Deck 4: Professionalism: Ethical Issues in Social Work

Question 1

Social workers spend a lot of time documenting. Documentation records services provided while protecting a client's well-being. Future services will be assured if documentation is completed in a timely manner. What is the foremost thing to remember when completing this task?

A)Protect client's privacy.
B)Have client's sign off.
C)Provide copies to other agencies.
D)Get approval from administration.

Answer 1

Protect client's privacy.

Question 2

Continuing education in the field of social work is a must. Professionals are hired on the foundation of expertise and should only accept work based on the willingness to acquire necessary training. What type of performance is being described?

A)Values
B)Time management
C)Ethics
D)Competency

Answer 2

Competency

Question 3

Professionals deal with an array of individuals from different cultures. Social workers need to be aware of strengths that exist in everyone no matter what their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender or disability may be. If a social worker is unable to provide services based on a lack of knowledge in this area, what should she or he do?

A)Educate oneself and seek understanding in diversity
B)Collaborate with other professionals
C)Discuss a need to transfer the case
D)Handle the case anyway

Answer 3

Educate oneself and seek understanding in diversity

Question 4

Erica spends the day with clients as a social worker for the Department of Health and Human Services. Her work requires home visits, and most documentation is completed at this time. In between visits, Erica leaves case records in her car until she needs them. Due to a tight schedule on this particular day, she haphazardly throws papers on the backseat. A neighbor of one the clients walks by the vehicle and recognizes a name on one of the documentation sheets. What ethical standards were not followed by the social worker?

A)Organization
B)Confidentiality
C)Competence
D)Informed consent

Question 5

Alan has been providing social work services to a client for two weeks. When the issue of payment as set forth in the signed contract arises, the client is unable to come up with the money. However, the social worker is offered a free gym membership since the client works at the local fitness center part-time. What is the social worker's next move?

A)Terminate services for non-payment
B)Accept the membership as partial payment
C)Contact an attorney for illegal bartering
D)Notify a supervisor

Question 6

A social worker is helping a family whose primary language is Spanish. The mother and children speak broken English, but there is great difficulty in reading within both languages. When the social worker attempts to orally go over a written consent with the mother, there is much confusion. What is the professional's next step?

A)Provide the client with a Spanish version
B)Show the mother where to sign
C)Provide an interpreter
D)Inform a supervisor of the problem

Question 7

Lisa is completing her graduate classes in social work. One of the requirements is to observe another professional in the field. Lisa contacts an agency and requests the opportunity to take part in an actual family assessment. What is the professional's responsibility prior to this event?

A)Give Lisa background information pertaining to the family
B)Allow Lisa to read through the referral for services
C)Describe the interview, but not allow Lisa to actually take part
D)Get written consent from the family

Question 8

Ryan is a social worker who gets a referral on a family with possible child neglect concerns. After completing a full assessment, he discovers there are definitely problems with parenting skills and the children may be at risk. Around the same time, Ryan receives a phone call at home from amechanic whois working on Ryan's vehicle. Soon it is discovered the mechanic is a relativeof the family and is aware of the services being provided. What should Ryan do at this point?

A)Inform the clients of a possible conflict of interest
B)Question the mechanic about risk concerns
C)Refuse to talk with the mechanic and terminate all services
D)None of the above

Question 9

A local professional social worker is conducting a seminar on child abuse/neglect. During the course of the session, a prior case is described as an example. The names are left out, but physical location and ages are given. Soon a member in the audience is phoning a neighbor with information pertaining to her grandchildren. What area of expertise has been violated?

A)Informed consent
B)Privacy and confidentiality
C)Unethical conduct
D)Administrative

Question 10

Michael is set up on a blind date by some of his friends. When he meets Cathy at a restaurant, Michael instantly recognizes her. He provided social work services to Cathy twoyears prior. What is Michael's next move?

A)Enjoy the date; there is no active case open with Cathy
B)Call the date off because Michael never liked her as a client
C)Continue the date and begin a relationship based on trust
D)End the date due to professional ethics

Question 11

A social worker accepts a job in administration and will be leaving hercurrent position. How should the social worker handle her caseload?

