MSW Master of Social Work Professional Values and Ethics Questions and Answers Flashcards
6 cards from real MSW practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 MSW Master of Social Work Professional Values and Ethics Questions and Answers flashcards as text
A social worker is asked to provide services in an area where they have limited training or experience. According to ethical standards, what should they do?
Answer: Provide services only after obtaining appropriate education, training, or supervised experience in that area
The NASW Code of Ethics requires social workers to practice only within their areas of competence and to pursue relevant training before providing services in new areas.
A client's cultural background includes practices that conflict with the social worker's personal beliefs. What is the most ethical response?
Answer: Provide culturally responsive services while managing personal biases through supervision
Cultural competence requires social workers to respect diverse cultural practices and seek supervision to manage personal biases rather than imposing their own values on clients.
What is the primary ethical concern with accepting gifts from clients in social work practice?
Answer: Gifts may create or reinforce a dual relationship that could compromise professional boundaries
The primary concern with accepting gifts is that they may blur professional boundaries and create dual relationship dynamics that could compromise the therapeutic relationship.
A social worker learns that their agency's policies prevent undocumented immigrants from receiving necessary services. What ethical obligation applies?
Answer: Advocate within the agency and through proper channels to change the discriminatory policy
Social workers have an ethical obligation to advocate for policy changes when organizational practices conflict with ethical principles, particularly those related to social justice and nondiscrimination.
Which ethical standard requires social workers to accurately represent their qualifications, credentials, and expertise to clients and the public?
Answer: Integrity
The value of integrity requires social workers to behave in a trustworthy manner, which includes accurately representing their professional qualifications and not misrepresenting their credentials.
A social worker is conducting a group therapy session and one member discloses sensitive information. What is the social worker's ethical responsibility regarding confidentiality in group settings?
Answer: Inform group members at the outset that confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in a group setting
Social workers must inform group participants that confidentiality cannot be absolutely guaranteed in group settings since they cannot control what other members share outside the group.