Ethical Social Work Practice, Part I

Course overview

Social workers bring personal and professional values to practice. The foundation of treatment is based on values, principles, beliefs and ideas about self, and relationships with others and the world. The relational nature of the practitioner-client alliance adds complexity to the work and requires a degree of understanding, tolerance and sensitivity to alternative beliefs, attitudes and values. Left unexamined, these values can affect the practitioner-client relationship, and lead to unethical practice behavior. The National Association of Social Workers outlines standards of ethical social work practice. These guidelines provide general direction toward ethical conduct; however, clinicians must still use professional judgment to navigate through difficult or ambiguous situations. Self-reflection and professional development are essential to understanding and behaving within the boundaries of ethical practice.