This Is For BSHS 322 Ethical And Legal Issues In Human Servi

This Is For Bshs 322 Ethical And Legal Issues In Human Servicesindivid

This is for BSHS 322 Ethical and legal issues in Human Services Individual Assignment: Workplace Ethical Dilemma Paper. Write a 1,050- to 1,400-word paper dealing with a workplace ethical dilemma that either you have experienced personally or with which you are otherwise familiar. Please make sure that your final draft clearly illustrates that you understand what an ethical dilemma entails. This paper, including at least two academic references, must address the following:

• The essential points of the dilemma as you understand them
• How this dilemma intersects with your personal values
• How you did or would solve the dilemma, and why you would solve it

Format your paper according to APA standards. You may, however, use first person for this paper. This is due Saturday, November 17, 2012.

Paper For Above instruction

In the realm of human services, ethical dilemmas are commonplace and often challenging to navigate due to the complex interplay between professional responsibilities and personal values. In this paper, I will explore a workplace ethical dilemma I encountered, discuss how it aligns with my personal value system, and analyze how I would resolve such a dilemma based on ethical principles and professional standards.

The dilemma I faced involved confidentiality and reporting obligations within a social work agency. A client disclosed information indicating potential harm to themselves and others, but the client explicitly requested that I keep their disclosure confidential. The essential point of the dilemma was whether to honor the client's confidentiality or to breach it to prevent possible harm, thus confronting a conflict between respecting client autonomy and ensuring safety—a fundamental tension in human services.

This dilemma intersected deeply with my personal values of honesty, responsibility, and compassion. I believe in fostering trust and respect in client-worker relationships; however, I also prioritize safety and well-being. The client's request for confidentiality challenged my commitment to transparency and my ethical obligation to protect vulnerable individuals from harm. It prompted reflection on how much trust should be placed in clients' discretion and when duty of care overrides confidentiality.

In addressing this dilemma, I referred to the American Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics and the NASW Code of Ethics, both of which assert that safeguarding clients and third parties from harm takes precedence over confidentiality in situations where there is imminent risk. Accordingly, I consulted with my supervisor and followed protocols for reporting suspected harm, which involved documenting the disclosure, assessing the risk, and involving appropriate authorities when necessary. I recognized that breaching confidentiality, although difficult, was justified to prevent potential harm, aligning with ethical standards and professional obligations.

My resolution was guided by the principle of beneficence—acting in the best interest of the client and others. I explained to the client the limits of confidentiality and the rationale for intervention, emphasizing my duty to protect life and safety. I validated their feelings and urged continued cooperation to seek solutions that could mitigate risks. This approach balanced respect for the client’s dignity with professional responsibilities, fostering trust even amid difficult circumstances.

Had I faced this dilemma prior to professional experience, I believe I would have employed a similar approach—prioritizing safety, consulting with colleagues, and maintaining transparency with the client. Ethical decision-making in human services necessitates balancing multiple competing interests while adhering to established codes and advocating for the well-being of all parties involved.

In conclusion, workplace ethical dilemmas in human services often involve complex choices that test practitioners' values, responsibilities, and professionalism. By understanding the core points of such dilemmas, recognizing their impact on personal values, and applying ethical frameworks, practitioners can navigate these challenges effectively. My experience underscored the importance of ethical literacy, supervision, and compassion in resolving dilemmas, ensuring that decisions serve both the client's best interests and the overarching principles of human services.

References

• American Counseling Association. (2014). ACA Code of Ethics. Retrieved from https://www.counseling.org/resources/aca-code-of-ethics.pdf
• National Association of Social Workers. (2021). NASW Code of Ethics. Retrieved from https://www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English
• Corey, G., Corey, M. S., & Callanan, P. (2015). Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions (9th ed.). Brooks Cole.
• House, R., (2018). Ethical dilemmas in social work practice. Journal of Social Work Values & Ethics, 15(2), 25-36.
• Knapp, S., & VandeCreek, L. (2012). Practical ethics for psychologists: A foundational guide. American Psychological Association.
• Reamer, F. G. (2018). Social Work Values and Ethics (5th ed.). Columbia University Press.
• Truscott, D. M. (2017). Ethical issues in human services: structure and process. Journal of Human Services, 37(4), 23-31.
• Remley, T. P., & Herndon, J. (2020). Ethical and Professional Issues in Counseling (5th ed.). Pearson.
• Gustafson, D. J. (2011). Ethical decision making in social work practice. Social Work, 56(2), 128-130.
• Banks, S. (2019). Ethical issues in social work. Routledge.