Lmdarms: Critical Response Questions

Lmdarms - Critical Response Question– Ethical and Legal
To answer the question of whether Mr. Smith should hire, or how to help, Joseph, a previous client, in his job search efforts. The first step would require gathering more background information from Mr. Smith as to the nature of Joseph’s outcome and condition, without violating confidentiality of course.
Identify the problem – Does Mr. Smith violate the well-being of Joseph if he intervenes? Can personal boundaries and confidentiality be maintained throughout the process? Less than a year has passed since Joseph was a client of Mr. Smith.
Apply ACA Code of Ethics -- While following the ACA Code of Ethics, Section. A.1., (2014) client welfare, is it in the best interest of the client. There is a concern about maintaining independence and continued personal growth of Joseph in the dilemma.
Determine nature and dimension of dilemma – How will intervening support, or impede, Joseph’s further growth and overall mental health in the future? Without knowing more initially, at first glance, it appears Joseph may be in a vulnerable state and therefore intervening will require specific and particular steps in considering the long-term outcome for Joseph. Ultimately, is it in Joseph’s best interest for Mr. Smith to intervene? Is Mr. Smith able to remain objective without impaired judgement
concerning Joseph?
Generate potential courses of action – By asking specific questions, find out more about the situation, and Joseph without breaking confidentiality.
Are there other options? Are there any maintenance jobs available in the small office? Would schedules overlap, or would there be no contact with Mr. Smith or Joseph. Further, it would need to be explained to Joseph about maintaining personal boundaries as stated in the ACA Code of Ethics, Section A.6.a., (2014). Does Mr. Smith, or myself, have information on job boards and search agencies in town? A referral to an agency seems more in line with the best outcome for all
concerned.
Consider potential consequences -- There is potential for Joseph to over-rely upon Mr. Smith in his job search and future choices. As well as, the potential for blurred boundaries and consequently, it may not be appropriate for Mr. Smith to consider future sessions with Joseph as a client.
Evaluate course of action – Through careful consideration of the situation, Mr. Smith, and myself, might offer referrals in finding contacts for Joseph in his employment search. Job agencies with resources such a resume writing and interviewing techniques come to mind. It is quite possible that Mr. Smith does not make the hiring decisions for the maintenance staff anyway. I might suggest giving Joseph’s name or give the name of the hiring agent to Joseph, thereby removing Mr. Smith from the over-dependence, boundary, and future sessions dilemma.
Implement course of action – As Mr. Smith’s co-worker, I could offer to make the call to maintenance, job services, and hiring agencies as an intermediary. This would remove Mr. Smith from the direct contact dilemma while still helping Joseph in his job search efforts in order to maintain his independence while continuing to maintain appropriate boundaries.