1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
Throughout my academic journey, I actively engaged in experiences that strengthened my mastery of Competency One: Demonstrating Ethical and Professional Behavior. This competency requires social workers to adhere to the NASW Code of Ethics, applying its principles to decision-making while also ensuring compliance with relevant laws and policies.
In alignment with this standard, I have consistently upheld professionalism and ethical integrity in my appearance, written communication, verbal interactions, and use of technology within social work practice. By maintaining a commitment to ethical conduct, accountability, and continuous professional development, I strive to foster trust, transparency, and respect in all professional settings.
1.1 Utilize an evidence-based ethical decision-making model that addresses complex situations with client systems.
Course Evidence: In my Social Work emphasis class, I was tasked with analyzing an Ethical Dilemma. related to school social work. This assignment required me to reflect on my personal values and navigate ethical challenges in the field. Specifically, I examined a scenario in which a school principal requested access to a student’s session notes following a harassment complaint. As a school social worker, I was faced with the ethical responsibility of upholding client confidentiality in accordance with the NASW Code of Ethics, which protects session confidentiality unless there is a risk of harm to oneself or others. On page 4 of this assignment my ethical decision was to address the principal’s concerns by facilitating a professional meeting with the student and their parent to ensure transparency while maintaining ethical integrity. This assignment deepened my understanding of how personal values, beliefs, and ethical frameworks shape my professional identity and decision-making in social work practice.
1.2 Implement multi-dimensional personal and professional self-care strategies that promote balance.
Course Evidence: During SOCW-516 I developed a self-care plan that serves as a ongoing way to incorporate self care strategies. This assignment allowed me to show what self-care strategies I currently utilize; and brainstorm new practices to implement in my personal and professional life to create balance. Prior to and throughout graduate school I used my Saturday’s to play Slowpitch softball. A team put together of Free agent players by the Chattanooga Sport league. Choosing Slowpitch softball as my leisure activity provides me with exercise and social engagement which are two important self care strategies. to and throughout graduate school I used my Saturday’s to play Slowpitch softball. A team put together of Free agent players by the Chattanooga Sport league. Choosing Slowpitch softball as my leisure activity provides me with exercise and social engagement which are two important self care strategies.
1.3 Demonstrate commitment to professional growth through continuing education, supervision, and interprofessional consultation.
Field Evidence: During my practicum, I received weekly supervision to review journal entries from my field instructor, which provided valuable guidance and professional development. Through these sessions, I gained deeper insight into Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) interventions, enhancing my ability to support students’ emotional regulation, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills. This supervision played a crucial role in my growth as a School Social Worker, allowing me to refine my practice, integrate evidence-based strategies, and develop a stronger foundation for effectively addressing students’ social and emotional needs.
1.4 Demonstrate professional oral and written communication skills.
Course Evidence: During my Advanced Administration: Administrative and Leadership Skills course, I was able to collaborate with a group of other students to create a nonprofit organization for adolescent and youth adults experiencing mental health and trauma called BUTTERFLY. Our nonprofit organization, BUTTERFLY, offered counseling, wrap around services and case management services for those experiencing eating disorders. I demonstrated professional oral and written communication skills by writing the budget narrative located on page 10-13 and presenting it during our video recording presentation for this organization.
Social Work Knowledge Used : Ethical practice is at the core of my professional values, guided by the principles of the NASW Code of Ethics. These standards shape my decision-making and strengthen my commitment to advocating for social justice, equity, and the fair treatment of all individuals.
Social Work Values Presented: As part of completing these assignments I had to interact with others in professional settings such as Supervision; training, and special projects; by using the values of human relationships, integrity and dignity and worth. Whether its creating content for Social-emotional learning or writing research paper, I will practice social work in the area that I am competent in.
Social Work Skills Presented:This competency required me to show the skills I have developed by demonstrating them through oral and written communication. To develop my special project, I began by researching evidence-based practices and creating timelines to determine best practice to showcase research in continued education.
Cognitive Processes: To successfully complete these tasks, I needed to analyze information, retain key details, and acquire new skills.
Affective Processes: For these tasks I had to be aware of my biases and values to not inflect them on others in order to make ethical decisions.
Theoretical Foundation: Social learning theory: Is a theory that assists social workers with addressing destructive behaviors and provides a framework to address various issues by observing and modeling positive behaviors. During my course work I had to self reflect and address behaviors that could negatively impact myself and others