NASW Code of Ethics Breakdown - Part 10

Section 3: Social Workers' Ethical Responsibilities in Practice Settings

3.01 Supervision and Consultation

• A. Knowledge & Skills: Supervisors should possess necessary knowledge/skills and operate within their competence areas.
• B. Boundaries: Set clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries.
• C. Dual Relationships: Avoid relationships with supervisees that risk exploitation or harm, including through social media.
• D. Fair Evaluation: Performance evaluations should be fair and respectful.

3.02 Education and Training

• A. Competence in Teaching: Educators should teach only within their expertise and use current information.
• D. Boundaries with Students: Avoid dual relationships with students that risk exploitation or harm.

3.03 Performance Evaluation

• Evaluate others fairly, without bias, and based on clear criteria.

3.04 Client Records

• A. Accurate Documentation: Ensure records reflect accurate services provided.
• B. Timely Documentation: Facilitate service delivery and continuity.
• C. Privacy Protection: Include only relevant information to the service delivery.
• D. Record Storage: Follow legal/agency guidelines for record retention.

3.05 Billing

• Establish billing practices that accurately reflect services provided.

3.06 Client Transfer

• A. Service Needs: Carefully consider a client’s needs before taking on services already provided by another.
• B. Consultation: Discuss with clients if consulting with previous providers is in their best interest.

3.07 Administration

• A. Resource Advocacy: Advocate for adequate resources for client needs.
• B. Fair Resource Allocation: Ensure resource distribution is non-discriminatory.
• C. Supervision Resources: Ensure adequate supervision resources.
• D. Ethical Environment: Ensure compliance with NASW Code of Ethics.

3.08 Continuing Education and Staff Development

• Encourage ongoing education and development addressing current knowledge and practices.

3.09 Commitments to Employers

• A. Adhere to Commitments: Stick to employer commitments.
• B. Improve Policies: Strive to improve agency effectiveness and efficiency.
• C. Ethical Obligations: Inform employers of social worker ethical duties.
• D. Ethical Practice: Ensure organizational practices align with NASW ethics.
• E. Discrimination Prevention: Act against discrimination in assignments and employment.
• F. Fair Employment Practices: Accept placements only in fair-practice organizations.
• G. Resource Stewardship: Wisely manage and conserve organizational resources.

3.10 Labor Management Disputes

• A. Organized Action: Engage in actions to improve services and conditions, placing client interests first.
• B. Ethical Actions: Actions during disputes should adhere to ethical standards and consider client impact.

Summary: Social workers must maintain ethical practices in supervision, education, administration, and client interactions, ensuring fairness, competence, and adherence to the NASW Code of Ethics at all times. Advocacy for adequate resources and fair employment practices are essential, while ongoing education should be prioritized. Ethical considerations should guide actions in labor disputes and client transfers.