Values Underlying Theory and the NASW Code of Ethics

Values Underlying Theory and the NASW Code of Ethics

Discussion: Values Underlying Theory and the NASW Code of Ethics

Every profession has a code of ethics that guides professional behavior. In social work, the NASW Code of Ethics guides the behavior and decision-making practices of social workers. It is important that the theories social workers select in working with clients align, or are consistent, with the values and ethical principles identified in the NASW Code of Ethics.

In this Discussion, you align ethics and theory in relation to practice.

To prepare: Review the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics listed in the Learning Resources.

Post:

•        Select feminist theory or empowerment theory. Summarize the underlying principles and values of the theory in 3 to 4 brief sentences.
•        Analyze the extent to which the underlying principles and values of the theory are consistent with the NASW Code of Ethics in 3 to 4 brief sentences.
•        Briefly describe a client from your fieldwork experience and their presenting problem in 2 to 3 sentences using the theory you selected. (secure correctional center)
•        Identify one ethical standard from the NASW Code of Ethics that would apply to the client you described.
•        Explain how the theory is consistent with the work you did with the client and the ethical standard.

Assignment: Application of Feminist Theory to a Case Study

This week your theoretical orientation is feminist theory. You will use the same case study that you chose in Week 2. Use the “Dissecting a Theory and Its Application to a Case Study” worksheet to help you dissect the theory. You do not need to submit this handout. It is a tool for you to use to dissect the theory and then you can employ the information in the table to complete your assignment.

To upload your media to this Assignment, use the Kaltura Media option from the mashup tool drop-down menu. Refer to the Kaltura Media Uploader area in the course navigation menu for more information about how to upload media to the course.

(write it out and I will video it )

Submit a Kaltura video of yourself discussing the client from the perspective of feminist theory. Your video should be no longer than 5 minutes.

•        Although this is a professional presentation, it is not a formal presentation as in a speech. Imagine that you are discussing your case with a group of peers in a meeting. To verbally present a case can be challenging—but it is also a skill for which practice can relieve anxiety and result in improvement. This will give you an opportunity to practice how to deliver material in a professional manner.
•        You can have notes in front of you to help you remember your points.
•        However, your video does need to be professional. In other words, dress professionally, maintain eye contact as if you were speaking in front of your colleagues, and finally be sure to record yourself in a room that is quiet and where no one interrupts you.

Your video presentation should include the following

In 1 to 2 sentences, identify and describe the problem to be worked on in your chosen case study.

•        In 1 to 2 sentences, explain how feminist theory you are utilizing defines and explains the cause of the problem.
•        In 1 to 2 sentences, use feminist theory to describe the role of the social worker to facilitate change in the case study.
•        In the assessment phase, identify 2 assessment questions you will ask to explore what the client’s goals are and how they will get there.

o   Remember, feminist theory should be driving the assessment.

•        Describe two interventions to address the problem and explain how the clients will implement the interventions.

o   Remember, feminist theory should be driving the interventions.

•        In 2 to 3 sentences, discuss how you would evaluate if one of the interventions you identified is effective with the client.
•        Explain how, specifically, you will set the tone throughout your work with the client to reduce the hierarchical relationship and make it more collaborative.
•        Evaluate one strength and one limitation of feminist theory in working with the client.

Be sure to:

•        Identify and correctly reference the case study you have chosen.
  •        Speak clearly.

SAMPLE ANSWER

Values Underlying Theory and the NASW Code of Ethics

Introduction

“The primary goal of social work is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty. In order to achieve these goals, social workers shall conduct themselves professionally and apply their skills appropriately.” This quote from the NASW Code of Ethics outlines the values that social workers should uphold in their practice. These values include service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. In this blog post, we will explore each of these values in more depth and how they can be applied to social work.

Theoretical Orientation and the NASW Code of Ethics

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics sets forth the ethical principles and standards that guide social workers’ professional conduct. The code is designed to protect the welfare of clients and the public, while also promoting the ethical practice of social work.

Theoretical orientation refers to the overarching framework that guides a social worker’s thinking and practice. While there are many different theoretical orientations, all share a common goal: to promote human well-being.

