MSW Master of Social Work Professional Values and Ethics Questions and Answers

Question 1

A social worker is counseling a client who discloses a credible and specific threat to harm their former spouse, who is an identifiable third party.
The client has a history of domestic violence and access to a firearm.
What is the social worker's primary ethical and legal obligation?

Accepted Answer

Take reasonable steps to notify law enforcement and warn the potential victim.

Answer

Maintain strict client confidentiality to preserve the therapeutic alliance.

Answer

Immediately call the client's former spouse to warn them of the threat.

Answer

Develop a safety plan with the client to manage their anger and violent impulses.

Question 2

According to the NASW Code of Ethics, which core value is described as treating each person in a caring and respectful fashion, mindful of individual differences and cultural and ethnic diversity?

Accepted Answer

Dignity and Worth of the Person

Answer

Social Justice

Answer

Integrity

Answer

Competence

Question 3

A social worker in a small, rural community is invited to the wedding of a former client. The therapeutic relationship, which focused on grief counseling, was terminated appropriately two years ago. Which of the following is the MOST ethical consideration for the social worker?

Accepted Answer

Politely decline the invitation to avoid potential boundary confusion and the appearance of a dual relationship.

Answer

Attend the wedding, as the therapeutic relationship has been terminated for a significant period.

Answer

Attend the wedding but leave early and avoid interacting with the former client's family to minimize contact.

Answer

Ask the former client if they would feel uncomfortable if the social worker attended before making a decision.

Question 4

Which of the following is an ESSENTIAL component of the informed consent process in a direct practice setting?

Accepted Answer

Discussing the limits of confidentiality, such as the duty to report child abuse.

Answer

Guaranteeing the client that their desired outcomes will be achieved through therapy.

Answer

Providing the social worker's personal cell phone number for after-hours emergencies.

Answer

Requiring the client to commit to a minimum number of sessions before starting treatment.

Question 5

A social worker in private practice learns that a new client referred for individual therapy is the sibling of their best friend. The social worker has met the client socially on a few occasions but does not know them well. What is the social worker's MOST ethical course of action?

Accepted Answer

Inform the client of the conflict of interest and refer them to another qualified provider.

Answer

Proceed with therapy but seek regular supervision to manage the dual relationship.

Answer

Ask the best friend not to discuss the client in order to maintain confidentiality.

Answer

Accept the client for therapy but make a note in the file about the pre-existing relationship.

Question 6

A social worker is working with an adult client who, despite the social worker's advice and provision of resources for a safer housing option, decides to remain in an unstable living situation. The client is deemed to have the capacity to make their own decisions. The social worker's responsibility to respect the client's choice is based on which ethical principle?

Accepted Answer

Self-Determination

Answer

Beneficence

Answer

Social Justice

Answer

Integrity