- Review the NASW Code of Ethics.
- Imagine how you would discuss the role of a social worker with friends or family.
- Think ahead to your field experience and the types of scenarios you may encounter then.
Post a response to the following: Label each section
- In your own words, describe the primary mission of the social work profession. For your response, imagine you are describing this to a friend or family member.
- Define what constitutes an ethical dilemma.
- Give an example of an ethical dilemma you might encounter in your field experience (i.e., internship). This could involve your own actions, the actions of a supervisor, or an agency policy.
- Identify the Code of Ethics that applies to the ethical dilemma you described.
- Describe what you would do to address the situation. Be specific in identifying your dilemma and in identifying what part of the Code of Ethics applies.
Respond to at least one of your colleague’s postings in one or more of the following ways:
- Ask a probing question.
- Share an insight from having read your colleague’s posting.
- Offer and support an opinion.
- Validate an idea with your own experience.
- Make a suggestion.
- Expand on your colleague’s posting.
An ethical dilemma is a situation in which you are caught between conflicting moral principles, making it difficult to determine the right course of action. It’s like being caught between a rock and a hard place, where every decision can have positive and negative consequences. Let’s say, in my social work training, I discovered that my manager is misusing client information, violating confidentiality. Now, I face a challenge. On the one hand, I have a duty to report such inappropriate behavior to uphold the best interests of clients, but on the other hand, I must consider possible consequences such as strained relationships at work or even jeopardizing my own position.
In this case, the ethical guide comes from the NASW Code of Ethics representing the National Association of Social Workers. This code provides principles and standards for social workers to ensure ethical conduct. Following the NASW Code of Ethics, my first step would be to discuss my concerns with the supervisor, adhering to the principle of resolving ethical conflicts through open communication. If the issue persists, I may need to escalate it to higher authorities within the organization, while still respecting the confidentiality and privacy of those involved as much as possible. This action aligns with the code’s commitment to the dignity and worth of individuals and the importance of maintaining confidentiality.
In summary, the social work profession is all about making a positive impact on people’s lives, and when faced with ethical dilemmas, adhering to a well-defined code of ethics is crucial to ensure the profession’s integrity and the well-being of the individuals being served.
References
National Association of Social Workers. (2021). Code of ethics of the National Association of Social WorkersLinks to an external site.. https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English