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.
Practice Behaviors:
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
My Competency Narrative:
Social work is a profession, which indicates that social work contains a standard of care and practice. This competency means that social workers must engage in effective communication that conveys empathy, professional understanding, and honesty. Social workers must strive to be clear in all communication-written, oral, or verbal.
This competency challenges me to discover who I am as a professional individual. I have discovered through internships that I can still maintain an identity without compromising my professional self.
I will remain committed to this competency by corresponding with co-workers in pre-approved time frames, by informing myself on the rules and regulations of each organization I work for, and by asking for accountability from supervisors.
School Evidence
SOCW-434: Social Welfare Issues and Policies–The Debate
During the end of the semester, we were tasked with defending the stance that opposes needle exchange programs in society. I, along with my classmate Adam, created an outline that would guide the discussion/debate. This included the objectives, introduction of the topic, evidence, as well as cross examination questions. This required us to collaborate as a team to create and to execute a plan for how to address the evidence to convey our stance.
Ethics and professionalism is embedded in any discussion concerning social justice, advocacy, and human rights. One of the important aspects to ethics in social work is being aware of the historical and current effects of oppression, and being on the forefront of being accountable to aligning with the mission and purpose of social work. This assignment challenged me to question whether this policy aligned with social work values. It challenged me to view both positions of the discussion, and to articulate my argument in a respectful and articulate way.
I chose this assignment because it also allowed me to practice interprofessional practice, as I was required to ask other health professionals about their view on needle exchange programs. I realized that although the people that I interviewed did not share the viewpoint of my debate stance, I was able to critically analyze the policy from research and professional opinions.
Field Evidence
Tevera Note Tevera Journal-January 22nd: Case Note Training Experience
Click here for case note example
During my practicum experience, I have written each week about how my professionalism has been seen and developed over the course of the semester. I have specifically learned the importance of using technology in an ethical way, as I am often assigned tasks that are virtual/on the computer. I often am in contact with other employees of the agency, which reflects the reputation of myself, my university, and field instructor. I used this as an evidence because I believe this competency is not developed on a singular event, but rather is something that must be a continual practice each and every day in the field.
I believe that this competency is not simply a social worker’s responsibility to clients, but also to fellow social workers and supervisors. This assignment displays my growth in written and oral communication, as well as displays my dedication to showing it each week in practicum.
I chose this evidence because I believe that I learn from experience. I believe that decision making in an ethical manner has been accomplished with the help of supervision and education.
Evidence Outside of Field and School
Denver Rescue Mission was a summer internship I had. I lived and worked at the same location. The organization developed a training program to prepare interns to work professionally. It was often a topic of discussion with my supervisor about how to remain professional and practice ethical decision making when working with clients. I also worked very closely with my supervisor, which allowed for supervision and constant professional development.
I chose this because I believe that this experience truly grew my understanding of my professional self, and what it means to live in a community with people I may work for and with. There were instances where I would see clients outside of the facility, and I was taught and practiced the importance of allowing clients to approach me, not vise versa to protect confidentiality. Before this competency, I was unclear about how to remain professional and welcoming toward clients, and this evidence stands as an example of personal work that I have done to establish this part of my professional self. I also learned about the importance of furthering my education, by attending educational sessions that the organization planned for the team. These included self-defense classes, self-care, and a debrief with the CEO of the organization.
Denver Rescue Mission was a life-changing internship that offered mentorship that was intentional about supervision. My mentor taught me the importance of self-care, and for extending grace to myself as an upcoming professional. This experience is where I was empowered, inspired, and encouraged to grow as a professional.