Substandard 4.2: Critical engagement with codes of ethics
This sub standards focus on the ability of the student social worker to demonstrate critical engagement with the codes of ethics. Code of ethics are guidelines that guide social workers to uphold professional behavior. Additionally, the code of ethics is a crucial tool for social workers to ensure ethical behavior and attitudes as stated in the document for South African Council for Social Services Profession (2006). According to Nicholas (2010), it outlines principles, values, and standards, and promotes them through education, peer modeling, and consultation. The code guides social workers in conducting research, providing direct service, educating learners, and performing administrative, supervisory, editorial, or consultative functions. It also outlines the standard of professional conduct required from social services practitioners in their daily activities Nicholas (2010). Service delivery is a key principle, emphasizing the client's right to choose within their capabilities and social needs. However, ethical problems may arise when there is a conflict between the profession's values.
The student did not apply this sub-standard. However, if the student would use this standard in macro practice where there are conflicting policies or rules between the organisation and maybe a group of women that experienced gender-based violence and the student is asked to conduct a project to educate the community about gender-based violence to equip young women about things that perpetuate gender-based violence yet the organisation maybe has a rule that restricts young girls from the program. The SSW would analyse the effects of the rule or policy with management and advocate for policy change enabling open discussion that leads to solving the problem of excluding young girls, yet violence can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime. It is social work's role to ensure that services are delivered to the relevant population. Therefore, by solving this dilemma, the SSW would be able to facilitate gender-based violence programs with young and old women in an inclusive environment promoting social cohesion among women. The student would rate herself 5/5 as she can demonstrate critical engagement with the code of ethics to solve ethical dilemmas.