Week 4 Core Values Social Work Values And Ethics Is Required

Week 4 Core Valuessocial Work Values And Ethics Is Required To Be 3

What would you consider to be your core values? Where and how did you learn these values?

In what areas do your values agree with learned social work values (NASW Code of Ethics, CSWE Core Competencies, and unique social work perspectives such as Strengths, PIE, Ecosystems)? In what areas do your values diverge with learned social work values? Discuss your major area of study and practicum or volunteer experiences, if applicable, the population(s) you are interested in working with, and what your future plans for work involve.

What are your working definitions of your core values? Discuss ways that your core values have been part of what has led you to your course of work and study so far in your life. Review ways that your core values and ethics have been challenged at times in your life through school and work experiences. How might any areas of difference between your values and learned social work values affect your ability to practice in your chosen social service field?

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Core values serve as foundational principles guiding individuals’ behaviors and decisions across various aspects of life. In the context of social work, understanding one's personal core values is essential for ethical practice and effective service delivery. This paper explores my personal core values, their origins, areas of alignment and divergence with established social work values, and their influence on my educational parcours, practicum experiences, and future career aspirations. Additionally, it examines challenges faced in maintaining these values and considers how differences between personal and professional values might impact social work practice.

Personal Core Values and Their Origins

My core values include compassion, integrity, respect, fairness, and social justice. These values were cultivated through my upbringing, educational experiences, and personal reflections. Growing up in a community-oriented environment, I observed the importance of empathy and supporting others, which fostered my sense of compassion. Educational experiences, such as volunteering at community centers and participating in service-learning projects, reinforced my commitment to justice and respect for individual dignity. These foundational experiences shaped my understanding that aligning personal values with professional practice is crucial for genuine and impactful social work.

Alignment and Divergence with Social Work Values

My personal values largely align with the core principles articulated in the NASW Code of Ethics and the CSWE Core Competencies, particularly in the areas of service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, and importance of human relationships. For example, my commitment to advocating for marginalized populations resonates with the social work emphasis on social justice. Additionally, my respect for individual autonomy aligns with professional standards emphasizing client self-determination.

However, divergences exist in areas such as personal perceptions of authority and intervention approaches. While I value empowering clients, I also have an inclination for structured guidance, which may sometimes conflict with the social work stance on non-directiveness. Recognizing these differences is vital to avoid ethical dilemmas and ensure client-centered practices that adhere to professional standards.

Major Area of Study, Practicum Experiences, and Future Plans

I am pursuing a major in social work with an interest in community mental health. My practicum experiences involve working with adolescents facing behavioral challenges, which has deepened my understanding of mental health issues, systemic barriers, and culturally sensitive interventions. Looking ahead, I aspire to work in underserved urban communities, advocating for access to mental health services and developing community-based support programs. My future plans include obtaining licensure as a clinical social worker and contributing to policy reforms that promote equitable mental health care.

Working Definitions of Core Values

For me, compassion entails genuine concern and a desire to alleviate suffering. Integrity involves honesty, transparency, and consistency in actions. Respect is recognizing the inherent dignity of every individual regardless of background or circumstances. Social justice embodies active efforts to eliminate disparities and promote fairness. These definitions guide my approach to social work, emphasizing empathy, ethical responsibility, and advocacy.

Paths Leading to Career and Study Choices

My values have driven my decision to pursue social work, motivated by a desire to contribute positively to society and support vulnerable populations. Experiences volunteering at homeless shelters and participating in social justice campaigns have reinforced my commitment. These initiatives helped me develop practical skills and a sense of purpose that continues to motivate my academic and professional pursuits.

Challenges to Core Values and Ethical Dilemmas

Throughout my educational and work experiences, I have faced challenges that tested my core values. For example, encountering systemic inequities and witnessing bureaucratic barriers sometimes conflicted with my sense of justice. Additionally, balancing compassion with self-care has been a constant struggle, particularly when personal boundaries are tested. These experiences have underscored the importance of maintaining ethical integrity while navigating complex real-world situations.

Impact of Personal and Professional Value Divergences on Practice

Differences between personal values and learned social work ethics may influence my practice, particularly in areas such as client autonomy, intervention methods, and boundary-setting. For instance, my structured approach might sometimes conflict with the social work emphasis on empowerment and self-determination. Recognizing these divergences allows me to strive for ethical fidelity, engaging in continuous self-reflection and supervision to ensure that my practice remains aligned with professional standards and best interests of clients.

Conclusion

Understanding and reflecting on personal core values is fundamental for ethical engagement in social work. While there is significant alignment with professional standards, awareness of divergences is essential for responsible practice. By integrating my values with social work principles, I aim to contribute effectively to communities, advocate for justice, and uphold the dignity of every person I serve. Addressing challenges and discrepancies proactively will support my growth as an ethical social worker committed to positive social change.

References

• National Association of Social Workers. (2017). Code of Ethics. NASW Press.
• Council on Social Work Education. (2022). Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS).
• Corey, G., Corey, M., & Corey, C. (2019). Becoming a helper. Cengage Learning.
• Banks, S. (2012). Ethics in social work (4th ed.). Palgrave Macmillan.
• Hatch, J. A. (2018). Ethical issues in social work practice. Routledge.