Social workers often find themselves working with professionals belonging to other disciplines. Collaborating with other areas of specialty and people that serve different roles in working with clients has the potential to produce successful outcomes. However, progress can be hindered if there is a negative relationship between social workers and other professions. As social workers, we have a very specific code of ethics that indicates what our responsibilities and roles are in working with clients and professionals. Other disciplines often have ethical codes or standards that they have to follow as well. Being a good social work leaders means understanding what the social work role is and looks like and making sure to commit to it. Helping people of other professions to understand our ethical code and its importance can pave the way for successful collaboration and prevent miscommunication.
It can be challenging to work with other professionals to ensure the best treatment of a client. For example, nurses are often concerned with the physical wellbeing of a patient, while social workers are more concerned with their client’s social environment. Instead of stepping on one another’s toes, the social worker and nurse should reach a point of understanding regarding each other’s respective field through rapport and openness.
