Social Work Ethics and Vulnerable Groups in the Time of COVID-19

Course overview

This course is based upon material published in the journal Society Register and is available as an open-access article. Abstract: The profession of social work is dedicated to the betterment of society and to the protection of marginalized and vulnerable groups. The professions mission is detailed in the set of seven core values: service; social justice; dignity and work of the person; importance of human relationships; integrity; and competence. Relationships between people and among groups are the primary tools of social work assessment, intervention and evaluation. In the time of coronavirus and COVID-19, there are many challenges for professional practitioners to adhere to social works core values as well as to maintain their own health and welfare in a time of uncertain and rapidly changing situations. This paper will examine the challenges and innovations for each social work core value and present ideas for innovation and adaptation suited to these times. The paper will present challenges and innovations using examples of two community agencies providing services to people who are homeless and addicted. In summary we will offer some insights and expectations for the future of social work in the coming years, after this experience of coronavirus and COVID-19. This course on ethics and vulnerable groups in social work practice is specifically designed for social workers. It may also be useful for other behavioral health professionals such as professional counselors, psychologists, nurses, and substance abuse counselors, who do clinical work and need continuing education in boundaries and client rights - topics that are appropriate for all areas of behavioral health practice. This course is appropriate for beginning, intermediate and advanced level practitioners who wish to enhance their skills in the area of boundaries. It may also be useful for licensed clinicians who require ethics continuing clinical education courses for license renewal. Authors: Farkas and Romaniuk Learning Objectives: This course will provide the practitioner with detailed information regarding ethics and vulnerable groups boundaries, in social work practice. Specifically, a professional will: Describe the core values of social work. Identify challenges for behavioral health practitioners in relation to COVID-19 Recognize methods for solving ethical problems with vulnerable groups. Citation: Farkas, K.J. and Romaniuk, J.R. (2020). Social work, ethics and vulnerable groups in the time of coronavirus and COVID-19. Society Register, 4(2) 67-82.