles, and standards to guide social workers’ behavior (National Association of Social Workers (NASW), 2008, para.5). This paper will demonstrate the appropriate response to five scenarios based on the ethical values and responsibilities stated in the NASW Code of Ethics.

During my initial consultation with Julie, we discuss a couple of issues she was having with Jennifer. Jennifer did not handle the anger she has with her mother in an appropriate way. She will roll her eyes, stomp off and slam doors. Julie, her mother, believes that she deserves more respect. Also, Julie would like Jennifer to handle her anger in a more appropriate manner.

According to the Preamble of the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers, “the primary mission of the social work profession is to enhance human wellbeing and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.” National Association of Social Workers. (approved 1996, revised 1999, 2008). Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. Washington, DC: Author. The ethical considerations of the Bruff Case as presented by Hermann and Herlihy (2006), are clearly defined and set forth Code of Ethics; additionally, the Code provides guidance to counselors on dealing with issues which might give rise

To start with, there are many challenging ethical issues facing workers and the social work profession today. Four of these ethical issues include the morality, confidentiality, accountability, and boundaries of the relationship between the social worker and the client. In chapter one of the book “Ethical Issues in Social Work”, Smith and Hugman wrote about the importance of social workers giving respect to their clients (1995). Respecting and caring for those in need, with family problems or living in poverty, enhance ones moral values. Knowing that these individuals are struggling and setting their needs aside without moral concern is unethical of a social worker.

The National Association of Social Workers introduced the Code of Ethics to define the profession and responsibilities of a social worker. The values in the Code of Ethics provide ideal principles that every social worker should strive to have. I consider that my personal values deeply align with the core values of the social work profession. The primary goal of a social worker is to address social issues and to help those who are in need. I believe every one of us should be of aid to others. We are placed on earth to help one another as we venture on throughout life. Social workers also pursue social justice. Being gay, people have fought for LGBT rights. From our former president to the rural mother of a gay son, allies have helped change

being shared. Summarizing the conversation provided clarity resolving any areas of misunderstanding about her situation (Shulman, 2016, p237). Through this process of engagement pertinent information about this student was obtained. (AS) spoke about her culture, family, past school history and why she feels she needs counseling.

I would initially be happy for Joe because of his reaction to seeing me. I am aware it is within Joe’s rights to have children and to be able to be a parent. Joe could also be taking something out of context so, I need to make sure what he means by being a father. If he is in fact, going to be a father, the next step would be checking that it was consensual. I would ask about this to make sure that Joe does not need any form of social justice.

The CSWE ensures that social workers are educated and competent in the field of social work. It serves as a guideline for social work educators. The (CSWE) uses the Educational Policy Act Standards (EPAS) to accredit baccalaureate and master’s level social work programs. EPAS supports academic excellence by establishing thresholds for professional competence (CSWE, 2015).

For example, I am currently working with a school district and meeting with high school students who have had a difficulty while in class whether it is socially or educationally. I have difficulty interacting with one student in particular, Alan. This internal conflict makes therapy challenging as I seek impartiality. Alan has expressed that he has had a hard time socially because he does not believe in God and has a strong dislike of Christians. He is angry, argumentative, and often other students make negative assumptions about him. Due to his dislike of Christians and my strong Christian faith, I have had a difficult time counseling Alan. My judgment is impaired. Although ethical principles do not require psychologists to be impartial with