Integrity in Professional Practice
Honesty in interpersonal communication is one belief or attitude that demonstrates the social work value of integrity. Hepworth et al. (2013) states that we must “encourage ethical practices in [our] own agencies” (p. 80). Social work is a profession that functions in different contexts with a variety of participants in different situations and each may possess different cultures, ideas and viewpoints. These different aspects of social work result from a due to a number of access to resources, professional protocols, social problems, theoretical frameworks, legislature and funding sources.
Social work is also affected by the organizational context in which it takes place. As social workers, we may work …show more content…
An example of an ethical dilemma I have experienced that reflects the importance of recognizing ethical dilemmas was related to a 17 year old male I was working with. The man, whom we shall refer to as Bob, came to me in order to access needle exchange. Confidentiality had been discussed at the beginning our relationship, including the limits to confidentiality. It was evident that Bob was not doing well. He had been having a difficult time with housing. He refused to stay at a local shelter because he felt safer sleeping on the street due to sexual abuse. It was winter and temperature often plummeted to -50 with the wind chill. At one point, Bob had passed out on the street with pneumonia that winter. He brought half a dozen needles to exchange. Bob informed me that evening that he intended to use the needles to get high and then shoot himself. As per agency policy, all weapons were handed in to my office except guns which were not allowed at all. I was aware that the limits of confidentiality applied. Additionally, I reflected on whether Bob had shared the information under the assumption that it would be confidential. Good rapport and trust had …show more content…
Shebib (2014) also makes reference to working within one’s skills and abilities as well. My understanding of professional suitability in relation to social work includes possessing the skills, values and attributes that are consistent with the profession of social work. That is, being fit for practice consistent with values and ethics outlined by the social work code of conduct. This includes ethical behavior, non-judgmental behavior, professional conduct and compliance with college policies. Ensuring professional suitability not only benefits the individual but the community as well; as they have the benefit of professional, qualified and ethical practitioners providing
Honesty in interpersonal communication is one belief or attitude that demonstrates the social work value of integrity. Hepworth et al. (2013) states that we must “encourage ethical practices in [our] own agencies” (p. 80). Social work is a profession that functions in different contexts with a variety of participants in different situations and each may possess different cultures, ideas and viewpoints. These different aspects of social work result from a due to a number of access to resources, professional protocols, social problems, theoretical frameworks, legislature and funding sources.
Social work is also affected by the organizational context in which it takes place. As social workers, we may work …show more content…
An example of an ethical dilemma I have experienced that reflects the importance of recognizing ethical dilemmas was related to a 17 year old male I was working with. The man, whom we shall refer to as Bob, came to me in order to access needle exchange. Confidentiality had been discussed at the beginning our relationship, including the limits to confidentiality. It was evident that Bob was not doing well. He had been having a difficult time with housing. He refused to stay at a local shelter because he felt safer sleeping on the street due to sexual abuse. It was winter and temperature often plummeted to -50 with the wind chill. At one point, Bob had passed out on the street with pneumonia that winter. He brought half a dozen needles to exchange. Bob informed me that evening that he intended to use the needles to get high and then shoot himself. As per agency policy, all weapons were handed in to my office except guns which were not allowed at all. I was aware that the limits of confidentiality applied. Additionally, I reflected on whether Bob had shared the information under the assumption that it would be confidential. Good rapport and trust had …show more content…
Shebib (2014) also makes reference to working within one’s skills and abilities as well. My understanding of professional suitability in relation to social work includes possessing the skills, values and attributes that are consistent with the profession of social work. That is, being fit for practice consistent with values and ethics outlined by the social work code of conduct. This includes ethical behavior, non-judgmental behavior, professional conduct and compliance with college policies. Ensuring professional suitability not only benefits the individual but the community as well; as they have the benefit of professional, qualified and ethical practitioners providing