My Values as a Social Worker



My Values as a Social Worker004195925 SW3010December 12, 2011Professor Lois GarriotMy Values as a Social WorkerIntroductionThe National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics defines the roles, expectations, and core values that all social workers must have to be the most helpful and effective as a social worker can be. The core values are service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity and competence. All of these values are vital to the social work profession. I feel that I already share many of the same values as in the Code of Ethics. I am better suited to be a social worker because I want to help vulnerable people and produce a change in our society. I have been raised in a family and underwent certain trials and tribulations that have shaped me to have the values that I have. I am a recovering alcoholic and a single mother. These things that are a part of who I am help support my belief in the social work values. I also have been raised in a family that has helped instill some of these values in me, and has undergone some obstacles.Every individual person has their own certain values about what is acceptable for them and what is not. As a social worker, it is important to separate your own values from other people’s values. This can be challenging at times because situations can arise that are neither black and white but in a gray area. There are some times when what you think is not right, may seem to be a better alternative to another thing that is worse. My values for the most part are similar to that of the NASW Code of Ethics. There are some issues that I feel might cause conflict with my values and the values that are on the Code of Ethics. There are some kinds of situations that I am not okay with. Even though I try not judge another person for getting an abortion or someone who abuses people, I do not condone these behaviors either. I also would have a hard time not being able to help people I already have relationships with, like helping my friends or families. Another issue is, if I had to faced with the choices of lying to the insurance company or not helping someone receive services, than I am going to side with the vulnerable person. This could cause me serious trouble though. These issues conflict with the Code of Ethics.Values That Will Be HelpfulI have many values that are parallel to that which are a part of the Code of Ethics that will be helpful to me in the field of social work. The first is my value of the importance of helping in need and to address social problems. My whole life I have felt an extreme need to help others with their problems. I have experienced bouts of depression in my life, had dealt with my alcoholism, and had my son at a young age without much help from his father. I have been blessed in my life with certain people who have helped me. Examples of this include friends that have gone through similar problems relating to me, and a very supportive family. I know that I am on the path I am on now because of help I have received from others. Helping others while relating to being in a position of needing help is a useful quality I possess.Also because of my past experiences, I share the value of the importance of human relationships. Similar to what I already addressed above, I feel that I would not see the importance without having such vital relationships in my life. My family shaped and still continues to impact the way I view the world. My family is very supportive and makes it possible for me to go to school. My parents financially help me, watch my son, and are there for me emotionally. I really don’t know where my son and I would be without my parent’s assistance. Another reason why this is such an important value is because of the experiences I have gained through being a part of Alcoholics Anonymous. The meetings bring me around other people who share similar experiences when it comes to alcohol and have quit drinking. Without the associations I have made through AA, I don’t know if I would have gotten sober. I recognize how important human relationships are to others as well.These are just a few examples of the many values that I share with the Code of Ethics. I am grateful to one day be in a profession that I believe in. How I Hope to Be in the Social Work FieldI really want to be an effective and life changing social worker. I wish I could completely and objectively take the Code of Ethics and apply them to individuals in a way in which will completely empower people and society to make positive life altering changes. However, I know that life is not that easy, and people are all different. I also know that there are problems in our society and institutions that prevent changes to occur as easily. To make macro scale changes requires more than just me, but I hope to be a positive part in some of these changes. I hope one day to be a part of a world which is more equal and socially just. I also know that people are going to have their own values and views on what is right and what is wrong. Also, even when social workers have the skills and willingness to help people, many people fail to seek help. When people do seek my help in the social work profession I hope to be able to use the skills of empathic responding and empowering others in order to truly help. I want to not impose my own values but rather to support the individual’s strengths and provide pathways which will assist them to follow through with their own decisions. Not imposing my own values on others is a very important thing that social workers must do in order to effectively help other people. Conflicting ValuesEven though I do possess many qualities that are similar to the Code of Ethics, there are some instances in which I fear my personal values would conflict. One issue I have is that I don’t believe that abortion is an option I am able to discuss with people who are considering it. According to the Code of Ethics Commitment to Clients, this states that the clients’ interests are primary. So if someone comes to me for help about getting an abortion than I feel I would have to direct them to a different person for help. I would feel like that might hurt a vulnerable person, by turning them away when they are asking for help.Another issue I have with conflicting values is not being able to counsel friends or family after I have my license. In the Code of Ethics, it explains that social workers should not have dual relationships with clients. I feel it would be hard to turn friends or family away if they are asking me for help. Also, this can go the opposite way. I would find it hard to not form friendships with clients that I get to know. Involving my personal feelings into professional relationships is something I fear will affect me.ConclusionThere are some things I may have to work on as I grow in the profession of social work. However because of my past life experiences, I know that my values are already coinciding with the Code of Ethics. In conclusion, personal values and the NASW Code of Ethics Values are the foundation of social work. Knowing what my values are and how I feel and react to certain situations is the key to keeping my own values while not shoving them onto others in the social work field. The Code of Ethics explains what is expected from social workers in order to be efficient in their practice. I am proud to have this be my code, a code in which I want to instill in my life.ReferencesNASW. (2008). Code of Ethics. ................
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