Leading by Example
Each of us who carries the title “social worker” also carries the responsibility of representing the profession well and upholding its reputation. We can uphold the profession’s reputation by practicing in ways that honor the profession’s values. By leading by example, we can inspire others to do the same.
Avoiding Ethical Violations: One of the most important ways to lead by example and protect the reputation of the profession is to avoid ethical violations. Ethical violations can harm our clients and tarnish our reputations. Common ethical violations include:
- Boundary violations
- Breach of confidentiality
- Reports to courts – child custody clients
- Improper record-keeping
- Unlicensed practice
- Convictions (post-licensure)
- Impaired practitioners
- Practicing outside the scope of licensure
(Harvey, 2021)
Making Positive Impressions: Another way to uphold the reputation of the social work profession is by always being mindful of the way we interact with others and encouraging colleagues to do the same. Social workers are impactful and we are bound to leave lasting impressions on people–it is important that we strive for these to be positive impressions.
Interacting with Clients: Consider this article in which a client describes how the rapport with his social worker was a vital part of his mental health care during a critical time in his life. When we leave positive impressions on our clients, we are better able to help them achieve their goals and overcome their challenges.
Interacting with Other Professionals: Along with leaving positive impressions on our clients, we should strive to leave positive impressions on other professionals. The way we interact with other professionals (on an interdisciplinary team, for example) can impact their overall view of the agencies we represent and even the social work field as a whole.
The Benefits of a Positive Public Perception of the Social Work Field
For Future Clients: A general feeling of confidence in the social work profession can provide someone with enough reassurance and encouragement to reach out for help when they need it if they otherwise may have hesitated to do so.
For Current Clients: Social workers are called to advocate with and on behalf of our clients. The credibility that a positive public perception of the social work field lends us can be put to good use when we advocate with and on behalf of our clients.
For Ourselves and Our Colleagues: Unfortunately, social workers are often undervalued and underpaid compared to other helping professions. Social workers should take every opportunity to showcase the importance of our roles and the value of the contributions we make so that we may receive the recognition and appreciation we deserve.
Social workers are underpaid compared to other helping professions. When we represent the profession well, we encourage the world to take us seriously and to value the work we do. Image from NASW
References:
Harvey, C. (2021). Ethical violations [Lecture notes]. Retrieved from https://osu.instructure.com/courses/102843/pages/week-2-coursework?module_item_id=6277362