Professionalism Report

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University of Phoenix *

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220

Subject

Sociology

Date

Jan 9, 2024

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docx

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4

Uploaded by MiriamElrajehi23

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Professionalism Report Scenario 1: Receiving a Gift from a Client Identification of Values and Ethical Principles: In this scenario, the following principles from the NASW Code of Ethics are relevant: Conflicts of Interest: Social workers should avoid conflicts of interest that could impair their professional judgment or increase the risk of exploitation. Personal Relationships: Social workers should avoid relationships with clients that could impair their professional judgment or increase the risk of harm to clients. Explanation of Ethical Dilemma: The ethical dilemma in this scenario arises from the fact that accepting a gift from the client could potentially blur the professional boundaries between the social worker and the client. It could lead to a conflict of interest where the social worker's professional judgment might be influenced by personal considerations. Professional Responsibility and Course of Action: As a social worker, it is my responsibility to maintain professional boundaries and avoid conflicts of interest. In this case, I would politely decline the gift and explain to the client the importance of keeping our relationship professional for their best interest. I would also document this incident and discuss it with my supervisor to ensure transparency and accountability. Scenario 2: Barter Arrangement Identification of Relevant Values and Ethical Principles: The primary objective of social workers, according to the NASW Code of Ethics, is to help people in need and address social problems. They are guided by the following values and ethical principles: - Service: The primary goal of social workers is to assist individuals in need and address social issues. - Dignity and Worth of the Person: Social workers acknowledge the inherent dignity and worth of every individual. - Integrity: Social workers act in a trustworthy manner. - Competence: Social workers practice within their areas of expertise and continually develop their professional expertise. The ethical standards that apply to this scenario include: - Informed Consent: Social workers should only provide services to clients within a professional relationship based on valid informed consent. - Payment for Services: Social workers should ensure that their fees are fair, reasonable, and commensurate with the services they provide. Explanation of Ethical Dilemma:
This scenario poses an ethical dilemma because the client is unable to pay for services but is willing to provide free yard care services in exchange. This barter arrangement can be ethically complex. The following ethical principles are involved: - Autonomy: Within legal and ethical boundaries, the client has the right to decide how they wish to compensate for the services. - Beneficence: The social worker has a responsibility to assist the client but must also consider the potential implications of accepting the barter arrangement. - Non-maleficence: The social worker must ensure that the barter arrangement does not harm the client or exploit their financial situation. - Justice: The social worker must ensure that the arrangement is fair and equitable. Professional Behaviors: As a social worker, I would handle this ethical dilemma by first referring to the Code to guide my decision-making process. I would discuss the situation with my supervisor and seek advice from colleagues. I would consider whether the barter arrangement would be in the client's best interests, considering their financial situation and the value of the yard care services. I would explain the potential implications of the barter arrangement to the client and ensure they understood and agreed to the terms. I would document the arrangement in the client's record, including the rationale for accepting the barter arrangement and the steps taken to ensure it was ethical and fair. Scenario 3: Romantic Feelings Between a Social Worker and a Client Identification of Values and Ethical Principles: The NASW Code of Ethics provides guidance for social workers to handle ethical dilemmas. In this particular scenario, the following principles and values are relevant: - Value: Dignity and Worth of the Person - This value emphasizes respect for each individual's unique qualities and autonomy. The client's feelings must be acknowledged, but the social worker must also maintain professional boundaries. - Ethical Principle: Social workers' primary responsibility is to promote the well-being of clients - This principle is relevant because the social worker's feelings may interfere with their ability to provide effective services. - Ethical Standard: Sexual Relationships - This standard explicitly prohibits sexual relationships with current clients, which is directly relevant to this scenario. Explanation of the Ethical Dilemma This scenario presents an ethical dilemma because the social worker's personal feelings for the client conflict with their professional responsibilities. The social worker must balance their personal emotions with their duty to maintain professional boundaries and provide effective services. The ethical principles involved include:
Beneficence and Nonmaleficence: The social worker must act in the best interest of the client and avoid causing harm. If the social worker pursues a romantic relationship with the client, it could harm the client and disrupt their progress. Fidelity and Responsibility: The social worker has a responsibility to uphold professional standards and trust. Entering a romantic relationship with a client would breach this trust. Integrity: The social worker should act honestly and adhere to professional values. Acting on romantic feelings would compromise this integrity. Professional Responsibility and Course of Action: As a social worker, it is crucial to handle dilemmas professionally and responsibly. To ensure this, my course of action would involve seeking guidance from a supervisor or ethics board, consulting with peers, and evaluating the potential impact on the client. I would also make sure to reinforce professional boundaries and, if necessary, refer the client to another social worker.
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References: Barsky, A. (2017, July 5). Ethics alive - gifts from clients: The good, the bad, and the ethically ugly . SocialWorker.com. https://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/ethics- articles/ethics-alive-gifts-from-clients-the-good-the-bad-the-ethically-ugly/#:~:text=Some %20agencies%20allow%20gifts%20to,case%2Dby%2Dcase%20basis. Ibarra, V., McDonald, K., SocialWorker.com, Washburn, K. A., Rick, Mohammed, S., Sheppard, S. V., Jt, Brandon, Chamberlain, C., Stephanie, & Vazquez, T. (2018, October 12). Client relationships and ethical boundaries for social workers . SocialWorker.com. https://www.socialworker.com/feature-articles/ethics- articles/Client_Relationships_and_Ethical_Boundaries_for_Social_Workers_in_Child_Wel fare/ NASW Code of Ethics . NASW, National Association of Social Workers. (n.d.). https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics- English#purpose Professional organizations’ codes of ethics on bartering in psychotherapy and counseling by Ofer Zur, ph.D.. Dr. Ofer Zur. (2018, December 11). https://drzur.com/ethics-of-bartering- in-therapy/#:~:text=Social%20workers%20should%20avoid%20accepting,social %20workers%27%20relationships%20with%20clients.