A)Introduce the clients to a new social worker
B)Terminate services all together
C)Take steps to avoid abandonment
D)Eliminate all unnecessary services

Question 12

A client has been receiving social work services for threemonths and has not made a payment as agreed upon in a contract. The professional finds he cannot terminate services due to what condition?

A)Consequences of non-payment have not been discussed
B)Client poses an imminent danger to self or others
C)Contract arrangement is not clear to both parties
D)All of the above

Question 13

Madison is aware of a fellow colleague with a drug abuse problem. Until recently, it did not appear to be affecting job performance. Now the colleague is missing work and failing to meet with clients as required. Madison does not want to get her fellow worker in trouble and feels someone else will eventually notice the problem. How else could this be handled?

A)Surprise drug testing at the workplace
B)Tell another colleague about the problem
C)Tell a supervisor immediately
D)Talk to the colleague having a problem

Question 14

David has confronted a fellow colleague about his alcohol problem, even offering to seek help. The colleague denies having an issue and refuses the assistance from David. Job performance is becoming poor and the colleague arrives late for work every day. What is David's next step?

A)Have another colleague try to help
B)Hope the colleague will get his problem under control
C)Leave AA pamphlets on the colleague's desk
D)Follow rules for appropriate action

Question 15

A social worker has been reported by a client to the NASW licensing board for unethical conduct. The professional's colleagues know this charge is not true. What should they do?

A)Nothing, the charge is in the hands of NASW
B)The colleagues should discuss the matter with the client
C)The colleagues should defend the professional
D)The client's services should be terminated

Question 16

A client is receiving services from a social worker one time per week. The question is raised about possibly seeing a psychologist and the social worker reports holding a license in that field, also. When the client contacts the professional's employing agency, it is discovered the information is false. What type of violation is taking place?

A)Falsifying information
B)Misrepresentation
C)Double billing for services
D)Inconclusive therapy

Question 17

It is the social worker's ethical responsibility to expand opportunities for all individuals. Special provisions should be made for those who are oppressed, vulnerable, exploited or disadvantaged. In regards to social and political action, what stand should a professional take?

A)Social workers should never take part in politics
B)Political campaigning is unethical
C)Professionals should engage in political action
D)Social workers should donate funds to political candidates

Question 18

What does the NASW Code of Ethics offer to social work professionals?

A)Set of guidelines for decision making
B)Liability insurance
C)Personal responsibilities
D)Informed judgment

Question 19

Ethical principles are based on the core values of social workers and establish ideals to which all professionals should follow. When knowledge, values and skills are drawn upon to help people in need address social problems, what value is being demonstrated?

A)Dignity and worth of the person
B)Service
C)Integrity
D)Competence

Question 20

Kelley is a social worker seeking to enhance a client's capacity to change. The idea is to have the client address hisown needs by resolving conflicts between interests and the broader society. This should be handled in a socially responsible manner and is an example of what principle value?

A)Importance of human relationships
B)Integrity
C)Service
D)Dignity and worth of the person

Question 21

A 23-year-old client named Amber has isolated herself from others due to feelings of inadequacy. The social worker understands the well-being of the client cannot be secured without the help of others and asks Amber's parents to be involved in the therapy. What value is being recognized?

A)Competence
B)Importance of human relationships
C)Dignity and worth of the person
D)Service

Question 22

John walks past a fellow social worker's desk and overhears parts of a conversation. The colleague is making demeaning comments about another professional to someone on the other end of the line. Later, during lunch, John asks his colleague about the conversation. The colleague states he was talking with a client. What ethical standard has been violated by the fellow social worker?

A)Respect
B)Consultation
C)Privacy and confidentiality
D)Competence

Question 23

Two social workers are discussing a case in a conference room. One of the colleagues is consulting with the other about a specific request from a client. Not sure how to handle the situation, expertise from another professional seemed like the best answer. When is it justifiable to consult with others about a client?

A)When it is done in a private setting
B)When the situation is becoming a court issue
C)When administration requires the consult
D)When it is in the best interest of the client

Question 24

Mr. Bentley has been providing social work services to a client for threeweeks based on a referral for self-esteem issues. During the course of assessment, it is discovered there are also drug abuse problems. Since this is not an area of expertise for Mr. Bentley, what should his next step be?

