The code of ethics is crucial for any profession, especially when society is undergoing a technologically instigated transformation. The social work profession is guided by the NASW Code of Ethics, which details new and revised standards that are developed to address various ethical issues in the industry (“ National Association of Social Workers,” 2020 ). As a social worker, I must align my principles with the code of ethics; otherwise, my career profile will be compromised ( Bowles et al. 2018 ). The preamble of the NASW Code of Ethics is essential because it sets the grounds for my actions to mirror society's needs. As such, I will have to base my efforts on the NASW Code of Ethics because the standards therein will help me to navigate any challenge that will emerge.
Meaning of the Excerpt from the NASW Code of Ethics Preamble to Me
I believe that social work is a calling to serve humanity by enhancing the wellbeing of all members of society. Thus, social work professionals are instrumental in aiding other humans, especially the oppressed and the vulnerable, to meet their basic needs. First, the excerpt mentions that individual wellbeing is a fundamental aspect of social work. How individuals relate to each other is key to me as a social worker. Being ethical as I discharge my duties to individuals will define my career's success ( Barsky, 2017 ). For example, I must learn to be objective when addressing the wellbeing issues of individuals. With this, I will be able to have healthy individual relationships based on ethical practice and respect for different clients. A vital advantage of this approach is that I will be able to individualize the problems before attempting to address them from the societal level.
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The second aspect of the extract is to focus on the welfare of society. After addressing challenges at the individual level, the code of ethics shifts the social works to the societal level. It recommends that social workers be sensitive to cultural and ethnic diversity and work towards creating a more equitable society. Social workers have a moral obligation to enhance the capacity of societies to address their individual needs. Relatedly, I believe that social workers are tied to values such as social justice, human dignity, integrity, and healthy human relationships (“ National Association of Social Workers,” 2020 ). With these principles, I will be able to approach societal issues judiciously and without bias. The ability to accommodate diversity in society will help shape my professional profile and that of my employer. Identifying individual and societal challenges will be aided by my ability to scan the environment to identify the forces associated with the problems ( Bowles et al. 2018 ). Without this capacity, I will not be able to match a problem and viable solutions to it.
Implementing the Ideas in the Code of Ethics
As a social worker, I must fully comply with the standards provided in the code of ethics. To implement the ideas expressed in the code, I first have to understand their meaning and implications. Having a profound comprehension of the code of ethics content will determine how I will integrate them into my career as a social worker. I must also have explicit knowledge of what my work as a social worker entails. Having an in-depth understanding of social work dynamics will help me implement the ideas provided in the code of ethics. The other aspect that I will consider is the work environment (“ National Association of Social Workers,” 2020 ). I will endeavor to act with integrity, maintain a professional profile, and comply with all laws governing social work. I will always aspire to treat my clients, colleagues, and partners ethically at all times. Conflict of interest is a fundamental factor that will influence how I integrate the code of ethics in my career ( Barsky, 2017 ). I understand that the reputation of an organization is dependent on how its employees conduct themselves. Thus, it will be essential that I avoid relationships and activities that will compromise my ability to make fair and objective decisions. Last, I will strive to avoid discriminating and harassing my clients and colleagues. I believe that harassment and discrimination are the hallmarks of unbecoming behavior by social workers, aspects that can damage one's reputation, and that of their employer.
Challenges that Will Hinder my Ability to Practice the Mission of Social Work
The two challenges that might in the way of practicing as a social worker include the right to self-determination and differences in personal values. Concerning the first, as a social worker, one of my primary duties will be to help people make informed decisions. However, I will not be responsible for the actions of my clients. A client might choose to act against what is suitable for their case, and it can be tempting for me to take the issue personally. I will always need to remember that the autonomy of clients is crucial. Last, a client may want assistance that will conflict with my own moral beliefs. In such a situation, I will feel torn between providing the service requested and maintaining a positive connection with the client. I will have to employ the NASW's Code of Ethics and other relevant policy statements. Understanding policies that govern my work will be crucial in addressing other emerging challenges along the course of my practice. Also, I will extensively consult with other professionals so that I will be able to make informed decisions.
In summary, as a social worker, I will be required to identify problems both at individual and societal levels. The ability to assess the environment will enable me to identify forces that inform different social issues in society. For this to happen, I must have a deep understanding of the various ethical standards, policies, and requirements of a social work career. These are the aspects that will guide me in implementing the NASW's Code of Ethics. Every aspect of my decision making will be governed by the ethical principles provided. Nevertheless, I understand that as a social worker, I will encounter several challenges that can adversely affect my ethical practice. Two of the problems that I predict are the right to self-determination and differences in personal values.
References
Barsky, A. (2017). Ethics alive! The 2017 NASW Code of Ethics: What’s new. New Social Worker. Retrieved from http://www. socialworker. com/feature-articles/ethics-articles/the-2017-NASW-code-of-ethics-whats-new .
Bowles, W., Boetto, H., Jones, P., & McKinnon, J. (2018). Is social work really greening? Exploring the place of sustainability and environment in social work codes of ethics. International Social Work , 61 (4), 503-517.
National Associacion of Social Workers (NASW) . NASW - National Associacion of Social Workers. (2020). Retrieved 3 June 2020, from www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English .