The NASW Code of Ethics incorporates several major theoretical orientations, including but not limited to psychodynamic theory, systems theory, and cognitive-behavioral theory. Each of these orientations has its own unique set of values and assumptions about human behavior. However, all three orientations share a commitment to helping people meet their basic needs and achieve their fullest potential.

The NASW Code of Ethics is based on three core values: service, social justice, and dignity and worth of the person. These values are reflected in all aspects of the code, from its preamble to its specific ethical standards.

Service: Social workers should aspire to promote the well-being of those they serve first and foremost. This value is reflected in Standard 1.01a, which requires social workers to “uphold clients’ right to self-determination”; Standard 2.02, which requires social workers to “respect clients’ rights to privacy and confidentiality”;

The Value of Human Dignity

The NASW Code of Ethics is based on a set of values that include human dignity, social justice, service, and the importance of scientific knowledge. These values are essential to the social work profession and guide social workers in their practice.

Human dignity is a fundamental value that all people are deserving of respect and to be treated with compassion. This value is reflected in the NASW Code of Ethics through the principle of respect for autonomy, which calls for social workers to respect the rights and choices of clients. Social workers should also strive to promote social justice, which is based on the belief that all people should have access to the resources and opportunities they need to reach their full potential. This includes working to eliminate oppression and promoting equality. Service is another key value of social work, and it refers to the commitment social workers have to helping others. This value is evident in the ethical principle of service delivery, which calls for social workers to provide quality services that meet the needs of clients. Finally, scientific knowledge is an important value in social work because it helps inform practice. TheNASW Code of Ethics recognizes this by calling for social workers to use evidence-based practice when making decisions about how best to help clients.

The Value of Social Justice

“The Value of Social Justice”

Social justice is one of the core values of the social work profession. It is defined as the fair and equitable distribution of resources and opportunities within a society. Social justice includes but is not limited to issues of race, ethnicity, gender, disability, economic status, and sexual orientation. The social work code of ethics affirms our commitment to social justice and requires us to promote social change that improves the lives of all people.

When we talk about social justice, we are talking about creating a society that is more just and equitable for all. This includes ensuring that everyone has access to basic human rights and needs like food, shelter, healthcare, and education. It also means working to end systems of oppression that marginalize certain groups of people. promoting social justice is essential to the social work profession because it is central to our mission of improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities.

The Value of Importance of Work

The Value of Importance of Work is one of the most important values underlying social work theory and practice. It is also a value that is emphasized in the NASW Code of Ethics. The Value of Importance of Work recognizes the inherent dignity and worth of all people, and affirms that work is a central element in human life that gives meaning and purpose to our existence.

Work is a basic human need and it is essential to our well-being. It provides us with a sense of identity, belonging, and self-worth. It helps us to develop our talents and abilities, and to contribute to the community in which we live. Work also provides us with an opportunity to earn an income to support ourselves and our families.

The Value of Importance of Work is grounded in the belief that all people have the right to work, regardless of their race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, or sexual orientation. Everyone has the right to fair and just working conditions, including safe and healthy working conditions, adequate pay, reasonable hours, and access to benefits such as vacation time and health insurance.

The Value of Importance of Work also recognizes that unemployment can have a destructive effect on individuals, families, and communities. Social workers should therefore advocate for programs and policies that provide employment opportunities for all people who are willing and able to work.

The Value of Integrity

The theory of social work is based on a set of core values. These values guide social workers in their professional conduct and are the foundation of the NASW Code of Ethics. The value of integrity is central to all social work values.

Integrity requires that we be honest in our dealings with others. It means being truthful and transparent in our communications, and acting in accordance with our ethical principles. Integrity also requires that we maintain confidentiality and respect the privacy of those we serve.

The value of integrity is essential to the practice of social work. It ensures that our profession is one that is built on trust and respect.

Conclusion

It is evident that the NASW Code of Ethics provides a set of values and principles that social workers can use to guide their practice. The code emphasizes the importance of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence. These values are underlying theory for social work practice and provide guidance for ethical decision making.