A)Terminate services immediately
B)Contact NASW for information
C)Seek training in drug/alcohol abuse
D)Refer the client to another professional

Question 25

Miranda discovers that a client she has been working with is secretly stalking a fellow colleague. The other professional had provided services to the client one year ago for alcohol abuse. Miranda understands her obligation to protect the client's confidentiality and privacy. What makes this an exception?

A)The client needs a psychological assessment
B)Miranda wants to know about the prior relationship
C)It is necessary to prevent serious harm
D)There is no exception

Question 26

Social workers need to obtain informed consent prior to services provided by telephone, computer, radio or television. Client approval is also necessary prior to:

A)Third party observations
B)Audio taping
C)Video taping
D)All of the above

Question 27

Cassandra is a single mother who becomes upset with her social worker when a referral is made for parenting classes. The client feels that she is not a bad mother and that there is not a problem. Cassandra demands to see her records, but the social worker is concerned that some of the information found within may cause emotional harm. How should the professional deal with this problem?

A)Request the client get a court order
B)Warn the client and then make her a copy
C)Clients are not allowed to see their records
D)Read the records together to prevent confusion

Question 28

Mrs. Moore recently completed an assessment on the Wilkins family. There are several problems within the household unit that need to be addressed. A new intervention practice has been shown to be effective in similar cases. Should Mrs. Moore utilize this new approach?

A)Yes, it could prove beneficial to this specific case
B)No, more evidence needs to be provided
C)Yes, the techniques deal with a variety of problems
D)No, this is not an area of expertise

Question 29

Bethany discovers that a male colleague has been getting a higher pay grade. They both have the same expertise and work with the same clientele. As soon as this information is obtained, Bethany goes directly to court without first contacting her supervisor. This is legal under what law?

A)NASW Code of Ethics
B)Equal Pay Act
C)Equal Employment Opportunity
D)Americans with Disabilities Act

Question 30

A social worker's client is hospitalized with a serious heart condition. The client will require an in-home nurse after she is discharged. However, the client is currently incapacitated to make arrangements for her own care.How should the professional get the proper paperwork and consent forms signed?

A)Have a doctor sign them
B)Court order
C)Appropriate third party
D)Administrative signature

Question 31

A team of professionals gathered to help a family devastated by flood. The social worker provided therapy to help promote empowerment among the family members. A housing program found an affordable apartment and helped the clients relocate. The Red Cross provided food and clothing necessary for daily living. At a recent luncheon for flood victims, the work and contributions made by all were recognized. What ethical rule is being followed?

A)Competency
B)Respect
C)Acknowledging the work of others
D)Legitimate practice

Question 32

Social work services are being provided for a family referred due to child sexual abuse by a guardian. The perpetrator is currently in jail, but will be released soon due to a lack of evidence. The children are fearful of his return, and the mother still claims his innocence. An adult daughtercontacts the social worker with reports of her own sexual abuse by the same man many years ago. Her testimony is consistent with that of the younger children, and the perpetrator is sentenced to more jail time. Why was this information not a violation of confidentiality?

A)The judge ordered the testimony
B)The other children consented
C)The perpetrator had no rights while in jail
D)It was an imminent danger situation

Question 33

Social workers undergo annual reviews by administration. During an evaluation, a supervisor docks points with his female employees due to not wearing dresses in the job setting. He feels this is preferable work attire and should be taken seriously. Does the supervisor have the authority to complete a review in this manner?

A)Yes, the social worker deserves a poor review due to the supervisor's dress code
B)Yes, females should look feminine when filling the role of a professional
C)No, this is stereotyping
D)No, evaluation should be on performance only

Question 34

Larry has knowledge that a fellow colleague is teaching aboutparenting skills during his sessions with clients. This is not a field of expertise,and the colleague's teachings are based on personal parenting experiences. Larry has tried to discuss this issue with the fellow social worker but has not been successful. What ethical standard is the colleague violating?

A)Respect
B)Competence
C)Authority
D)Education and training

Question 35

A social worker was observed accepting money from an attorney for a copy of a client's record. The colleague who witnessed the event discussed the matter with the professional, and efforts are being made to resolve the problem. The actions that took place in regards to the client's records fall under what category?

