Demonstrate Ethical and Professional Behavior
As Social Workers we are held to certain standards, that help us practice to the best of our abilities. The first of the Social Work Core Competencies emphasizes the importance of being ethical and professional in a micro, mezzo and macro setting. We uphold the NASW Code of Ethics to help us make approriate decisions, to maintain relationships, to help us better our practice. We have the ability to use technology, rely on supervision, and consultation to assist us, as long as we do so in a manner that is ethical and professional. We apply this competency when we send out an email to our agency that is professionally written, when we use supervision time to discuss issues we may have. By being aware and being ethical we can be prepared to provide our clients with the best care possible.
Practice Behaviors
1. Make ethical decisions 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 as appropriate to context.
2. Use reflection and self-regulation to manage personal values and maintain professionalism in practice situations.
3. Demonstrate professional demeanor in behavior, appearance, and oral, written, and electronic communication.
4. Use technology ethically and appropriately to facilitate practice outcomes
5. Use supervision and consultation to guide professional judgement and behavior.
Academic Evidence
During my college career, I have had the opportunity to work on developing the skill to uphold NASW competency 1 through fundamental classes. I have written a Skills and Values Paper which demonstrates understanding of ethical and professional behavior.
Internship Evidence
While in the hospital on Mother-Baby, I attended to professional roles and boundareis by waiting to do an initial assessment to respect a patient who was using a breast pump for lactation. I was following agency guidelines of privacy.