How a Degree Helps You Deal With Ethical Dilemmas of Social Work
Social workers face daily challenges connecting people with the resources they need to improve their lives. However, one of the most daunting issues they face is the ethical dilemmas of social work, which can become more complicated than those in most other professions.
In a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program, students learn how to approach ethical dilemmas in social work and find solutions. This knowledge is critical to becoming a successful, professional social worker and achieving the best outcomes for clients. Learning from scholar-practitioners provides students with the theoretical and practical knowledge they need.
A quality degree program prepares students to maintain high ethical standards as they enter the social work field. For example, the Touro University Worldwide BA in Social Work program gives students a real-world approach to the profession, grounding them in its values and ethical standards. The program also emphasizes evidence-based practices.
Examples of the Ethical Dilemmas of Social Work
Social workers face a variety of ethical dilemmas in their practice. Their professional code of ethics requires them to carefully consider the principles outlined, seek supervision and consultation when needed, and continuously engage in professional development.
One way to measure ethical conduct in social work—or any profession—is to compare the difference between what someone should do and what is actually done. According to the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), the challenge with social work is that “what the social worker is ‘supposed to do’ is not always evident, nor is it one-dimensional even when the issues are clear. Because of the complexity of what social workers do, all the interests affected by an ethical issue in practice cannot invariably be reconciled.”
Some of the common ethical dilemmas of social work include the following.
Confidentiality vs. Duty to Warn
Social workers are bound by confidentiality agreements with their clients, but they may need to break this confidentiality if they believe a client poses a risk to themselves or others.
Self-Determination vs. Protection
Clients have the right to make their own decisions (self-determination), but social workers may struggle when those decisions are potentially harmful or not in the client’s best interest.
Boundary Issues
Maintaining professional boundaries can be challenging, especially in small communities where dual relationships (e.g., client and social worker also being neighbors) are more common.
Resource Allocation
Social workers often need to decide how to allocate limited resources, which can involve making tough decisions about who receives services and who doesn’t.
Cultural Competence vs. Personal Beliefs
Social workers must respect and understand cultural differences while sometimes managing their personal beliefs that may conflict with their clients.
Mandatory Reporting
Social workers may be required to report cases of abuse or neglect, which can create tension if it breaks the trust of a client who disclosed the information in confidence.
Handling Bias and Prejudice
Social workers must be aware of their biases and prejudices and ensure they do not affect their professional judgment and client interactions.
The Ethical Standards of Social Worker Professionals
Social workers can turn to the NASW for guidance. The NASW Code of Ethics provides guidelines to help professionals navigate the ethical dilemmas of social work. This code includes ethics principles and standards.
NASW’s core values include service, social justice, the dignity and worth of the person, the importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. The principles set forth ideals to which all social workers should aspire.
The NASW standards also detail social workers’ ethical responsibilities to clients, colleagues, in practice settings, as professionals, and to broader society. The standards include both enforceable guidelines and aspirational goals for social workers.
How a BA Prepares Graduates for the Ethical Dilemmas of Social Work
The Touro World University BA in Social Work prepares graduates with the skills and knowledge to succeed in this growing and essential profession. It also can lead to earning an MS in Human Services degree.
TUW social work graduates consistently demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the profession’s purpose, values, ethical standards, principles, and practices. These competencies include challenging injustice and promoting human rights and social and economic justice. Graduates recognize the role of social workers as advocates in a culturally diverse society.
Additionally, they know how to apply legal and ethical practices in decision-making. For example, Ethics and Social Policy examines the relationship between social policy, ethics, and the social work field. Students address ethical dilemmas relating to current and needed social policies on the local, state, and national levels. The Ethical Standards of Social Worker Professionals serve as a backbone for students to use in decision-making, assessment of clients and client groups, and promotion of change in a diverse setting.
TUW social work students also participate in fieldwork that helps prepare them for the situations they will face in the profession. The experience allows students to apply what they have learned holistically, ready to address the ethical and social challenges their profession demands.