Review the ethical dilemma1 handout, Problem-Solving for Ethical Dilemmas handout, and the NASW Code of Ethics- Conflicts of interest.
Explain what you believe the ethical solution to be to the dilemma. Be sure to use the NASW Code of Ethics as a framework for your response.
Problem-Solving for Ethical Dilemmas
Social workers should:
1. Identify the problem and potential areas of risk.
2. Identify the parameters set by professional ethics and standards, laws, status, and agency policies that pertain to the areas of risk.
3. Determine a course of action for each parameter based on principles of practice.
4. Identify conflicting courses of action or alternative solutions.
5. Describe the risks of each course of action. Specifically identify risks of physical or emotional harm to the client or others, the likelihood of the risk in the current situation, and the consequences of violating the code of professional ethics and standards, laws, and agency policies.
6. Weigh the risks and evaluate each course of action, consider which courses of action are within the norms or reasonable and good practice, and whether or not there is risk or negligence, error, omission, or intent of harm.
7. Choose or formulate a new course of action that best reconciles the conflicts and risks.
8. Before implementing the course of action, identify strategies and precautions to mitigate against harm to others; violation of professional ethics and standards, laws, and agency policies; and to protect against possible malpractice claims and suits.
9. Seek professional supervision and consultation if appropriate. Remedy gaps in knowledge and skills specific to the identified problem and take action to remedy deficits.
10. Implement the action and evaluate the results.
Adapted from: Northen, H. (1995). Clinical social work: Knowledge and skills. NY: Columbia University Press, Second Edition, Chapter 4, pp. 65-87
Dilemma 1- Conflicts of Interest
Institutional Affiliation
Course
Instructor’s Name
Date
Dilemma 1- Conflicts of Interest
Social workers attend to diverse clients who have different problems. These professionals are often faced with complicated and challenging ethical dilemmas. Social workers should be careful to avoid conflicts of interest that may interfere with the exercise of the profession (NASW, 2022). In the case study, Amanda is facing conflicts of interest whereby she does not keep boundaries based on her relationship with clients. Amanda’s co-workers and supervisors have warned her to maintain professional boundaries better with clients.
The first thing Amanda may do to resolve the dilemma is to review the NASW Code of Ethics to help her understand how to avoid conflicts of interest. According to the NASW Code of Ethics, social workers should not use their professional relationships to further their personal, political, business, or religious interests (NASW, 2022). Social workers should also not engage in dual or multiple relationships with clients or former clients in which there is a risk of exploitation or harm to the client. Once Amanda understands the social workers’ code of ethics, she might change her ways. Amanda should stop providing her number to the clients and let them use the institutional contacts. Additionally, she should avoid texting or communicate with them during odd hours (NASW, 2022). If the dilemma or conflict of interest continues even after Amanda has been taken through the NASW Code of Ethics, further measures may be taken; for example, she might be summoned before the ethics committee. However, the primary solution is to allow her to review the NASW Code of Ethics.
References
NASW. (2022). Social Workers’ Ethical Responsibilities to Clients. https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English/Social-Workers-Ethical-Responsibilities-to-Clients