Ethics, Diversity & Professional Standards in Career Services Flashcards

When a career counselor suspects a client may be experiencing domestic violence that is affecting their job search, the MOST appropriate initial step is to:

Answer: Ask directly about safety concerns and provide information on support resources

Trauma-informed career practice involves gently inquiring about safety and connecting clients to resources without mandating action.

The term 'intersectionality' is most relevant to career services because it:

Answer: Recognizes that clients hold multiple social identities that interact to shape their career experiences

Intersectionality acknowledges that race, gender, class, and other identities overlap in ways that create unique barriers and privileges in career development.

An employer partner asks a career center to screen out candidates with employment gaps longer than one year before referring any applicants. An ethical CSP should:

Answer: Decline to apply blanket exclusions that may unlawfully screen out protected groups such as caregivers or those with disabilities

Blanket employment-gap exclusions may constitute disparate impact discrimination and compromise the CSP's obligation of equity to clients.

According to professional standards, how long should a career services professional typically retain client records after services end?

Answer: At least 5–7 years or as required by applicable law and organizational policy

Records should be maintained for a minimum of five to seven years post-service, consistent with legal requirements and professional guidelines.

A CSP conducting group career workshops notices that male participants consistently dominate discussion, marginalizing female and non-binary attendees. The BEST facilitation response is to:

Answer: Use structured facilitation techniques such as round-robin sharing to ensure equitable participation

Proactive, structured facilitation techniques create inclusive environments where all participants have equitable voice.

Which of the following BEST reflects the principle of 'fidelity' in career counseling ethics?

Answer: Honoring commitments made to clients, such as keeping appointments and following through on referrals

Fidelity means being trustworthy and keeping promises made to clients throughout the counseling relationship.

A career counselor who is experiencing severe burnout and it is affecting their professional judgment should FIRST:

Answer: Seek personal support and supervision, and consider temporarily reducing caseload

Ethical self-care includes recognizing impairment and taking steps to address it before client welfare is compromised.