A)Case sensitivity
B)Unethical conduct
C)Confidentiality
D)all of the above

Question 36

Social workers who provide education and training to others should abide by fourrules. Which of the following is one of these rules?

A)Case examples should have prior written consent
B)Instruction should be provided only within an educator's area of knowledge
C)Supervision of students should occur for sixmonths
D)Former clients cannot attend a training event

Question 37

Client records hold valuable information pertaining to the services and needs of an individual or family. Documentation should reflect the services being provided in an accurate manner. What is another important consideration?

A)Timely documentation
B)Privacy
C)Storage of records
D)All of the above

Question 38

Mr. Harrison receives a phone call from an individual wanting to transfer social work services to him from another professional. To minimize confusion, Mr. Harrison should do what?

A)Take the case and start over
B)Complete a new assessment
C)Discuss possible risks
D)Refer the client to another social worker

Question 39

There is threat of a labor strike within the agency James is currently providing social work services through. He knows this action will improve services to clients and working conditions. What should James take into consideration before participating?

A)Social workers cannot engage in organized action
B)Course of action depends on the clientele impact
C)He will not get paid during the strike
D)Ethical standards prohibit a strike

Question 40

Social workers often find themselves in dual relationships. The management of transference and counter transference cannot be ignored. Within the realm of child welfare, supervisors play a vital role in what areas?

A)Modeling, coaching and engaging
B)Knowledge, training and rapport
C)Transference, education and management
D)All of the above

Question 41

Child welfare practice is impacted by changes in laws or regulations and updated practice models. It is the social worker's dual responsibility to keep current on these topics and be able to explain them to clientele in a competent manner. Which resources should the social worker use to accomplish this feat?

A)Professional journals
B)Continuing education
C)State and federal resources
D)All of the above

Question 42

Mallory is providing child welfare services to the family of a 15 year old. The adolescent states she was sexually assaulted by her ex-boyfriend. Both parents report their daughter being sexually active for the last twoyears. The ex-boyfriend reports the two were dating and sex was consensual. Mallory knows the adolescent is currently safe and in no imminent danger. Her next move is to determine whether the teen was of age to consent. What should Mallory do next?

A)Remove the child from the home
B)Look up age of consent on the Internet
C)Talk with the ex-boyfriend's parents
D)Consult with other professionals

Question 43

When working with children, a social worker must be able to recognize imminent danger and ensure that the child receives appropriate protection. The role of the professional is to report and document the risk to the proper authorities and then explain the rationale to the family in a manner conducive to their understanding. What rules should a risk assessment based on imminent danger follow?

A)State and federal laws
B)Agency policies
C)Administrative directives
D)All of the above

Question 44

The principles of human rights are fundamental to all social work practices. The profession is based on beliefs that social workers will respect the worth and dignity of all individuals. Ethics has an important place in a person's affairs, and the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights declares that everyone has the right to:

A)Self-determination
B)Freedom of speech
C)Remain silent
D)Participation

Question 45

Madeline is at a school function with her son when she recognizes a young boy involved in one of her social work cases. The child appears to be one of her son's close friends and immediately remembers Madeline. Before the social worker can avoid the conversation, the child says, "You're the lady that comes to my house all the time." This immediately brings up questions from Madeline's son. What should she do?

A)Lie to her son and say she does not know the boy
B)Protect her son by taking him home immediately
C)Acknowledge the child, but redirect the conversation
D)Not allow her son to play with him while she is there

Question 46

Alex is having lunch with other social work colleagues when one of them says he is late for a family assessment. Without much thought, the other professional states his clients live in a poor neighborhood and probably can't even tell time. What problem should be addressed?

A)Discrimination
B)Misrepresentation
C)Stereotyping
D)Competency

Question 47

Jonathan has been practicing social work for 28 years. He is looking forward to retirement and feels it is well deserved. Due to his many years of experience, Jonathan does not see the need to attend trainings and seminars anymore. The social worker is confident in his practice and does not mind transitioning cases to newer workers when problems arise. What responsibility is Jonathanviolating?

