NASW Code Of Ethics

Go to the Code Next, it is important for the social worker to consult the NASW Code of Ethics. In this circumstance, the major ethical principles at play are dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, and integrity. Janet respects Sue’s right and ability to make her own decisions. She also values the importance of her friendship and working relationship with Sue, and understands that the relationship between Sue and Mike is not a positive one. Integrity plays a huge role for Janet, because she wants to behave in a trustworthy manner, but the main issue that is stopping her from doing so is adding to the suffering and loss that Sue is experiencing in her life. The context of the situation at hand is very important when

Even if she was hung over, and had not actually drank before work, I believe her competence would not be as easily noticed as if she were doing her job completely free of the influence of alcohol. My thoughts on this were highlighted by 1.01, which reminds us that our “primary responsibility is to promote the well-being of clients” (NASW, 2017). I want to ensure that each client is receiving the best possible care, and committing to their well-being, I believe, is the best way to do that. This commitment to the experience of clients can be defined as moral sensitivity, or “concern for a third party”, and is common among social workers (Fleck-Henderson,

As 2.01 states, a social worker must have respect for their colleagues. I believe that Janet respects Sue as a whole, and she felt concerned about “tattling” on her behavior as being a form of disrespect. The biggest part of the standard I considered, though, was 2.08. Janet has direct knowledge of Sue’s alcohol use, and has noticed that is interfering with her ability to practice. Since she has observed this and has already expressed her concerns to Sue, Janet is obligated to report to Mike for further action. I think it is important to remember that social workers not only have an obligation to their clients, but also their coworkers, because those colleagues are also responsible for providing the best possible care to clients.
Standard #3: Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities in Practice Settings Janet is expected to have a commitment to her employer, as stated in 3.09. Since she is committed to the agency and works to make it better, not worse, it is in everyone’s best interest for her to let her supervisor know of her coworker’s behaviors. Without thinking of this level of ethical standard, it could be tempting to view only the outcomes and consequences for Sue and the clients, and not for the agency as a whole. As I mentioned before, I personally am more a of a rule follower, so having an ethical responsibility to the practice setting is important.
Standard #4: