Exam 13: Whose Responsibility Are Professional Ethics
Discuss the debate in social work practice concerning what constitutes appropriate ethical practice.
The debate in social work practice concerning what constitutes appropriate ethical practice is a complex and ongoing discussion within the field. Ethical practice in social work is essential for maintaining the trust and confidence of clients, colleagues, and the public, and it is crucial for ensuring the well-being and rights of those being served.
One aspect of the debate revolves around the balance between the autonomy and self-determination of clients and the responsibility of social workers to act in the best interest of their clients. Some argue that social workers should prioritize the wishes and decisions of their clients, even if they disagree with them, in order to respect their autonomy. Others argue that social workers have a duty to intervene in situations where a client's choices may be harmful to themselves or others.
Another point of contention is the role of personal values and beliefs in ethical practice. Social workers are often faced with situations that challenge their own values and beliefs, and there is debate about how much personal values should influence professional decision-making. Some argue that social workers should set aside their personal values in order to provide unbiased and nonjudgmental support to clients, while others argue that it is impossible to completely separate personal values from professional practice and that social workers should be transparent about their values and how they may impact their work.
Additionally, the use of technology and social media in social work practice has raised ethical concerns about privacy, confidentiality, and boundaries. There is ongoing debate about how to navigate these issues in a rapidly changing digital landscape while still upholding ethical standards.
Overall, the debate in social work practice concerning appropriate ethical practice is multifaceted and requires ongoing dialogue and reflection within the profession. It is essential for social workers to engage in critical discussions about ethical dilemmas and to continually strive to uphold the highest ethical standards in their practice.
Review with the class the meaning of accountability (who is accountable, and once found accountable what the process is); risk assessment, training, professional complain procedures, etc…, to deal with the problem.
Accountability refers to the responsibility of individuals or organizations to answer for their actions, decisions, and performance. In a professional setting, accountability can apply to employees, managers, and leaders who are expected to uphold certain standards and deliver on their responsibilities. When someone is found to be accountable for a problem or mistake, the process typically involves acknowledging the issue, taking ownership of the consequences, and working towards a resolution or improvement.
In terms of risk assessment, it involves identifying potential risks or hazards in a given situation or environment, evaluating their likelihood and potential impact, and implementing measures to mitigate or manage those risks. This can include conducting thorough assessments, developing risk management plans, and regularly reviewing and updating these plans as needed.
Training is an essential component of addressing problems in a professional setting. It involves providing employees with the knowledge, skills, and resources they need to perform their jobs effectively and safely. This can include initial onboarding training, ongoing professional development, and specific training related to addressing and preventing problems or issues.
Professional complaint procedures are important for providing a structured and fair process for addressing grievances or concerns within an organization. This can involve clear guidelines for reporting complaints, investigating the issues, and taking appropriate action to address the concerns raised. It's important for organizations to have transparent and accessible complaint procedures to ensure that employees feel comfortable coming forward with their concerns.
Overall, these elements are crucial for dealing with problems in a professional setting. By promoting accountability, conducting thorough risk assessments, providing comprehensive training, and implementing effective complaint procedures, organizations can work towards preventing and addressing problems in a proactive and responsible manner.
Which of the following is NOT a network or social system which supports the social worker in ethical decision making?
B
Any social worker can be reported for unethical conduct to NASW for investigation.
Social workers who participate with interdisciplinary teams should do which of the following?
HIPAA requirements only apply to medical personnel and do not concern social workers.
Discuss whether or not students feel that social workers attain knowledge and skills that allow them to contribute effectively in ethical discussions involving social workers and clients.
Agency risk audits are conducted for which of the following reasons?
Ask the students to create their own patient bill of right's and then compare their ideas with a real copy of a client's bill of rights.Discuss the similarities and differences.
Poorly written documentation can expose social workers to greater liability risk.
According to Dolgoff et al (2011) ethical decision-making begins with familiarity with the Code of Ethics as well as the clarification of one's own values.Discuss any areas in which your personal values conflict with the Code of Ethics.What do you plan to do if confronted with such a situation?
Class Exercises:
Among NASW members, there is much confusion and disagreement as to what constitutes appropriate ethical practice.
Explain the procedures for reporting unethical behavior by a social worker.
Conduct and facilitate a mock peer review meeting with all students sharing a case in the past or present to see how the process works.Discuss with the students whether they felt the process benefited them or did not benefit them.
Peer reviews allow a social worker to bounce ethical dilemmas off his/her colleagues.
Discuss the ethical risks associated with conducting agency risk audits.
Which of the following are important in establishing accountability of a program or an intervention?
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