Professional Relationships, Values, and Ethics Flashcards
**for exam: when ethical dilemma arises, first do what
consult the code of ethics; most widely accepted source of info about ethics for social workers, also look at regulations of licensing board
social work values and ethics
-be aware of any conflicts between person and professional values and deal with them responsibly
-when SW ethical obligations conflict with agency policies/relevant laws, make effort to resolve conflict in manner consistent with NASW code of ethics
-primary mission of SW is to enhance human well-being and help meet basic human needs, in particular attention to those who are vulnerable, oppressed, living in poverty
-well being in social context, look at environmental factors
core values of SW
-service
-social justice
-dignity and worth of person
-importance of human relationships
-integrity
-competence
ethical principles
-service; primary goal to help people in need and address social problems
-social justice
-dignity and worth; inherent in all people
-importance of relationships; central importance
-integrity; SW behave in trustworthy manner
-competence; practice in area of competence and enhance professional expertise
ethical standards to clients: informed consent
-make sure clients understand what they’re signing
-provide services only in context of professional relationship based on informal consent
-clear/understandable language, ensure client comprehends
ethical standards to client: confidentiality and privacy
-privilege belongs to the client unless they sue you then you’re no longer obligated to maintain confidentiality
-Tarasoff decision–duty to warn; exception to confidentiality
ethical standards to client: sexual relationships
DON’T DO IT
with current/former clients, family of clients, don’t give clinical services to someone you’ve had past sexual relationship with
ethical responsibilities in practice setting: if student providing services
need to inform client of that
limits of confidentiality
harm to self/others, child or elder abuse
-confidentiality is ethical term
-privileged communication is the legal term-client is the holder of their privilege
-HIPAA; protect rights of nondiscrimination and privacy, collect only the info you need to provide care
identification and resolution of ethical dilemmas: when dealing with ethical issue, need to
seek supervision (formal and informal), consult code of ethics, not necessarily clear cut answer
identification and resolution of ethical dilemmas: steps
- analyze the consequences (who will be hurt/helped, what kind of benefits, does pain balance with gain)
- analyze the actions (how do actions measure against values, ethics, privilege/power)
- make a decision
the referral process
**client’s right to self-determination
1. clarifying the need/purpose
2. researching resources
3. discussing/selecting options with client
4. planning the initial contact
5. initial contact between client and referral
6. follow up to see if need was met
SW have different roles and professional relationships
-problem solving process
-interventive roles
-cross cultural issues/competencies
-intervention skills
-importance of SW/client relationship
helping relationship: core conditions
-authenticity/genuineness (congruence)
-unconditional regard
-non-judgmental, empathic attitude
helping relationship: relationship as core of the helping process
-relationship helps people change/modify feelings/behavior
-need mutual acceptance/trust, client needs to feel that they’re accepted and not being judged
-SW need to be genuine, help client explore options, and empower them to make their own choice
-helper and receiver of help has own needs/values/feelings, need to take those of receiver into account when exploring a problem
