Professional Relationships, Values, and Ethics
What you must know
Know the NASW Code of Ethics core values: service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. Know the standards on informed consent, confidentiality and its limits (danger to self or others, abuse of vulnerable persons, court order), HIPAA, boundaries and dual relationships, conflicts of interest, competence and scope of practice, supervision, records, fees, and termination. Ethical decision-making models generally follow: identify the dilemma, consult the Code and relevant law, consult supervisors and colleagues, weigh cultural factors, choose the least harmful action, and document your reasoning. Self-determination is honored unless the client is a danger to self or others or gravely disabled. Cultural humility and social justice advocacy are ethical obligations, not optional extras.
Traps
- Accepting a friend as a client - a dual relationship that compromises objectivity.
- Disclosing to family without consent, or refusing to disclose when mandated.
- Assuming a minor can never consent to services - know state law and the exceptions.
- Following agency policy over the Code when the two conflict; the Code governs.
- Overlooking that supervisors retain responsibility for the supervisee's work.
- Discussing or posting case details that could identify a client.
Worked example
A client states an intent to seriously harm an identifiable person. Distractors say maintain confidentiality. The better answer is duty to protect: assess the threat, warn the intended victim and/or notify authorities as state law requires, and document. Rule of thumb: when law and ethics appear to conflict, follow the more protective standard and document your reasoning.