SOCIAL WORK

Social Work

It is guided by principles and values that ensure ethical practice. It is about helping ethically.

Principles

Guide how social workers act in specific situations.

Values

Provide the moral compass behind these actions.

Principle of Acceptance

Social workers accept clients as they are. Demonstrated through empathy, respect, and genuine concern.

Principle of Individualization

Every client is unique and must be treated as such.

Principle of Self-Determination

Clients have the right to make their own decisions.

Principle of Non-Judgmental Attitude

Avoid labeling clients as “good” or “bad.”

Principle of Confidentiality

Protecting client information is vital.

Value of Service

Prioritizing client needs over self-interest.

Value of Social Justice

Advocating for equality and rights.

Value of Dignity and Worth

Respect for every human life, regardless of background.

 Value of Human Relationships

Trust and respect are central to effective intervention.

Value of Integrity

Acting honestly, responsibly, and ethically.

Value of Competence

Practicing within one’s area of skill and striving for improvement.

Social Work

Helping people and institutions improve social functioning. Focuses on relationships and interaction with the social environment.

Caring

Providing support to those in need, especially vulnerable and marginalized sectors

Curing

 Addressing personal or social issues that hinder individuals from living well.

Changing

Promoting long-term transformation in society through advocacy, policy reform, and empowerment

Child Welfare & Protection

Focuses on adoption, foster care, residential care, and services to abused, abandoned, or neglected children.

Income Maintenance & Poverty Alleviation

Ensures financial aid and support to poor families to meet basic needs.

Family & Individual Counseling

Strengthens families, prevents breakdown, and provides emotional support.

Community Development & Social Advocacy

Works with communities to empower citizens, address poverty, and build resilience.

Protective Services During Disasters & Crises

Provides emergency relief, psychosocial support, and recovery services during calamities.

Hospitals & Clinics

Social workers provide psychosocial support, connect patients to resources, and help families cope with financial/medical stress. They coordinate with doctors, nurses, and health institutions to ensure holistic patient care. Support outpatient clients dealing with chronic illnesses, family health issues, or mental health conditions. They help clients access resources, facilitate therapy referrals, and organize health education.

Rehabilitation & Residential Facilities

Help individuals recover from substance abuse, trauma, or disability. Provide case management, counseling, and reintegration planning. Residential facilities also cater to orphans, elderly, and abused women/children. Social workers ensure residents receive medical, emotional, and social support.

Non-Residential Facilities

Community-based interventions without long-term stay. Provide counseling, livelihood, and training programs. These community-based institutions provide daytime programs for individuals with special needs, disabilities, or behavioral problems without requiring full-time residency.

Government Organizations & Public Offices

Agencies implement welfare, poverty reduction, and social protection programs. National and local government agencies deliver social welfare, disaster response, and poverty alleviation programs. Social workers act as policy implementers and community facilitators.

Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and Advocacy Groups

Address social issues, human rights, and marginalized sectors. NGOs operate independently from government, addressing social issues like poverty, housing, gender equality, and human rights. Social workers manage projects, conduct community assessments, and advocate for policy reform.

Military Institutions & Camps

Assist military personnel, veterans, and their families with trauma and reintegration.

Welfare Agencies & Response Units

Provide relief during disasters, calamities, and emergencies. Public/private institutions ensure the social and economic security of vulnerable populations. They implement livelihood programs, relief services, and family welfare interventions. Response Units are teams organized during emergencies, disasters, or pandemics to provide immediate social services and relief.

 Educational Institutions (Schools, Learning & Training Centers)

Promote student well-being, handle cases of bullying, and support families. Assist students with personal, academic, and behavioral challenges. They collaborate with teachers, counselors, and families to promote well-being & prevent dropout.

Private Offices

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives often need social workers for employee assistance and community outreach.

Rights

Moral and legal entitlements due to every human being.

Responsibility

Duty to act ethically and competently in the service of others.

Accountability

Willingness to be answerable for professional decisions.

Integrity

Acting honestly and ethically even when no one is watching.

Confidentiality

Protecting private client information.

Competence

 Continuous professional growth & skill mastery.

Social Justice

Promoting equality and fairness for all.

Service

Dedication to helping people in need.

Dignity & Worth of the Person

 Respecting each person’s inherent value.

Human Relationships

Building strong, supportive connections.

Right to Professional Recognition

Social workers are professionals, not volunteers; their contributions deserve respect and fair compensation. Protected under RA 9433 – Magna Carta for Public Social Workers, which ensures benefits such as hazard pay, leave, and continuing education.

Right to Safe & Dignified Working Conditions

DSWD and LGU offices must provide safe spaces, protective gear during fieldwork, and access to supervision.

Right to Professional rowth

Social workers have the right to ongoing training and career advancement. Supported by DSWD’s Standards Bureau and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programs via the PRC Board of Social Work.

Right to Ethical Practice and Freedom From Discrimination

They can refuse unethical orders and must be treated equally regardless of gender, religion, or political affiliation.

Responsibility to Clients

Promote well-being, dignity, and self-determination of every client. Avoid imposing personal beliefs or judgments. Respect clients’ confidentiality and obtain informed consent.

Responsibility to Colleagues

Foster collaboration and respect within interdisciplinary teams. Avoid derogatory language and professional jealousy.

Responsibility to Employers & Organizations

Uphold honesty, transparency, and proper documentation. Report unethical practices within agencies.

Responsibility to the Profession

Maintain competence through ongoing learning. Advocate for the profession’s integrity and credibility in society.

Responsibility to Society

 Champion social justice and human rights. Act as an agent of change promoting peace, equality, and sustainable development.

Ethical Accountability

Guided by the Code of Ethics. Decisions must always be in line with professional standards.

Legal Accountability

 Must comply with laws such as RA 4373 (Social Work Act,) RA 9433 (Magna Carta), and the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Breaches may lead to disciplinary action or loss of license.

Social Accountability

Expected to model moral behavior and inspire trust within the community.

Professional Accountability

Expected to report progress and challenges to supervisors, maintain updated records, and justify interventions based on evidence.

Ethical Responsibility as Professionals

Maintain competence & continuous learning, and uphold integrity & avoid conflicts of interest.

Ethical Responsibility in Practice Settings

Respect confidentiality and obtain informed consent, avoid discrimination and treat clients with dignity.

In the Social Work Profession

Support fellow workers, engage in supervision, and promote the integrity of the profession.

To the Broader Society

Promote social welfare, participation, and political action to improve community conditions.

Competence (Challenge)

Lack of training opportunities

Integrity (Challenge)

Pressure from superiors or politics

Public Emergencies (Challenge)

Resource limitations during crises

Public Participation

Low civic engagement

Social and Political Action (Challenge)

Risks of opposition or backlash