12

Disciplines and Ideas

in the Applied Social
Sciences
Quarter1- Week 5-Module15
RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND
ACCOUNTABILITIES OF SOCIAL WORKERS

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Disciplines and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences – Grade 12
Quarter 1-Week 5-Module 15: Rights, Responsibilities and Accountabilities of Social
Workers

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work
of the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency
or office wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such work for
profit. Such agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment
of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names,
trademarks, etc.) included in this book are owned by their respective copyright holders.
Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from
their respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim
ownership over them.

Regional Director: Gilbert T. Sadsad

Assistant Regional Director: Jessie L. Amin

Development Team of the Module

Writer: RICHARD M. MUÑOZ
Editors: FLORENIA C. TORALDE / RICARDO M. GAMUROT JR.
Reviewers: JARME TAUMATORGO / JERSON V. TORALDE
Illustrator: KIM ARTHUR B. CARGULLO / RICHARD M. MUÑOZ
Layout Artist: KIM ARTHUR B. CARGULLO / RICHARD M. MUÑOZ

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Module 15
Values, Rights, Responsibilities and Accountabilities of
Social Workers

Introduction: (GET STARTED)

It is not only about the fact that social work is always concerned with the clients
and service oriented but it’s also about the social work’s rights, responsibilities and
accountabilities like any other professions.
It is the right to achieve professional mandates or what is asked for the social
worker to help the clients, general public and society and live by its value. Social work
responsibilities involves those situations that concern of its basic functions, professional
standards, roles, and adherence to the local and international code of ethics. Hence, this
module introduces you the values, rights, responsibilities and accountabilities of social
workers.

Learning Objectives: (SET THE DIRECTION)

Generally, at the end of the module, you are expected to explain the value rights,
responsibilities and accountabilities of social workers. In particular, you are most likely to
exhibit the following competencies:

1. identify what is asked for the social worker to help the clients, general public and
society and live by its value.
2. deepen personal knowledge about the rights, responsibilities and accountabilities
of social work professionals nowadays.
3. Write an essay about how the social workers address the current situation we are
experiencing.

Vocabulary List: (DISCOVER CONCEPTS)

To give you a profound understanding of specific concepts along with rights,

responsibilities and accountabilities of social workers, here are some important terms you
should bear in mind before proceeding with the activities in this module:

Rights - Qualities (such as adherence to duty or obedience to

lawful authority) that together constitute the ideal of
moral propriety or merit moral approval.
Responsibility - The quality or state of being responsible.

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Accountability - An obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or
to account for one’s action.
Career - a field for or pursuit of consecutive progressive
achievement especially in public, professional or
business life.
Service - the work performed by one that serves; contribution to
the welfare of others.

Social justice - s the view that everyone deserves to enjoy the same
economic, political and social rights, regardless of race,
socioeconomic status, gender or other characteristics
Integrity - is the practice of being honest and showing a
consistent and uncompromising adherence to strong
moral and ethical principles and values. In ethics,
integrity is regarded as the honesty and truthfulness or
accuracy of one's actions.
Competence - is the set of demonstrable characteristics and skills that
enable, and improve the efficiency or performance of a
job.
Human Relation - is one person's relationship or connection with another
person. It implies how people interact and cooperate
with each other when they come together in a group to
achieve objectives.
Dignity - is the right of a person to be valued and respected for
their own sake, and to be treated ethically.
Confidentiality - is a set of rules or a promise that limits access or places
restrictions on certain types of information.
Commitment - to work or work commitment is defined as the level of
enthusiasm an employee has towards his/her tasks
assigned at a workplace. It is the feeling of
responsibility that a person has towards the goals,
mission, and vision of the organization he/she is
associated with.
Consent - means to agree to do something or to give permission.
It occurs when one person voluntarily agrees to the
proposal or desires of another.
Self-determination - is the freedom to live as one chooses, or to act or
decide without consulting another or others.
Values - is a person's principles or standards of behavior; one's
judgment of what is important in life.

