Running Head Reflection Paper 1 SWK500 Reflection Paper

Running Head Reflection Paper 1swk500 Reflection Papersample Student

This paper is being submitted to Dr. Hays in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Social Work Practice 1, SWK 500, A, on September 14, 2021. REFLECTION PAPER 2 NASW Code of Ethics The NASW Code of Ethics is an important aspect in the field of social work as it is the guide to understanding professional conduct for all social workers. Professional ethics in social work are of extreme importance and the NASW Code of Ethics sets forth the values, principles, and standards that social workers must abide by (National Association of Social Workers, 2021). Social workers must follow the ethics in order to properly help the client and not break any of the ethics which could result in malpractice lawsuits and cause more harm to the client than justice.

The NASW code of ethics is based on the social workers’ responsibilities to clients, colleagues, practice settings, professional, social profession and to the broader society and the core values of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence (National Association of Social Workers, 2021). The core value of social justice is based on the social worker challenging social injustice and acting as an advocate not only for the client but also for broader society. Social justice is meant to serve and heal those who have been oppressed and discriminated. It is about letting the client know they have dignity and worth as a person and everyone deserves an opportunity.

While achieving social justice it also puts value on the importance of human relationships by promoting and enhancing the well-being of individuals, families, social groups, and communities (National Association of Social Workers, 2021). Without advocacy for social justice there would be no need for social work or social workers (Bisman, 2019, p. 115). Although the core value of social justice is important to the social worker they must also promote, advocate for, and respect the client. While serving their clients they must avoid self-interest and use their knowledge, values, and skills in determining what is best for the client by implementing a strategic plan in which the client agrees to and understands.

As a social worker it is important to respect the client’s wants and needs. Social workers must also act in a trustworthy manner presenting themselves professionally, avoiding sexual relationships, and following the NASW Code of Ethics when ethical dilemmas arise as well as maintaining their competence in the field. Christian Worldview A Christian worldview perspective is based on the belief that God created heaven and the earth and everything that dwells within. The Bible is key in Christianity as it acts as a guide as to how an individual should live their life in God's unfinished kingdom. The Bible provides scriptures that are breathed by God.

Scripture allows a Christian to understand the world around them and provides a better understanding of what is expected of them. From a Christian perspective, we currently live in God's unfinished kingdom and each person has a purpose. As God's stewards, humans should treat others with love and respect, living in community and harmony. We are given God's characteristics to live as He has intended. Although Scripture does not provide all answers, it guides believers to make choices aligned with God's purpose.

Due to the fall of man, we live in a world corrupted with sin resulting in injustice and oppression. As humans, we often try to fix societal problems ourselves rather than rely solely on faith in God. Laws within society are meant to guide us in distinguishing right from wrong and promote social justice but should be complemented by faith and divine guidance. Living according to God's plan involves fulfilling one’s purpose with a Christ-like character (Scales & Kelly, 2020, p. 139).

Personal Value System We all have personal values that reflect our beliefs and morals, shaping our worldview. These values serve as our guides when perceiving issues in life. My three most important values are faith in God, family, and helping others. Faith in God allows me to find strength and purpose through prayer and trust in God's plan. My family provides support and guidance that helps me navigate life’s challenges. Helping others gives me happiness and purpose, reinforcing the importance of compassion and community.

I developed these values through my upbringing, community, and church involvement. Attending church regularly as a child instilled in me the importance of faith and caring for others. My family modeled love, respect, and support, shaping my morals and principles. These influences motivated me to pursue a career in social work, where I can serve and advocate for those in need, aligning my personal values with professional goals.

Comparison The NASW Code of Ethics emphasizes core values such as service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence (National Association of Social Workers, 2021). The Christian worldview shares similar values, notably the emphasis on serving others, promoting justice, and respecting human dignity, grounded in scriptural teachings (Scales & Kelly, 2020). My personal values align closely with both frameworks, especially in promoting social justice, fostering human relationships, and maintaining integrity.

However, a key contrast exists regarding the expression of faith. While the Christian worldview openly incorporates religious beliefs and teachings, the NASW Code of Ethics restricts social workers from explicitly sharing personal faith to maintain professional neutrality (Reamer, 2016). Personally, I believe that faith can guide ethical decision-making, but I recognize the importance of respecting clients’ diverse beliefs and maintaining professionalism in practice.

Both the Christian worldview and the NASW Code of Ethics advocate for serving vulnerable populations, advocating for justice, and upholding integrity. My personal conviction is that faith will serve as a foundation in my social work practice, guiding me to act compassionately and ethically while respecting clients’ autonomy and diversity. Balancing personal faith with professional standards is crucial to providing effective, respectful, and culturally competent services.

Practice Implications My personal values will positively influence my work as a social worker. Faith, family, and helping others will motivate me to serve with compassion, uphold ethical standards, and advocate for social justice. Understanding that each client is a unique individual deserving dignity aligns with both my values and the professional Code of Ethics. My faith will inspire perseverance during difficult cases and ethical dilemmas, guiding me to act with integrity and love.

I anticipate that working with the homeless population will pose challenges, particularly because I have personally witnessed how some individuals resist help, as seen in my family experiences. My uncle's and father’s homelessness and reluctance to accept assistance highlight the emotional difficulty and frustration of trying to serve clients who refuse help. Despite recognizing that self-determination is a core principle, witnessing clients reject resources I believe are beneficial can evoke feelings of helplessness and sadness.

Nonetheless, these experiences reinforce my commitment to respectful, nonjudgmental practice and to understanding the complex factors contributing to homelessness and resistance. I will rely on professional standards to maintain humility and patience, providing support without coercion and respecting clients’ autonomy (Mattison, 2020). Building trusting relationships is essential, and I will strive to meet clients where they are without imposing my personal feelings about their choices.

References

• Bisman, C. (2019). Social Work Values: The Moral Core of the Profession. The British Journal of Social Work, 34(1), 109–123.
• Mattison, M. (2020). Ethical Decision Making: The Person in the Process. Social Work, 45(3), 201–212.
• National Association of Social Workers. (2021). Code of ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. Washington, D.C.
• Reamer, F. (2016). Social Work, Evangelical Christians, and Values. Social Work, 48(3).
• Scales, T. L., & Kelly, M. S. (2020). Christianity and Social Work: Readings on the Integration of Christian Faith and Social Work Practice (5th ed.). North American Association of Christians in Social Work.