Social Workers' Ethical Responsibilities to Colleagues
2.01 Respect
Respect: Treat colleagues with respect, representing their qualifications, views, and obligations fairly.
Avoid Negative Criticism: Avoid unwarranted negative comments about colleagues in all forms of communication, including verbal, written, and electronic.
Includes comments on competence, race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, political belief, religion, immigration status, and mental or physical ability.
Client Interactions: Do not side with clients who speak negatively about colleagues; gather all perspectives.
Collaboration: Cooperate with colleagues and other professionals to serve clients' well-being.
2.02 Confidentiality
Respect confidential information shared by colleagues.
Ensure colleagues understand social workers' obligation to confidentiality and its exceptions.
Maintain confidentiality similar to client confidentiality.
2.03 Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Participate and contribute to interdisciplinary teams for client well-being.
Attempt to resolve ethical concerns within the team; use appropriate channels if unresolved.
2.04 Disputes Involving Colleagues
Do not exploit disputes between colleagues and employers to advance personal interests.
Avoid involving clients in disputes with colleagues.
2.05 Consultation
Seek advice and counsel of colleagues when it's in the best interest of clients.
Be informed of colleagues' expertise; consult with knowledgeable colleagues.
Disclose the least amount of necessary information during consultations.
2.06 Sexual Relationships
Avoid sexual activities or contact with supervisees, students, trainees, or colleagues over whom you exercise professional authority.
Avoid sexual relationships with colleagues where conflicts of interest could arise; transfer responsibilities if necessary.
2.07 Sexual Harassment
Do not sexually harass supervisees, students, trainees, or colleagues.
Includes sexual advances, solicitations, requests for favors, and other inappropriate contacts.
2.08 Impairment of Colleagues
Consult and assist colleagues with impairments due to personal problems, substance abuse, or mental health issues.
If ongoing impairments affect practice, use appropriate channels (management, board) after consulting with the colleague.
2.09 Incompetence of Colleagues
Consult and assist incompetent colleagues in taking remedial action.
If incompetence persists, use appropriate channels (management, board) after consulting with the colleague.
2.10 Unethical Conduct of Colleagues
Discourage, prevent, expose, and correct unethical conduct, including conduct using technology.
Be familiar with policies for handling ethics complaints.
Seek resolution by discussing concerns with the colleague first, if feasible.
Use formal channels (state licensing board, regulatory body, NASW Ethics Committee) if necessary.
Defend colleagues unjustly charged with unethical conduct.
Conclusion
Continue to abide by and uphold these ethical responsibilities.
Stay tuned for more parts of the NASW Code of Ethics breakdown.