Competency One

 

Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior

Social workers understand the value base of the profession and its ethical standards, as well as relevant policies, laws, and regulations that may affect practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities. Social workers understand that ethics are informed by principles of human rights and apply them toward realizing social, racial, economic, and environmental
justice in their practice. Social workers understand frameworks of ethical decision making and apply principles of critical thinking to those frameworks in practice, research, and policy arenas. Social workers recognize and manage personal values and the distinction between personal and professional values. Social workers understand how their evolving worldview, personal experiences, and affective reactions influence their professional judgment and behavior. Social workers take measures to care for themselves professionally and personally, understanding that self-care is paramount for competent and ethical social work practice. Social workers use rights-based, anti- racist, and anti-oppressive lenses to understand and critique the profession’s history, mission,

roles, and responsibilities and recognize historical and current contexts of oppression in shaping institutions and social work. Social workers understand the role of other professionals when engaged in interprofessional practice. Social workers recognize the importance of lifelong learning and
are committed to continually updating their skills to ensure relevant and effective practice. Social workers understand digital technology and the ethical use of technology in social work practice

Social workers:

a. make ethical decisions by applying the standards of the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, relevant laws and regulations, models for ethical decision making, ethical conduct of research, and additional codes of ethics within the profession as appropriate to the context;

b. demonstrate professional behavior; appearance; and oral, written, and electronic communication;

c. use technology ethically and appropriately to facilitate practice outcomes; and

d. use supervision and consultation to guide professional judgment and behavior.

–

As a future social worker, professionalism extends far beyond communication. It encompasses my dedication to ethical principles and integrity in all interactions. I prioritize maintaining confidentiality and upholding the trust placed in me by clients and communities. Professionalism also entails my commitment to ongoing learning and development, ensuring that I practice best practices and emerging trends in social work. I collaborate effectively with colleagues and other professionals, recognizing the value of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing complex social issues. Furthermore, professionalism in social work involves my self-awareness and reflection, acknowledging my biases and continuously striving to mitigate their impact on my practice.

 

Evidences:

The Flower

Competency 1 Course Proof

Network & Career Dev (SOCW-413-A)

The Flower Exercise is a visual aid and a structured framework for exploring professional identity, consisting of five petals focusing on preferred working conditions, ideal collaborators, life missions, favorite knowledge areas, and transferable skills.

This assignment had an organized approach to self-reflection. By studying each petal, I deepened my understanding of myself as a professional. Reflecting on preferred working conditions helped me identify environments where I thrive best, enhancing my productivity and job satisfaction.

One of the reasons I chose this assignment is because it taught me that exploring ideal collaborators helps me understand how to foster effective professional relationships based on shared values and communication styles. The Flower Exercise has been key in my professional development, providing valuable insights that guide my career and effectiveness in the workplace. Through this assignment, I gained insights into my strengths, preferences, and aspirations in the field.

 

Email written in First Year Experience 

Competency 1 Field Proof

Practicum

The assignment involved addressing an enrollment issue for a student named Emily who sought entry into a particular course. As a BSW Undergraduate Student Advisor, I navigated administrative procedures within the academic institution to advocate for Emily’s enrollment.

This assignment significantly contributed to my understanding and application of ethical and professional behavior within the context of social work practice. By advocating for Emily’s enrollment in A&P II, I engaged in ethical decision-making and upheld professional standards. Navigating administrative procedures to ensure equitable treatment for Emily required me to demonstrate integrity, fairness, and respect for individuals’ rights. Through this experience, I deepened my knowledge of ethical principles and professional conduct, such as advocating for clients’ best interests and promoting social justice.

I chose this as evidence for my competency in demonstrating ethical and professional behavior because it provided a tangible example of applying ethical principles in a real-world scenario. By advocating for Emily’s enrollment, I demonstrated my commitment to upholding ethical standards and promoting clients’ well-being. This assignment helped me develop mastery of this competence by reinforcing the importance of ethical decision-making and professional conduct in social work practice. Through navigating complex administrative issues and advocating for equal treatment, I strengthened my ability to demonstrate ethical and professional behavior in challenging situations, contributing to positive outcomes for those I serve.

 

Post on LinkedIn 

Competency 1 Extra Experience

Visiting with Lobbyists and Representatives in DC

I had the honor of advocating for Child Internet Safety in Washington DC, a milestone in my commitment to social causes. The experience included visits to Senator Blackburn’s office and meetings with CSWE lobbyists at Lewis-Burke Associates LLC. Sharing this journey on LinkedIn, I attached some photos that captured the experience of engaging directly in the policymaking process and collaborating with influential figures in the field.

Participating in discussions with policymakers and lobbyists provided insights into the fight for Social Justice. Policy requires a deep understanding of professional conduct, dedication to ethical principles, and communication skills. 

This experience reinforced my dedication to ethical practices in advocating for social issues and connecting with core values of Social Work. This expanded my knowledge of policy advocacy and  improved my skills and values related to this competency.