case study

HSC/PAC 505

Ethical Case Scenario #2

Melissa and Brian work for a human services organization called People Helping Others (PHO) that focuses on helping individuals with intellectual disabilities. As part of their responsibilities, Melissa and Brian help others with training programs, housing placement, and job placement. As a matter of ethical practice and a condition of employment, they both signed a confidentiality agreement not to disclose information about their clients to anyone outside of PHO. After some time, Brian resigned from his position to work for another human services organization like PHO. Despite Brian’s departure, he and Melissa remained good friends having met for the occasional lunch to catch up on one another’s personal lives. After some time, Melissa noticed that fewer clients were scheduling time with her as if they were “dropping off the planet,” and she became concerned as she was paid by the number of hours spent with each client. Melissa somehow learned that Brian was “poaching” her clients so they could receive services from his organization. After some considerable thought, Melissa decided to confront Brian about what she perceives as his unethical behavior in taking her clients.

Based on the above scenario, answer each numbered item below with at least ½ page response for each question that is double-spaced. Use this document and type your answers below each question and submit to Blackboard when completed.

1. What do you see as the ethical dilemma(s) in this specific ethical case scenario? As part of your response, include what you see is happening that leads you to see them as ethical dilemma(s). (Share as many dilemmas that you see based on what is noted in the case. It might help to think of the layers related to the case.)

2. Referencing the NOHS Ethical Standards for Human Professionals, what are three codes that could apply to this scenario? As part of your response, include code themes, and share how they could apply to the scenario. (NOTE: Do not use codes selected in prior case studies. Select different but applicable codes for this scenario.)

3. Imagine that you are Melissa in the above scenario. What would be your initial reaction to this situation? How do you think you would proceed in such a situation?

4. Using proper citation format for a direct quote, share one direct quote from the ethics textbook for this course that could relate to the above scenario, and share why you think this quote is pertinent. (Reference not required, and response does not have to be ½ page.)