To be a professional social worker means embodying the knowledge and standards of the profession

To be a professional social worker means embodying the knowledge and standards of the profession. The NASW Code of Ethics is considered one of the bedrocks on which our profession is based and serves as a guiding document for the profession and for the every-day practice of social workers. In this discussion post, you will explore the Code of Ethics and discuss how it has relevance to you and to your field placement.

To prepare, take some time to review the NASW’s Code of Ethics. Write a reflection incorporating the following:

• In your own words, what is stated as the primary mission of the social work profession? How would you describe this to a friend or family member?
• Define what constitutes an ethical dilemma. Give an example of an ethical dilemma that you might encounter in field. This could involve your own actions, those of a supervisor or an agency policy. What part of the Code of Ethics applies to this particular ethical dilemma?  What would you do to address the situation? Be specific in identifying your dilemma and in identifying what part of the Code of Ethics applies.