(Modules 5 and 6)
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academic_appeal_letter.docxForum 3 (Modules 5 and 6)
In the subsequent module/week, you will post 3 meaningful replies of at least 150 words each to at least 3 classmates’ threads. All references must be in current APA format.
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Per Merriam-Webster, Ethics is defined as a set of moral principles: a theory or system of moral values. The bible simplifies Ethics to being kindhearted, sympathetic and brotherly. In 1 Peter 3:8 it says “To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit;” A code of Ethics is a set of guidelines or rules created by an organization that addresses proper actions to ethical situations. The bible states a code of ethics to all human beings known as the Ten Commandments. The Ten Commandments are introduced in Exodus 24”12-“And the LORD said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give thee tables of stone, and a law,and commandments which I have written; that thou mayest teach them.” The American Society of Public Administration (ASPA) states a code of ethics for all human beings in a profession of public service. There are 8 principles that the ASPA commits its members to uphold which was revised 2013 from the 5 principles in 1994 (ASPA, 2016). In comparison to the bible the ASPA code of ethics are very similar to the ten commandments. The purpose of the code is to organize a set of rules to remind its members what conduct is acceptable to maintain employment. The ten commandments is a set of rules for all human beings that reminds us what is acceptable to maintain purity in the eyes of God. In a sense, we are employed by God to love one another and treat each other with respect while helping others through their hard times. This following the words in Galatians 6:2 “Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ and in 1 Thessalonians 5:11-14 “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.” Those of us in Public service are stewards of empathy and compassion to those in need. Although, there are many similarities with the ASPA code of ethics and the Ten Commandments on a moral level they are both a list of rules. One being man made and the other being God made. Even though, the code of ethics is based on moral standards that when followed will give us joy of knowing we are doing good, they are still just a list of rules created by man which only allows us to conform to man’s words and makes it less desirable to be followed. We see a perfect example of that in Mark 7:7 when Jesus says to the Pharisees “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.”
As a Human Service worker we have to following and understand the purpose the rules of God along with the rules of our organization with the insight of knowing that both are created guidelines to love each other, support each other and treat each other kindly. One list being followed will give us satisfaction in our job here on earth but the other will give us the fulfillment to eternal life with God.
References:
The American Society of Public Administration (2016). Code of Ethics. Retrieved from http://www.aspanet.org/ASPA/Code-of-Ethics/ASPA/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics.aspx?hkey=5b8f046b-dcbd-416d-87cd-0b8fcfacb5e7
Merriam Webster Dictionary. (2015). Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/
Michael Jordan
The way we operate when working with people in our profession is not only a reflection of who we are, but also a reflection of Christ working in and through us. The human services standards are guidelines to follow and can in many ways be comparable to fit into biblical guidelines. From the National Organization of Human Services website, the first standard is:
STANDARD 1 Human service professionals recognize and build on client and community strengths.
1 Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (NIV).
If we look at our clients and the people that we work for as children of God instead of just statistics, we begin to see them in a different light. Then we can focus in on what makes a client or community better. This then helps to not only strengthen those involved, but it contributes to enriching the professional as well.
This enhancement is helping those working in human services to be proactive in future casework. The way that this verse may differ is that not all people are holy in their lives, but through a worker that is centered in Christ, he or she can in some way affect the clients and community involved.
STANDARD 3 Human service professionals protect the client's right to privacy and confidentiality except when such confidentiality would cause serious harm to the person or others when agency guidelines state otherwise, or under other stated conditions (e.g., local, state, or federal laws). Human service professionals inform clients of the limits of confidentiality before the onset of the helping relationship.
Proverbs 27:5, “Better is open rebuke than hidden love” (NIV).
Part of the process of serving a client is acknowledging that we must be straight forward in our approaches. Maintaining our concern for our client’s well-being and letting them know that certain information that is harmful will need to be reported.
In Proverbs 27:5 (NIV) we need to be empathetic, but we also need to be diligent. We are causing more harm than good if we are not upfront with the standards that help to protect our clients. In return, we help ourselves to remember our position in the client and staff relationship.
STANDARD 10 Human service professionals provide services without discrimination or preference in regards to age, ethnicity, culture, race, ability, gender, language preference, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, nationality, or other historically oppressed groups.
John 13:34, “"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (NIV).
When we love as Christ instructed us to love we do not put preferences on who that love is extended to in the work we do. Not only is the advice from Jesus our Lord, but it is also an established code of law. In both circumstances, biblically and in our modern culture we adhere to the rights of all people to be treated equally.
STANDARD 23 To the extent possible, human service professionals adhere to commitments made to their employers.
Hebrews 13:17, “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you” (NIV).
When we are seeking to work with integrity toward our employers and the ones we serve God is pleased with us. Both standards are similar because He will continue to bless our work if we are doing our best to be obedient to those in authority over us.
STANDARD 28 Human service professionals seek appropriate consultation and supervision to assist in decision-making when there are legal, ethical or other dilemmas.
Proverbs 18:15— “The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out” (NIV).
When we are unwilling to seek out consultation among our authorities, we are limiting ourselves in our efforts to serve others. When it comes to making difficult decisions among other things in life, we need to inquire of others who are knowledgeable to help us carry out the right choices .
National Organization for Human Services. (2015), Ethical Standards for Human Service Professionals. Retrieved from: http://www.nationalhumanservices.org/ethical-standards-for-hs-professionals
Pamela Williams
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The Code of Ethics in the Human Services informs us of the conduct expected on a professional level. However, it does not have a governing power but the members agree to abide by the rules that are set forth. The rules are put in place to protect and make sure that everyone is treated fairly. The National Organization for Human Services was put in place to reunite different groups of people from all types of backgrounds (Wark, 2010). The main purpose of ethical standards is to make sure that everyone is treated with respect and dignity. However, making sure that no harm or danger comes to no one (Martin, 2014, 53).
The Bible scriptures that inform us on how to treat our neighbor are as follow:
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32, King James).
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12 King James).
“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them” (Luke 6:31, King James).
“Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, you let not your heart be glad when he stumbles” (Proverbs 24:17, King James) .
“Love one another with brother affection. Outdo one another in showing honor” (Romans 12:10, King James).
The Bible Standards and the Code of Ethics are the same. We need to love man as God has loved us.
References
Wark, L. (2010). The ethical standards for human service professionals: Past and future. Journal of Human Services, 30(1). 18.
Martin, M. E. (2014). Introduction to Human Services: Through the eyes of practice settings, (3rd. ed.). New Jersey: Pearson Education
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