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Pre-test: STRETCH YOUR BRAIN

Directions: Read the questions critically. Encircle the letter of the correct answer. If two or
more correct answers are provided in the option, choose the best correct answer. One
correct answer is equivalent to one (1) point.

1. Which of the following refers to the awareness of yourself?

a. Self-knowledge c. Ideal self
b. Social roles d. Self-concept
2. Which of the following allows you to focus only on achieving a specific goal without
being distracted by less important things or spontaneous desires.
a. Managing Stress c. Determination
b. Creativity d. Self-confidence
3. It helps you to achieve goals using new, original, unconventional ideas.
a. Managing Stress c. Problem-solving skills
b. Generating Ideas d. Persistence
4. Which of the following is an intrinsic and essential property of the human person?
a. Rights c. Freedom
b. Responsibility d. Choice
5. It refers to the ability of a person to act out of his or her own free will and self-
determination
a. Free will c. Voluntariness
b. Self-concept d. Responsibility
6. The willingness of a person to be present and be at the disposal of another.
a. Sympathy c. Availability
b. Empathy d. Presence
7. What is the tem being use inclusively to refer to individuals, families, groups,
organizations, and communities?
a. Target c. Respondent
b. Costumer d. Client
8. Which of the following offers a set of values, principles, and standards to guide
decision making and conduct when ethical issues arise?
a. Code c. Do’s and Don’ts
b. Guidelines d. Rule
9. When social workers provide services to two or more people who have a
relationship with each other (for example, couples, family members), social
workers should clarify with all parties which individuals will be considered clients
and the nature of social workers’ professional obligations to the various individuals
who are receiving services.
a. Conflict of Interest d. Memorandum of
b. Social Responsibility Agreement
c. Mutual Understanding
10. Social workers should avoid unwarranted negative criticism of colleagues in
communications with clients or with other professionals.
a. Confidentiality d. Dignity
b. Respect
c. Honesty

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Learning Activities: GUESS WHAT?

Directions.

1. Analyze the descriptions provided in each number.

2. Identify the values and responsibilities of a social worker relative to the given
descriptions.
3. Write your answer in the blank provided before each number.
4. Use bold letters in writing your answer.

__________________ 1. Social workers are encouraged to volunteer some portion of

their professional skills with no expectation of significant
financial return (pro bono service).
__________________ 2. Social workers strive to ensure access to needed information,
services, and resources; equality of opportunity; and
meaningful participation in decision making for all people.
__________________ 3. Social workers act honestly and responsibly and promote
ethical practices on the part of the organizations with which
they are affiliated.
__________________ 4. Social workers continually strive to increase their professional
knowledge and skills and to apply them in practice.
__________________ 5. Social workers seek to strengthen relationships among
people in a purposeful effort to promote, restore, maintain, and
enhance the well-being of individuals, families, social groups,
organizations, and communities.
__________________ 6. Social workers are cognizant of their dual responsibility to
clients’ interests and the broader society’s interests in a
socially responsible manner consistent with the values, ethical
principles, and ethical standards of the profession.
__________________ 7. Social workers should not solicit private information from
clients unless it is essential to providing services or conducting
social work evaluation or research.
__________________ 8. Social workers’ primary responsibility is to promote the well-
being of clients. In general, clients’ interests are primary.
__________________ 9. Social workers should provide clients with an opportunity to
ask questions.
__________________ 10. Social workers respect and promote the right of clients and
assist clients in their efforts to identify and clarify their goals.

Guide Questions:

1. How did the activity help you identify the values and responsibilities of a social
worker?
2. Does the activity gave you an understanding about the values and responsibilities
of a social worker?
 3. What is your most significant realizations about social workers’ responsibility after
completing the activity?

Practice Task 1: KNOW YOUR TARGET

Directions.

1. Based on the results of the preceding activity, identify the core values and social
responsibilities embraced by social workers throughout the profession's history and
serves as the foundation of social work's unique purpose and perspective.
2. In the space provided, write as many values and responsibilities as possible to
highlight the core values of the social workers.
3. Use bold letters in writing your answer.

