etical issue
Standards in the Profession: Skill Standards,
Credentialing, Program Accreditation,
and Ethical Standards
Chapter Three
Learning Objectives (slide 1 of 2)
LO 1: Understand the importance that Skill Standards have in producing positive client outcomes
LO 2: Understand the different types of credentialing, identify the importance of credentials, and specify credentials in the human service and related fields
LO 3: Understand the process of program accreditation and appreciate why accreditation can lead to more effective human service professionals
LO 4: Explore the development of ethical codes and understand their importance when working with the public
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Learning Objectives (slide 2 of 2)
LO 5: Become familiar with different ethical decision-making models in order to be effective in this sometimes complex decision-making process
LO 6: Embrace the notion of lifelong learning and being competent as noted in the NOHS ethical code
LO 7: Understand the importance of actively supporting standards such as program Skill Standards, credentialing, accreditation, and ethical standards
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Skill Standards
12 competency areas (see Activity 3.1)
Participant empowerment
Communication
Assessment
Community and service networking
Facilitation of services
Community and living skills and supports
Education, training, and self-development
Advocacy
Vocational education and career support
Crisis intervention
Organizational participation
Documentation
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Credentialing (slide 1 of 7)
Credentialing has many benefits for both the consumer and helper
Credentialing delimits the field
Credentialing identifies competence
Credentialing increases professionalism
Credentialing leads to parity
Credentialing offers protection of the public
The two most common types of credentials are certification and licensure
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Credentialing (slide 2 of 7)
Certification
Formal recognition that an individual has met predetermined standards of professionalism
Attests to competence, but does not define the scope or practice of a professional
Often requires a fee to maintain
May require continuing education to maintain
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Credentialing (slide 3 of 7)
Licensure
Generally regulated by the states
In mental health, may involve becoming an LPC, an LCSW, a doctorate in psychology (licensed psychologist) or a medical degree (licensed physician and/or board-certified psychiatrist)
Can define the scope of professional responsibilities
Makes it easier to obtain third-party (insurance) reimbursement
Requirements for licensure may vary from state to state
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Credentialing (slide 4 of 7)
Credentialing in the Human Services
2008 – Center for Credentialing and Education (CCE), with NOHS and CSHSE, developed the Human Service – Board Certified Practitioner (HS-BCP) credential
Certification can be earned by anyone with an associate’s, bachelor’s, or master’s degree
The post-educational requirements differ based on the degree (See Table 3.1)
After passing the exam, those with the HS-BCP must earn 60 hours of continuing education every 5 years
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Credentialing (slide 5 of 7)
Selected Credentials in Related Helping Professions
Substance abuse counselor and other state credentials
Master Addiction Counselor (MAC)
Administered by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC)
Credentialing for a master’s degree in counseling
Certified or licensed school counselor
Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC)
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
Certified Family Therapist (CFT)
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
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Credentialing (slide 6 of 7)
Selected Credentials in Related Helping Professions
Credentialing for a master’s degree in social work
Academy of Certified Social Workers (ACSW)
Qualified Clinical Social Worker (QCSW)
Diplomate in Clinical Social Work (DCSW)
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Credentialing as a school psychologist and as a counseling or clinical psychologist
Different state requirements to become a licensed psychologist
Some states authorize prescription privileges for people with this license
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Credentialing (slide 7 of 7)
Selected Credentials in Related Helping Professions
Credentialing as a psychiatrist
Earns a medical degree (MD) and is a licensed physician
Can become board certified in psychiatry
Credentialing as a psychiatric-mental health nurse
Psychiatric mental health nurse
Basic
Advanced
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN)
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Program Accreditation
Accreditation is a rigorous process that involves a self-study, a visit from an accreditation team, and recommendations to the board of directors of the accrediting body
Benefits to students and programs (see pp. 56-57)
Accreditation in HS began in 1979 and there are currently about 45 programs with full accreditation
Movements are being made to get more accredited programs through CSHSE
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Ethical Standards (slide 1 of 2)
The Development of Ethical Codes
First began in the mid 20th century with the APA code of ethics (1953)
Purposes of the ethical code:
Protect consumers and further professional standing of the organization
Making a statement about maturity and identity of the profession
Guiding professionals toward behaviors and actions that reflect underlying professional values
Offering a framework for the sometimes difficult ethical decision-making process
Serving as a measure of defense if the professional is sued for malpractice
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Ethical Standards (slide 2 of 2)
The Development of Ethical Codes
Drawbacks of the ethical code:
Does not address some issues and offers no clear way of responding to other issues
Periodically has conflicts within the same code, between two related codes, between the code and the law, or between the code and a helper’s value system
Sometimes difficult to enforce code violations
Does not include the public in code construction and does not always take public’s interest into account
Has a difficult time keeping up with and addressing “cutting edge” issues
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Ethical Decision Making (slide 1 of 3)
Problem-Solving Model (Corey, et al. (2015)
Identify problem or dilemma
Identify potential issues involved
Review relevant ethical guidelines
Know applicable laws and regulations
Obtain consultation
Consider possible and probably courses of action
Enumerate consequences of various decisions
Decide on the best course of action
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Ethical Decision Making (slide 2 of 3)
Principle and Virtue Ethics Model (Kitchener)
Autonomy protects independence, self-determination, and freedom of choice for clients
Nonmaleficence is the concept of “do no harm”
Beneficence relates to the promoting the good of society
Justice involves equal and fair treatment to all clients
Fidelity is related to maintaining trust and being committed to clients
Veracity being truthful and genuine with the client within the counseling relationship
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Ethical Decision Making (slide 3 of 3)
Developmental Models (Kohlberg; Perry; Kagen)
Lower-level helpers
Dualism – black and white thinking; concreteness; rigidity; oversimplification; stereotyping; self-protectiveness; authoritarianism
Higher-level helpers
Relativism (commitment in relativism) – more complex thinking; open to differing opinions; flexible; empathetic; sensitive to the context of an ethical dilemma; nondogmatic
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Ethical, Professional, and Legal Issues: Competence and Qualifications as a Professional
A human service professional must maintain competence and have a thirst for ongoing knowledge
Lifelong learning is essential
Be a member of professional associations
Subscribe to and read professional journals
Attend workshops and participate in continuing education
Obtain appropriate credentials
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The Effective Human Service Professional: Professionally Committed, Ethically Assured
Commitment to growth and competence must be real, not just lip service
Just know ethical guidelines and commit self to ethical behaviors
Supports standards of accreditation, credentialing, and Skill Standards
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