Section 3: Ethical Responsibilities and Practice Settings
3.01 Supervision and Consultation
A. Knowledge and Competence: Supervision or consultation should be provided by social workers who have the necessary skills and knowledge in their area of expertise.
B. Boundaries: Establish clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries.
C. Avoid Dual Relationships: Avoid relationships that risk exploitation or harm, especially in digital contexts.
D. Fair Evaluation: Evaluate supervisees' performance in a fair and respectful manner.
3.02 Education and Training
A. Competence in Instruction: Educators and field instructors should instruct within their field of expertise using the most current knowledge.
B. Client Awareness: Inform clients when a student is involved in their care as part of learning.
D. Boundaries with Students: Avoid dual relationships with students, maintain professional boundaries.
3.03 Performance Evaluation
Evaluate performance fairly, based on clear criteria, without personal bias.
3.04 Client Records
A. Accurate Documentation: Ensure electronic and paper records are accurate and reflect services provided.
B. Timely Documentation: Records should be timely to facilitate service delivery.
C. Protect Privacy: Document only relevant information to protect clients' privacy.
D. Record Storage: Maintain records as per relevant laws and policies.
3.05 Billing
Maintain accurate billing practices reflecting the services provided, including correct coding.
3.06 Client Transfer
A. Needs Consideration: Consider client's needs before taking over from another provider to minimize confusion.
B. Consultation with Previous Providers: Discuss with client whether consulting previous providers is beneficial.
3.07 Administration
A. Advocate for Resources: Ensure resources are adequate to meet clients' needs.
B. Fair Resource Allocation: Procedures should be fair and non-discriminatory.
C. Supervision Resources: Ensure resources are available for staff supervision.
D. Ethical Environment: Maintain a working environment that complies with NASW Code of Ethics.
3.08 Continuing Education and Staff Development
Provide or arrange continuing education to keep staff updated on social work practice and ethics.
3.09 Commitments to Employers
A. Adhere to Commitments: Follow through on promises made to employers.
B. Improve Policies: Work on improving agency policies and service efficiency.
C. Ethical Obligations Awareness: Ensure employers understand social workers’ ethical obligations.
D. Ethical Practice: Don’t let organizational policies interfere with ethical practice.
E. Prevent Discrimination: Advocate against discrimination in employment practices.
F. Ethical Employment: Accept positions at organizations with fair practices.
G. Stewardship of Resources: Manage resources ethically and responsibly.
3.10 Labor Management Disputes
A. Participation in Unions: Workers may engage in labor unions to improve services and conditions.
B. Ethical Guidance During Disputes: Actions during disputes should align with profession’s values and consider client impact.