SOCIAL WORKER

VALUES RESPONSIBILITIES

Guide Questions:

1. How was your experience in filling out the matrix?

2. Did it help you identify the core values which serves as the foundation of social
work's unique purpose and perspective?
3. How do these core values make a social work profession unique?

Practice Task 2: GET DEEP PEER (DEEPER)

Directions.

1. Recall the core values of a social worker.

2. Provide a situation where you can practically manifest such values.
 CORE VALUES SITUATIONS

Guide Questions:

1. How does each situation affect the way you look at the social workers here in the
Philippines?
2. Do you think the activity has helped you to become more critical in organizing your
thoughts?
3. Which situation post a huge challenge in the way you reason out to specific
standpoint?
4. Why do you think it is challenging for you?
Practice Task 3: SHOW YOUR STANCE

Directions.

1. Read and analyze the article/statement below.

2. Write a critical essay about the article/statement addressing the following
concerns; 1) what part of the article/statement have made an impact to you?, 2)
What do you think are the responsibilities of a social worker, and 3) How vital are
the functions of social workers during this pandemic?
3. Your essay must highlight your learnings about the values, rights, responsibilities
and accountabilities of a social worker.

AS SOCIAL WORKERS WORK THROUGH THE COVID 19 CRISIS WE

WORK TOWARDS A BETTER WORLD
Statement from the IFSW Secretary-General: Dr. Rory Truell

Social work is responding extremely well to the Covid 19 crisis despite many
countries reporting a lack of protective equipment, support and resources. IFSW sends a
message – congratulations to all social workers in your essential life-saving role.

We have passed some challenges, and more are ahead. The social work role in
advocating that social services remain open and adapt to the conditions has largely been
successful. For example, social services developing targeted plans to support homeless
people and other vulnerable groups has in many countries been advanced. The setting up
of telephone hotlines that provide family counselling and direct safety when domestic
violence is occurring is also advancing in many countries.

There are many ethical challenges that workers are facing. Under conditions of
lockdown, dilemmas are commonplace. In many countries, when a family member dies
the family does not know where the body is being kept as funeral ceremonies are
suspended or delayed. People can’t leave their homes. In the family’s grief, does the social
worker say ‘the body is temporarily resting in a church in another town, because there are
no other facilities?’ The social worker has a fear that in their grief the family may break the
curfew conditions. Another dilemma occurs where resources allow only one of two options,
providing accommodation for the homeless or combatting the isolation of the elderly?

These ethical challenges are being met professionally as workers develop

frameworks for decision making based on the profession’s Statement of Ethical Principles
and the unique circumstances. In countries with weak state-provided health and social
service infrastructures social workers are focused on community development
approaches, providing education and promoting community responsibility.

Through daily exchange with members globally, we are also learning of the
importance of social workers blending in hope and vision within the communities they work
within. This represents a crucial aspect of professional social work practice. We know that
change happens from the grass-roots upwards.
 As a profession, we have witnessed many times how crisis situations present
opportunities to rebuild better, more inclusive and more stable societies. Our role as social
workers is to bring attention to the long-term social solutions. This crisis is no exception.

As we are witnesses to both mass combined solidarity and stress the role of social
work is to also work beyond the pressures of today and to assist communities and societies
to translate their concerns into longer-term solutions. For many communities, this may be
stronger state-provided social, housing and health services. Others, as they look forward
may see the strength in community, grassroots development. Others aspire for equal
opportunities for their children to attend school and have access to nutrition. Some
societies will want meaningful participatory governance and societal structures that
promote inclusion, trust and confidence. For most, it will all of the above and wanting to
live in a global world build on rights, equality and sustainability.

In all mass crisis situations, the world will not be the same as before. As a
profession comprising millions of highly skilled professionals, the social work voice must
support and facilitate a vision beyond this crisis. A vision of better, respectful and
sustainable societies. A vision where our social systems can actively eradicate the
conditions that have led to diseases that develop and explode in the context of climate
change and poverty.

Social workers at every level have the skills and capability to not only address
safety for today but to translate fear, grief and loss into empowerment and social
transformation.

