Ethics and Professional Practice: What is Ethical Practice?

Purpose of a Code of Ethics

Codes of Ethics serve as essential frameworks for SSW/MHA professionals by providing clear guidance, established rules, and professional standards. For the public, these codes outline what can be expected from practitioners and establish a mechanism for professional accountability. During the seminar, groups are tasked with identifying three specific reasons why having a Code of Ethics is fundamental to their practice.

Ethical Decision-Making Guide

When faced with an ethical dilemma, professionals should utilize a structured guide to navigate the situation. Key considerations include identifying the main dilemma, determining who will be affected, and gathering the relevant facts. Practitioners must evaluate which values are in conflict and weigh alternative options based on mutual respect and potential risks. A person of integrity acts on principle and accepts the consequences, often using the "social media test" to determine if they would be proud to defend their actions publicly.

Values and Decision-Making Activity

Practitioners must respond to various scenarios by placing themselves on a spectrum from "Always agree" to "Never agree" and justifying their positions based on their values. Scenarios include whether bike riders should always wear helmets, the extent of parental control over children, drug use without legal ramifications, and the right to choose when to die during a terminal illness. Professional specific contexts include whether social workers should intervene to prevent suicide due to mental distress or remove children from families where physical abuse is suspected.

Questions & Discussion

What does each decision say about your values?

The activity requires reflection on how personal values align or conflict with professional SSW/MHAW values. Students must consider what factors influence their decisions and the difficulty of these choices in a professional context.

Discussion Reflection #1 (Due Week 3)

This assignment will be completed during the Week 3 seminar. Attendance is mandatory for submission. Students with academic accommodations should contact faculty in advance, and those wishing to use a laptop should email their request before the session. Otherwise, students should bring a pen or pencil to complete the reflection in class.

Key Takeaways

Ethical dilemmas frequently arise when personal and professional values or morals conflict. Because of this, ethical decision-making tools are necessary to help professionals follow a sequential process to reach informed and rational conclusions. The Code of Ethics remains the primary tool for providing professional standards while offering the public a means to hold SSW and MHAW professionals accountable.