A)Empathy
B)Caseload
C)Impairment
D)Competence

Question 48

An administrator for a child welfare agency has taken a leave of absence due to medical problems. A supervisor from another department has been asked to oversee the daily functioning and ensure employees continue to work up to their expected standards. A social worker approaches the acting supervisor with an imminent danger situation and waits for specific directions. What should occur?

A)The social worker should take care of the issue on herown
B)The acting supervisor should approve of the removal
C)The acting supervisor should contact a supervisor that is competent in imminent danger situations
D)The acting supervisor should notify the police immediately

Question 49

Samantha's week has been extremely hectic. She worked with fivedifferent families that placed children at risk, although not intentionally. The social worker fell behind in her documentation to address other more serious problems. Samantha receives a phone call from one of the clients stating they have been evicted. The social worker was supposed to connect the family with an agency who could have prevented this and helped them relocate. Which of the following chores is time sensitive?

A)Risk assessment
B)Documentation
C)Service referrals
D)None of the above

Question 50

A professional social worker tapes a therapy session with one of his clients to use at a seminar he will be conducting next month. The client asks why they are being recorded and the social worker's response leads her to believe it is for documentation purposes. What ethical standard has been violated?

A)Power and control
B)Informed consent
C)Third party observations
D)All of the above

Question 51

A social worker overhears two administrators discussing the promotion of a fellow colleague. One of the administrators admits that Gary, an African American, had more expertise and educational experience. However, Richard was hired to maintain the large number of white clientele. The social worker knows this hiring decision is and example of:

A)Prejudice
B)Discrimination
C)Racism
D)Education

Question 52

The NASW Code of Ethics is providescore values, broad ethical principles, relevant considerations, ethical standards and guidelines for socialization of new social workers. Which of the following describes a sixth purpose?

A)Labor laws
B)Articulating standards
C)Informed judgment
D)Discrimination

Question 53

The NASW Code of Ethics does not provide a prescribed set of rules that determines how social workers should respond in every situation. Many of the applications must take context into account. What else does the Code not clearly specify?

A)Which values are more important
B)Consequences of adjudication
C)Core values
D)Ethical principles

Question 54

Child Protective Service administrators provide clinical oversight that assures compliance with local, state, federal and court guidelines. What other duty would a person in this position be responsible for?

A)Providing direction to managers
B)Providing guidance and direction
C)Making decisions that affect operations
D)All of the above

Question 55

A social worker contacts her administrator to discuss an emergency problem with a family receiving services. Due to cutbacks, the father of the familyhas been let go from his job and has not been successful in finding new work. The fuel oil has run out that provides this family with heat, and they have no current method to pay for more. The weather forecast is calling for dangerously cold temperatures within the next 48 hours, and there are twosmall children in the home. Since the human service office does not currently have the funding to provide assistance, what should an administrator do next?

A)Pay the bill out of pocket and wait for reimbursement
B)Staff should not have waited this long to report an emergency
C)Take up a donation from all staff
D)Locate another agency that may have available funding

Question 56

The NASW Code of Ethics provides guidelines to ensure social workers demonstrate responsibility towards clients, colleagues, practice settings, and to the social work profession.Administrators within this setting are accountable for staff and their ability to follow the codes set forth for ethical behavior. Which of the following would be considered a violation?

A)Transferring a case to another colleague with more expertise
B)Searching outside of the agency for clients' needs
C)Conducting research without client's consent
D)Sharing information with a colleague to secure services

Question 57

A social worker becomes involved in a family conflict during a routine home visit. A domestic dispute turns violent, and the social worker is injured while trying to calm the situation. What is the role of the administrator?

A)Let the proper authorities handle the situation
B)Obtain records to ensure the social worker was not at fault
C)Interview all parties of the domestic dispute
D)Suspend the worker until all information can be obtained

Question 58

Robert is a social work administrator in a Children's Service agency. Recently, he began an intimate relationship with one of his staff. Other employees have complained and made comments about the relationship. The NASW Code of Ethics clearly states this type of relationship should be avoided. Robert needs to take responsibility and do what?

