Essential Skills for Social Work Practice

SOCW 6101: Essential Skills for Social Work Practice

Discussion: Resolving Ethical Dilemmas

If there is a right and wrong answer, there is no ethical dilemma. An ethical dilemma occurs when one or more competing ethical principles must be considered and weighed against each other.

Social workers serve individuals, families, and communities who experience complex problems for which there are rarely simple solutions, or right or wrong answers. As such, social workers use the NASW Code of Ethics to identify the various ethical principles and standards that will guide ethical decision making.

In this Discussion, you apply social work ethics as you analyze an ethical dilemma.

To Prepare

Consider the ethical decision-making framework outlined in this week’s resources, including Figure 1.1 on page 439 of Kirst-Ashman and Hull.

Select one of the following options, and then engage in the first few steps of the ethical decision-making process, including consultation with colleagues through your response posts.

Option 1

As technology advances, so do the ways that social workers can connect with clients. Is it acceptable to look at a client’s activities on social media or seek information through an internet search? Should a social worker allow clients to contact them by text or e-mail? How does a social worker’s personal social media presence influence the worker/client relationship?

Option 2

Consider the presence of dual relationships in social work practice. What are examples of nonharmful and harmful dual relationships between clients and workers? How do social workers determine if dual relationships are harmful to a client?

Option 3

Your Instructor will post a social work ethical dilemma related to a current event.

By Day 3

Post a response to the following:

Describe a specific ethical dilemma based on one of the options above.

Describe the ethical issues in the option chosen.

Identify specific values or ethical standards that apply.

Identify who is likely to be affected by the ethical dilemma.

Describe potential courses of action.

Examine reasons in favor of or opposed to the course of action.

Support your post with examples from the course text and any other resources used to respond to this Discussion. Demonstrate that you have completed the required readings, understand the material, and are able to apply the concepts. Include a full reference of resources at the bottom of the post.

Social Media and Ethical Considerations

Walden’s MSW Social Media Policy

A student’s presence on and use of social media reflects on the MSW program and the social

work profession; therefore, behavior on social media will be held to the same professional

standards and student code of conduct expectations. Social Work professionals, including

students, are expected to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics related to virtual communications.

Students should use social work values and principles, as well as specific agency policy, to guide

their social media interactions.

Students need to consider the ethical consequences of their own social media use, as well as use

of social media in practice. Be aware of and follow agency policies regarding the use of social

media. Before using social media communication tools on behalf of a field agency, students

must seek agency approval of any messages or posts.

Walden MSW students are expected to adhere to the ethical standards outlined in the NASW

Code of Ethics. Common ethical issues that social workers need to understand and manage when

utilizing social media include, but are not limited to, privacy and confidentiality (Section 1.07),

conflicts of interest and dual relationships (Section 1.06), and informed consent (Section 1.03).

There is significant risk of unintentionally sharing protected information when using social

media. Be cautious when posting information about an agency. Never post confidential or

private information about clients or colleagues, even using pseudonyms.

Students need to remain aware of professional boundaries even when participating in social

media in their personal time. Managing “friend” requests and maintaining privacy settings is

critical regardless of whether a student uses social media for personal or professional reasons.

According to the Code of Ethics, “social workers should not engage in dual or multiple

relationships…in which there is a risk of exploitation or potential harm to the client…and social

workers…are responsible for setting clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries”

(1.06c). The Code of Ethics further clarifies use of technology as related to 1.06 Conflicts of

Interest:

(e) Social workers should avoid communication with clients using technology (such as

social networking sites, online chat, e-mail, text messages, telephone, and video) for

personal or non-work-related purposes.

(f) Social workers should be aware that posting personal information on professional

Web sites or other media might cause boundary confusion, inappropriate dual

relationships, or harm to clients.

(g) Social workers should be aware that personal affiliations may increase the likelihood

that clients may discover the social worker’s presence on Web sites, social media, and

other forms of technology. Social workers should be aware that involvement in electronic

communication with groups based on race, ethnicity, language, sexual orientation, gender

identity or expression, mental or physical ability, religion, immigration status, and other

personal affiliations may affect their ability to work effectively with particular clients.

(h) Social workers should avoid accepting requests from or engaging in personal

relationships with clients on social networking sites or other electronic media to prevent

boundary confusion, inappropriate dual relationships, or harm to clients.

The NASW Code of Ethics goes on to state, “Social workers should respect clients’ right to

privacy. Social workers should not solicit private information from clients unless it is essential

to providing services” (1.07a). Social work students should consider the ethics of obtaining

information about a client through social media means. According to the NASW Code of Ethics,

“Social workers should obtain client consent before conducting an electronic search on the client.

Exceptions may arise when the search is for purposes of protecting the client or other people

from serious, foreseeable, and imminent harm, or for other compelling professional reasons”

(1.03i).

Students are encouraged to further review the NASW, ASWB, CSWE, and CSWA Standards for

Technology in Social Work Practice