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Identifying Everyday Ethical ‘Potholes’ in Social Work

Identifying Everyday Ethical ‘Potholes’ in Social Work
Written by the Continued staff
June 1, 2022
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It is your responsibility as a licensed social worker to know and understand the various components of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics (COE) and how they impact your particular practice. 

This is especially true if you find yourself licensed under a number of different codes related to your employer that may go against what the COE for social workers indicates. 

Continued Social Work presenter Michelle Gricus, DSW, LICSW, LCSW-C, helps social workers identify common “potholes” in the field and how they relate to ethical dilemmas. 

“Ethical social workers take responsibility for the impact they have on other people,” Gricus said. “Good ethics training will help you walk away with ideas that you had not thought of in a while or will help you with your next ethical dilemma.”

The following information is taken from Gricus’ Continued Social Work course Avoiding Professional Potholes: Everyday Ethical Social Work Practice

Social Work Potholes

Social work potholes are places where we have a misstep and can slip into poor practice if we are not being mindful. What is often complicated about social work practice, particularly ethics training, is that we are not always in agreement about what to do with complex issues. 

For starters, the COE does not tell us explicitly what to do in every situation. Instead, it gives us a wide scope of ideas, suggestions, or concepts. 

There may be two standards going against each other, and it may not always be evident which course of action to take. 

Additionally, your boundaries may not be the same as my boundaries, though we have the same job and may work with the same individuals. 

Further, “breaking rules” may be necessary in this line of work. 

What’s an Ethical Dilemma?

An ethical dilemma is when we are faced with a conflict and where no matter what we decide, some harm will be caused. If all aviailable choices can cause harm, we are in a predicament where there is no clear choice. 

Professional Ethical Dilemmas Can Include 

  • Unclear rules or laws
  • Conflicting demands, laws, policies, or desires
  • Needs of others or taking responsibility for others
  • Transgressions or what to do about a wrongdoing
  • Social pressure
  • Internal conflict when personal and professional values clash

Ethical Decision-Making Frameworks 

  • Define the problem, recognize there is an issue, and get the facts. 
  • Identify the potential costs and benefits to all parties, including yourself. 
  • Consult or get support—from the COE, laws, a supervisor, etc. 
  • Evaluate all available options. 
  • Implement your decision. 
  • Review the outcomes of the process or decision. 

NASW Code of Ethics and Your Identities 

Psychological challenges, personal circumstances, and compassion fatigue are among the many factors that can influence decision-making. 

Further, differences can matter. These differences could include the worldview of all involved parties, the historical or personal experiences of the social worker, religion, and political affiliation. 

It is critical to: 

  • Demonstrate an appreciation of your own cultural identities and those of others.
  • Be aware of your own privilege and power and acknowledge the impact in client work. 
  • Demonstrate cultural humility and sensitivity. 
  • Develop specialized knowledge of differences such as race, ethnicity, immigration or refugee status, tribal groups, religion, sexual orientation, social class, and ability. 
  • Advocate for policies that empower marginalized populations. 
  • Provide effective communication with clients of all kinds. 

“Tune-ups are important in identifying personal risk areas,” Gricus said. “Know your biases, values, strengths, and weaknesses, and take time to regularly reflect on your practice.” 

Featured Presenter

Presenter photo

Michelle Gricus, DSW, LICSW, LCSW-C. Dr. Gricus is a licensed clinical social worker. She completed her Bachelor of Social Work at the College of St. Benedict in Minnesota, her Master of Social Work at the University of Houston in Texas, and she earned a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at St. Catherine University/University of St. Thomas in Minnesota. Dr. Gricus is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at Hood College in Frederick, Maryland, where she teaches courses across the social work curriculum. In addition, she has taught and trained new and experienced human service providers and is passionate about preparing professionals to provide ethical, person-centered, and culturally sensitive practice. Dr. Gricus’ research interests center around professional behavior, practice violations, and professional regulation. 


Written by the Continued staff

Continued Social Work offers evidence-based CE courses presented by leading experts and is part of the Continued family of learning sites. For more articles like this and information on courses, special offers, and more, subscribe to our newsletter



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