Social Worker Boundaries

This question is much more complex than it seems on the surface, due in part to the multiple variables that would influence the answer. For instance, if I was in dire need of a job I may go out of my way to impress the person, especially if it is my dream job. Another aspect might be how invasive the question is perceived to be, which could influence my reply, especially if coupled with the first example of really needing a job. There may also be ethical factors to the question, some of which are “grey” areas, while others are very clear. Although all of these (and likely many others I haven’t thought of) may play a part in how I feel and exactly how I react to an invasive question, I think in the end I would default back to job relatedness.

Dual relationships and the ethical behavior that revolves around boundaries with clients present a multitude of very complicated situations to counselors where a clearly defined course of action is not always evident. Aside from no accord amongst mental health professionals and boundary issues being unavoidable at times, recognition and prediction of potential benefits or pitfalls correlated with dual relationships can prove to be troublesome as well (Remley & Herlihy, 2010). For most cases, it is best if an outline is used to discern when it is appropriate for a counselor to breach the client-counselor boundary.

The social work profession’s Standards of Practice outlines the boundaries in the relationship between social workers and their clients and sets a mandate of their responsibilities as a social worker (Alberta College of Social Workers, 2013, p. 30). In the Code of Ethics, boundaries are also set at a high standard as we must draw metaphysical lines between personal roles or interests and professional (Canadian Association of Social Workers, 2005, p. 7) to prevent forming a dual relationship with clients. Another boundary is to halt the possibility of the social worker from using the time they have to help themselves rather than helping their clients (CASW, 2005, p. 6). In addition to these boundaries, it is crucial for social workers to not share too much of their personal life with clients by placing mental boundaries of how much they feel they can share of their personal life with their clients.

IntroductionThis paper discusses and explores both case studies in order to find the powers and duties a social worker acting in a statutory capacity might exercise in these cases, how might they be exercised and how might wider principles of welfare law impact on their decision making? It also analyses the tensions and dilemmas that may exist, referring to specific legislative provisions, and identify how anti-oppressive practice might influence the resolution of these case studies. It also demonstrates an ability to study relevant law in social work practice and have a critical and analytical understanding of the service delivery standards and powers and duties of social workers, demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of key

Everyone has different challenges they must overcome in this life; however, all people must face the reality of death. While the transition to death seems naturally uncontrollable, many people are now expressing their wishes concerning end-of-life care. The various choices individuals have about if, when, and how to end their life have been expanding in not only recent decades, but in recent years. Therefore, it is important for social workers to be abreast on how this topic affects clients and the overall profession. Andrew McCormick, a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, wrote “Self-Determination, the Right to Die, and Culture: A Literature Review” to show social workers how the complexities surrounding the right-to-die movement affect their interactions with clients. This critical analysis will explore the points of McCormick’s review and the suggestions he has for social workers. He positively considers the value of self-determination in addition to the need for cultural competency. Even though he is right to mention that this issue is not ethically clear at all times for social workers, he does not apply the strengths perspective or the value of empowerment to his article. Furthermore, he does not empower social workers by informing them of how they can overcome their potential personal bias and fear of death and the right-to-die issue.

There are many ways in which social workers can avoid ethical dilemmas. In regards to the Jones case I will explain five ethical dilemmas. I will explain what 3 core values could have benefitted the Jones family and I will give three strategies I will use to practice ethical behavior in my field of social work in the future.

Safety is very important when you do social work it could mean the difference between life and death. KVC health systems have many precautions and safety measures that are to be taken.

At the beginning of the session, the social worker went over the terms of a contract. The social worker explained the purpose of a contract is when an agreement is eventually put into writing, then the statement is more likely to be a term of the contract. Social worker continued to explain a contract means that each of the parties is obligated, or required to perform a duty under the contract. Social worker continued to explain the contract that will be presented today will contain five goals and five treatment objectives. Social worker stated the contract will also include the worker name, family name, date of initial intake, date of treatment plan, day/time of sessions, anticipated number of sessions and method of payment. Social worker

I. (Introduction) North American social workers experience a form of oppression within the social service institution where they are silent about it or their anti-oppressive efforts are rendered futile. A. Anti-oppression, Racism and Whiteness 1. Definitions a. Racism is a social construct that generally creates a generalization based on the culture, ethnicity, or any objective attributes of a person. b. Oppression is the use of any form of power to dis-empower, marginalize, silence, or otherwise subordinate one social group or category, usually to further empower and/or privilege the oppressor.

This paper will discuss the contract and barriers for John that might interfere with him completing his goals. In addition, this paper will address the questions if the caseworker is working harder than the client, concerns about John completing his goals and what they maybe, any resistance from John, possible barriers that may conflict with John completing his goals, and any value conflicts that might be present. Furthermore, the ending of this paper will suggest recommendations for treatment for John and some long-term goals that could be added at a later time to help my client.

Introduction Within the field of social work, one of the ethical problems that has been found to be challenging has been the issue of managing boundary relationships. These relationships involve instances where the social worker’s professional ethics are brought into disrepute. Some of the boundary issues that social workers experienced while dispensing their duties or when dealing with clients involved: sexual relationships, religious issues, business dealings and social life (Reamer, 2003). Social workers are expected to deal with their clients’ professionally, but when the relationship that they have with the client becomes either dual or multiple; this could easily result in conflict of interest.

In the reading “The Work Culture of Latin Domestic Workers” By Pierrette Hondagnu-Sotelo it discusses how the interaction between the domestic workers and the importance within a social setting and how it impact the work culture. Often immigrants arriving to the United States have a difficult time finding employment creating an environment of connection spreading through word of mouth by friends and family to help seek opportunities. Women who did not have these connections and attempting to find employment “unable to break into domestic work, or languished on the margins of the occupation” Many workers having difficulties finding a job were able to find a profession under subcontracting arrangements. This is where individuals subcontract their

During my time in the social work program and in my practicum so far, I have not encountered what I would consider serious boundary issues, but I do question some of the things that I have participated in. The reading Boundary Issues in Social Work: Managing Dual Relationships by Fredric G. Reamer states that dual relationships in social work can be seen as social, sexual, religious, or business relationships. When applying the reading to my real life experiences, I focused on social relationships, as I do not have personal experience with any of the other types through my practicum. The examples I am thinking of are all boundary crossing, and not boundary violations, between coworkers. I might feel a little more cautious about this since

One of the most important skill to have as a social worker is to identify your client’s strengths. All social workers should have knowledge of an effective leader that are identified by their strengths or limitations in order to improve the one’s they identify. There are several evidence-based assessments that help identify the strengths and limitations of any individual. Thus, it is also necessary to obtain other perspective based on your leadership strengths or limitations in order to improve or strengthen those qualities. The self-assessments used through this paper will help me develop a plan that points out my challenges, help expand and improve on my strengths (Human Services Guide, 2015).

Law has come to play a very important part in social work practice. It can be said that the understanding of law underpins and provides duties and power, whilst understanding the statutory legal requirements is essential for effective, fair, anti-discriminatory practice (Brammer 2007). Due to the shear amount of laws and legislation that have been passed or updated over the last decade, the role of the social worker, metaphorically speaking could be said to have become somewhat of a chameleon, forever adapting to their legal environment, whilst trying hard to remain true to the traditional values of the role of a social worker. It is this conflict between law and social work values that will be analyzed in this paper. From looking at the values that underpin the modern day social worker and then looking at some of the main legislation relating to adult services such as the Mental Health Act 2007, the Community Care Act 1996, Mental Capacity Act 2005 the relationship between these Acts’ and how they sit with social work values will then be discussed.