Competency 1: Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
The first of the Social Work Core Competencies emphasis the value of ethics and professionalism in Social Work practice. It is so important as a Social Worker to be competent in the NASW Code of Ethics in order to make appropriate decisions in work with clients and as well as in the professional setting with other staff members. Following ethical practices can help to ensure that clients are being cared for in the best way. Another element of providing clients with the best services is being aware of how personal biases or discomforts may effect the client relationship and their outcomes. Understanding appropriate ways to self-reflect and regulate these feelings is necessary in this field. Competency 1 also emphasis professional behavior both in action and communication. Being professional and effectively communicating is important when advocating on behalf of others.
Practice Behaviors
- Make ethical decisions by applying the standards of the NASW Code of Ethics, relevant laws, and regulations, models for ethical decision making, ethical conduct of research, and additional codes of ethics appropriate to context.
- Use reflection and self regulation to manage personal values and maintain professionalism in practice situations.
- Demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior, appearance, and oral, written, and electronic communication.
- Use Technology ethically and appropriately to facilitate practice outsomes
- Use supervisions and consultation to guide professional judgement and behavior
Evidence
Field
Through my practicum experience, I have been able to demonstrate professionalism by wearing my name badge, dressing in accordance with the dress code policy at Partnership and refraining from using my cell phone inappropriately at the office. Another area in which I demonstrate professionalism in in how I document and write emails on behalf of the agency and how I speak on the phone and with residents.
Here is a link to my 40hr practicum evaluation. This evaluation is strictly based on how my field instructor observed my skills of professionalism.
This is a photo demonstrates professionalism by wearing my Ombudsman Volunteer Name badge while at practicum and abiding by the dress code of Partnership.
Academic
In my BSW program at Southern Adventist University, I was given the privilege to speak at Campus Research day about a literature review that I had completed. In this presentation I demonstrated my ability to communicate professionally in order to bring awareness to a topic not often talked about, sexual abuse in the church. Professionalism was demonstrated by my attire and by the PowerPoint I presented which you can find linked below.