Guide Questions:

1. In what way you were inspired by the article?

2. Did it help you to fully understand the vital roles of a social worker, how?
3. In your own simple way, how will be able to apply the social worker’s role in your
community?

Post-test: CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

Directions: Read and analyze each statement. Write the word that best describes the
statement or description to the values, rights, responsibilities and accountabilities
of a social worker. On the blank provided before each item, write the appropriate
word that represent the given descriptions.
 CODE SERVICE CONSENT
INTEGRITY

COMPETENCE CONFIDENTIALITY INTERDISCIPLINARY

COLLABORATION

REFERRAL DEROGATORY LANGUAGE LACK OF DECISION-

MAKING CAPACITY

_____________________ 1. Social workers should take reasonable steps to safeguard

the interests and rights of those clients
_____________________ 2. Social workers should take reasonable steps to ensure that
clients’ records are stored in a secure location and that clients’
records are not available to others who are not authorized to
have access.
_____________________ 3. It offers a set of values, principles, and standards to guide
decision making and conduct when ethical issues arise.
______________________4. Social workers should use accurate and respectful
language in all communications to and about clients.
_____________________ 5. Social workers should provide services in substantive areas
or use intervention techniques or approaches that are new to
them only after engaging in appropriate study, training,
consultation, and supervision from people who are competent
in those interventions or techniques.
_____________________ 6. Social workers draw on their knowledge, values, and skills
to help people in need and to address social problems.
_____________________ 7. The other professionals’ specialized knowledge or expertise
is needed to service clients fully or when social workers believe
that they are not being effective or making reasonable progress
with clients and that additional service is required.
_____________________ 8. Social workers are continually aware of the profession’s
mission, values, ethical principles, and ethical standards and
practice in a manner consistent with them.
_____________________ 9. Social workers should obtain clients’ permission before
audiotaping or videotaping clients or permitting observation of
services to clients by a third party.
_____________________ 10. Social workers for whom a team decision raises ethical
concerns should attempt to resolve the disagreement through
appropriate channels.
Assignment: EXPLORE YOUR EXPERIENCES

Directions:
1. Cut and paste 3 photos of situations related to the values, rights, responsibilities
and accountabilities of social workers.
2. Describe briefly each picture.

Guide Questions:

1. What gave you the motivation to choose each picture?

2. How do you see yourself in the same situation?
3. What important realization can you derive from the situation shown in the pictures?
Answer Key:
Pre-test

1. D
2. C
3. B
4. C
5. C
6. C
7. D
8. A
9. A
10. B

Learning Activities: GUESS WHAT?

1. SERVICE
2. SOCIAL JUSTICE
3. INTEGRITY
4. COMPETENCE
5. HUMAN RELATIONSHIP
6. DIGNITY
7. CONFIDENTIALITY
8. COMMITMENT
9. CONSENT
10. SELF-DETERMINATION

Practice Task 3: SHOW YOUR STANCE

Rubric for grading the essay

Criteria 1 2 3 4 5
Organization The output The output The output The output The output
does not is partly is organized is organized is highly
subscribe to organized but not and logically organized
the but not logically sequenced and logically
organization logically sequenced sequenced
format sequenced
Substance The content The content The content The content The content
is neither is not is is is very
substantial substantial substantial substantial substantial
nor relevant but relevant and partly and relevant and relevant
relevant
Analysis Observation Observation Observation Observation Observation
is missing is not is is presented is presented
 clearly inconsistent clearly but in a clear
expressed with real life not and rational
situation rationally viewpoint
Evidences Viewpoints No fact No fact Only some All points
do not make presented presented viewpoints are
any sense and but are supported
viewpoint is viewpoints supported with facts
weak is strong with facts

Post-test

1. LACK OF DECISION-MAKING CAPACITY

2. CONFIDENTIALITY
3. CODE
4. DEROGATORY LANGUAGE
5. COMPETENCE
6. SERVICE
7. REFERRAL
8. INTEGRITY
9. CONSENT
10. INTERDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION

References:
Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers
Approved by the 1996 NASW Delegate Assembly and
Revised by the 2008 NASW Delegate Assembly