Professionals and Social Responsibilities: Dual Roles, Relationships, and Consequences

Introduction

There are specific behaviors required or prohibited in various professions which are conditional (Addams, 2002). The social responsibilities are coercive in nature because they are backed by rules and regulations, with social repercussions on those who don't conform.

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Dual Roles and Relationships

NASW code of ethics prohibits dual roles and relationships between social workers and clients or former clients in which there is a risk of exploitation or possible harm to the client. In our case study, the social worker has to deal with issues pertaining to her spiritual inclination, the setting (a church), her relationship with her friends and fiance. She upholds her client's confidentiality but knows that the new congregant is a liar (Scales & Kelly, 2016).

The decisions made by these workers therefore directly or indirectly affect their personal and professional lives. The concept and issues concerning dual relationships are complex. There are multiple roles that social workers who together with their clients live in small towns, or are members of marginalized groups must face (Norton, 1978). The social worker in our case study tries all that she was taught at her undergraduate to abide by the professional code of conduct. However, the environmental setting makes this difficult to achieve (Scales & Kelly, 2016).

Planned Change Process

In the planned change process, the social worker needs to educate the client on the processes and keep the client abreast on where they have reached in the process. The social worker should ensure that they be open with the client and even share with them their personal lives so that they bring a healthy relationship. Moreover, the social worker could build a trusting relationship with the client to enhance the working relationship between them (Norton, 1978). Also, the relevant information is gathered, and the situation of the client is closely studied and makes a decision on what should be changed. It is instructive to note that the social worker should outline the objectives and strategies to be explored to ensure that they develop a better working relationship.

Meeting Clients in Public

In the event this occurs, then, I would have to act with decorum. I would outline to my client clearly and professionally the need to uphold our boundaries in the event we meet outside of the work place. Actually, the policy has provisions for inevitable dual relationship situations (Norton, 1978). Social workers have a delicate balance on their personality, profession, and societies as is evident in this case study.

Application of the Knowledge of Human Behavior

It is imperative to note that, my knowledge of human behavior and the social environment among others will enable me to understand the character traits of my clients, as well as the environment and this, will lead to the achievement of the set goals and objectives (Scales & Kelly, 2016). Besides, my understanding of the person-in-environment will ensure that the behaviors of the client are influenced based on the set objectives. At a macro-level, possessing the knowledge will ensure that I develop a deep understanding of the traits of all members of the community in which the social work is being carried out.

References

Addams, J. (2002). Democracy and social ethics. University of Illinois Press.

Norton, D. G. (1978). The Dual Perspective: Inclusion of Ethnic Minority Content in the Social Work Curriculum. Council on Social Work Education, New York, N.Y.

Scales, T. L., & Kelly, M. S. (2016). Christianity and social work: Readings on the integration of Christian faith and social work practice. North American Association of Christians in Social Work.