NASW Core Values
This value emphasizes helping people in need and addressing social problems.
What is Service?
This ethical principle supports a client's right to make their own decisions.
What is Self-Determination?
A client arrives late to every appointment. Instead of labeling them "unmotivated," you seek to understand their barriers and experiences.
What is respecting the dignity and worth of the person?
Before recording a counseling session, a social worker should obtain this.
What is informed consent?
A social worker knows that a community policy harms vulnerable families but says nothing.
Response: What ethical value may be neglected?
What is Social Justice?
This value focuses on challenging social injustice and advocating for vulnerable populations.
What is Social Justice?
A social worker should provide services only within areas where they have appropriate knowledge and skills.
What is Competence?
A client asks you, "If you were me, what would you do?"
What is helping the client explore options without making the decision for them?
This occurs when a social worker has both a professional and personal relationship with a client.
What is a dual relationship?
A licensed social worker exaggerates their credentials and advertises expertise in a treatment approach they are not qualified to provide.
What is Misrepresentation/Fraud?
This value reminds social workers that every person deserves respect and self-determination.
What is Dignity and Worth of the Person?
This principle requires social workers to keep client information private except under specific circumstances.
What is Confidentiality?
A client misses three consecutive appointments. Your supervisor wants to close the case immediately.
What is exploring barriers to engagement before terminating services?
A social worker discusses a client in a public elevator.
What is a breach of confidentiality?
A social worker accepts a counseling case involving a close friend despite concerns that personal feelings may affect professional judgment.
What is a Conflict of Interest?
This value recognizes relationships as an important vehicle for helping and change.
What is Importance of Human Relationships?
Social workers should avoid situations in which personal interests interfere with professional responsibilities.
What is a Conflict of Interest?
A client asks to connect on social media.
What is maintaining professional boundaries?
A social worker accepts an expensive gift from a client near case closure.
What is a boundary concern/possible conflict of interest?
A social worker assumes all members of a cultural group share the same beliefs. This is an example of:
What is stereotyping?
This value requires social workers to behave honestly, ethically, and responsibly.
What is Integrity?
A social worker learns that a colleague's substance use is affecting client care and takes steps to address the situation.
What is Impairment of Colleagues?
A client shares that they stopped seeing a therapist because they felt judged and misunderstood. The client says: "I don't trust professionals anymore." As the new social worker, what do you do?
What is using empathy, active listening, and relationship-building to rebuild trust while respecting the client's experience?
A social worker partners with community members when designing services instead of making decisions for them. This reflects:
What is culturally responsive and collaborative practice?
A client tells you they recently lost their job and cannot afford rent. They ask if you can lend them $200 until their next paycheck.
What is maintaining professional boundaries while helping connect the client with resources? (Service vs. Boundaries)