Overview
This lecture outlines the mission, values, and guiding ethical principles of the social work profession, emphasizing the NASW Code of Ethics and its application in practice.
Mission and Core Values of Social Work
- The primary mission of social work is to enhance human well-being, focusing on vulnerable, oppressed, and impoverished populations.
- Social work uniquely focuses on both individual well-being in a social context and societal well-being.
- Attention to environmental forces influencing life problems is fundamental to social work.
- Core values: service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence.
- Social workers promote social justice and change, confronting discrimination, oppression, and poverty.
Purpose of the NASW Code of Ethics
- Articulates basic values, ethical principles, and standards guiding social workers' conduct.
- Applies to all social workers and students, regardless of role or setting.
- Identifies core values, summarizes ethical principles, assists in resolving conflicts, and establishes accountability.
- Introduces new practitioners to professional standards and encourages ongoing education and self-care.
- Provides means to assess and address unethical conduct within the profession.
Ethical Decision Making and Professional Conduct
- Ethical decision making requires informed judgment and consideration of all relevant values, principles, and standards.
- Conflicts may arise between ethical obligations and laws or agency policies; consultation and responsible resolution are required.
- The NASW Code is a guide, not an exhaustive rulebook; context and complexity must be considered.
- Ethical conduct should stem from personal commitment, not merely adherence to rules.
- Peer review processes address alleged violations separately from legal proceedings.
Technology and Self-Care in Social Work
- Social workers should understand how ethical standards apply to technology-assisted services (e.g., email, video, social media).
- Self-care is essential for competent and ethical practice due to demanding work environments and exposure to trauma.
- Organizations should support self-care through appropriate policies and resources.
Ethical Principles Based on Core Values
- Service: Helping people in need and addressing social problems is the profession's main goal.
- Social Justice: Promote social change, especially for the vulnerable and oppressed, focusing on issues like poverty and discrimination.
- Dignity and Worth: Treat each person with respect, honor cultural diversity, and support clients’ self-determination.
- Human Relationships: Recognize and strengthen human relationships as a vehicle for change.
- Integrity: Behave in a trustworthy, honest, and responsible manner, including self-care.
- Competence: Practice within areas of expertise and continuously seek professional development.
Key Terms & Definitions
- NASW — National Association of Social Workers, which sets the Code of Ethics.
- Social Justice — The pursuit of equality and fairness for all, especially the vulnerable and oppressed.
- Self-determination — Supporting clients in making their own choices.
- Peer Review — A process of evaluating professional conduct by colleagues within the field.
- Technology-assisted Social Work — Services delivered via digital or electronic methods.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the full NASW Code of Ethics for detailed standards.
- Reflect on potential ethical dilemmas and consider consultation resources.
- Assess personal and organizational self-care practices.
- Stay updated on ethical considerations for technology use in practice.