A)Robert should resign his supervisor position
B)The employee should resign her position
C)Professional responsibilities should be transferred to avoid a conflict of interest
D)Robert should treat the employee equally among the staff

Question 59

A referral comes into the local human service office alleging elder abuse and anAdult Protective Service worker is assigned to investigate. During the initial assessment with family members, it is discovered that abuse may have also occurred with a three-year-old child in the home. The social worker interviews the child and takes the information back to the administrator. What ethical rule did this social worker violate?

A)Confidentiality and informed consent by the parents
B)Consultation should have occurred with a professional Child Protective service worker
C)The social worker should have only interviewed the adult in regards to the child abuse, not the child
D)The elderly adult should have been referred to a nursing home

Question 60

Within the NASW Code of Ethics, pay discrimination is not tolerated. The Equal Pay Act states that men and women in the same workplace must be given equal pay for equal work. This includes bonuses, overtime pay, salary, stock options, vacation pay, and reimbursement for travel. Howdoes NASW define equality in this context?

A)Men and women should be paid according to their job title
B)Job content, not job title determines equality
C)Men and women in different workplaces should be given equal pay
D)None of the above

Question 61

A client discloses information to a social worker about domestic violence within the home. Several times it has involved the injury of their child. At a court proceeding, this is shared as circumstantial evidence. The client is angry with the social service agency and declares her confidentiality was violated. The administrator looks at the case and determines:

A)The information should have been forwarded to administration
B)The social worker should never have disclosed this information
C)The social worker acted appropriately considering the danger
D)The social worker wanted to make a bigger case out of the proceedings

Question 62

A social worker is taking part in an interdisciplinary team meeting. During the course of determining the well-being of a client, ethical concerns become an issue. One of the team members openly displays a problem with the client's ethnic background, and this leads to negativity towards decisions being made. What should the social worker do?

A)Discuss various religions and their beliefs
B)Base all decisions on the religious beliefs of the client
C)Try to resolve the disagreement through appropriate channels
D)Walk out of the meeting until the team member changes her mind

Question 63

A social worker is providing services for a client whosuffered years of sexual abuse by a guardian. There is very little rapport, and the professional understands the challenges ahead. What needs to be established before therapy can be successful?

A)Completion of a thorough assessment
B)Foundation based on a trusting relationship
C)Interaction with the perpetrator
D)Intimate relationship

Question 64

A social worker providing services for an elderly woman helps by doing her grocery shopping every week. The client is unable to leave her home and purchase provisions on her own, but she receives food assistance through the Department of Health and Human Services. Every Friday the social worker takes the woman's assistance card and her list of groceries to the local store. A colleague observes the social worker buying items on her own list as well. At the cash register, the professional only provides the elderly woman's assistance card. What should the colleague do next?

A)Tell the elderly woman what has been happening
B)Report the actions to the NASW Code of Ethics Board
C)Notify the professional's supervisor
D)Discuss the problem with the social worker

Question 65

Social workers empower individuals to function effectively through personal growth and development. They provide advocacy and education to help end oppression and promote self-determination. What do professionals strive to uphold for their clientele?

A)Self-worth
B)Rights and Responsibilities
C)Legislation
D)Legal action

Question 66

Social workers engage in organized action to improve working conditions and services to clients. Injustice related to unemployment, inhumane labor practices and workers' rights is challenged. What principle do professionals adhere to in regards to the basic rights of workers?

A)Appropriate labor practices
B)Non-discriminatory employment
C)Women's rights
D)Dignity and rights of workers

Question 67

One of the principles professionals adhere to in the promotion of social justice is the advocacy for basic human needs. Social workers pursue change on behalf of individuals to expand opportunity and choice. What group of people should be considered top priority?

A)Children under the age of 6
B)Poor and vulnerable individuals
C)Women
D)Non-majority ethnic groups

Question 68

Governance structures are imperative to promote human rights, dignity and the common good. Lower levels of government insure self-determination and empowerment. Higher levels provide leadership and set policies. What is the social worker's role?

A)Engagement in social and political action
B)Social workers are advised to not get involved
C)Government action is denied by the NASW Code of Ethics
D)Advise clients to take political action

Question 69

Social workers empower clients and groups to promote social justice. Human dignity requires that all individuals be assured a minimum level of what within the community?

A)Socialization
B)Employment
C)Participation
D)Government