It is the sole responsibility of the IASSW to critically develop and regularly update the working codes of ethics, to be consistent and in line with IASSW statement. It is also the role of this national organization to inform the respective social workers these codes or guidelines. A social worker is bound to act in accordance with these set ethical codes and guidelines current in his or her country. These will generally include more detailed guidance in all aspects of ethical practice specific mainly to the national context.
A social worker is expected to develop the required skills and maintain competence in their respective jobs. He or she should not in any way allow his or her skills to be in any way used for inhumane purposes, for instance torture or terrorism and anyone who does this is against the law. The social worker must act with integrity. This applies to even not abusing the respective relationship of trust with the other people using their services, and recognizing the respective boundaries between professional and personal life, and not in anyway abusing their given position for personal benefit or gain at any time.
Social workers must always offer their services with great compassion, care and empathy. They are not supposed to subordinate the needs and other interests of people using these services to their own interests. A social worker has a duty in taking all the necessary steps to caring for them personally and professionally in his respective workplace and in the entire society, for them to ensure that they are well able to provide the suitable services. Above all, a social worker must maintain confidentiality regarding the respective client’s information using their services. To summarize it, social worker should be well prepared to state the reasons for his made decision and all the ethical considerations he has made making him accountable to his or her actions.
References
“Ethics in Social Work, Statement of
References: “Ethics in Social Work, Statement of Principles” Journal: General Meetings of the International Federation of Social Workers: Australia, October 2004