Competency: Two

Jason Branch
 Competency: Two Information

Competency Two: Ethical and Professional Behavior, serves as the foundation of social work practice, encompassing critical qualities
necessary for social workers in their professional journey. This competency is the guiding compass for ethical decision-making and the
cornerstone of trust-building with clients and communities. Within Competency 1, social workers are expected to project a professional
demeanor, demonstrating respect, empathy, and cultural competence in all interactions. Ethical decision-making is central, involving the
ability to navigate complex ethical dilemmas with integrity and a focus on client well-being. Continuous self-reflection is emphasized to
recognize and address personal biases that might hinder practice. Developing effective interpersonal skills, such as active listening and
empathy, is vital for building rapport with diverse populations. Finally, utilizing supervision and consultation aids in refining professional
judgment and upholding ethical standards. Competency 1 represents social workers' unwavering commitment to the highest ethical and
professional standards, driving their advocacy for the welfare of those they serve and contributing to societal betterment.
 Social workers are expected to
uphold a professional image in
Demonstrate Professional
their conduct, attire, and
Demeanor in Behavior,
communication. This means
Appearance, and
maintaining a respectful and
Communication:
appropriate demeanor in all
professional interactions.

Ethical decision-making is a
cornerstone of social work
practice. Social workers must
navigate complex ethical
Apply Ethical Decision-Making to
dilemmas by evaluating options,
Complex Situations:
considering consequences, and
making choices that prioritize the
well-being of clients and the
broader community.
 Competency Behaviors
Self-reflection is a vital practice
for social workers. It involves
introspection to recognize
Engage in Self-Reflection and
personal values and biases.
Self-Regulation to Manage Demonstrate Effective
Social workers must regulate
Personal Values and Maintain Interpersonal Skills:
their behaviors and decisions
Professionalism in Practice:
to ensure that their values do
not negatively impact the
quality of care provided.

Social workers often work in

Social work is inherently multidisciplinary teams and
people-centered. Effective receive supervision or consult
interpersonal skills involve with colleagues. Utilizing
Use Supervision and
active listening, empathy, and supervision and seeking
Consultation to Guide
the ability to build rapport with consultation is crucial to
Professional Judgment and
diverse populations. These enhance professional
Behavior:
skills are essential for judgment, gain new
establishing trust and perspectives, and ensure that
facilitating positive outcomes. practice aligns with ethical
standards.
 Dimension 1: Recognizing Worth

Activity: Attend diversity and inclusion workshops.

Task: Reflect on personal biases and stereotypes.

Task: Actively participate in group discussions during workshops, sharing personal

experiences and insights related to diversity and inclusion. Collaborate with peers to explore
various perspectives and enhance understanding.

Task: Engage in volunteer work within a culturally diverse community. Interact with
community members, listen to their stories, and learn about their unique backgrounds and
challenges. Reflect on how this experience influences your perception of individual worth.
Dimension 2: Understanding Context

Activity: Conduct a Diversity Research Project

Task: Select a specific aspect of diversity, such as cultural, gender, or socioeconomic

diversity, and conduct a research project to deepen your understanding of its historical and
contemporary context. Share your findings and insights with peers.

Activity: Attend Cultural Competency Training

Task: Enroll in a cultural competency training program that delves into the historical and
contemporary issues affecting diverse populations. Share key takeaways and discuss how
this knowledge can inform your social work practice
 Dimension 3: Ethical Practice
Activity Task
Participate in Ethical Dilemma Organize or join group
Discussions discussions focused on ethical
dilemmas related to diversity and
inclusion. Analyze case
scenarios, applying ethical
principles and codes of conduct
to address these dilemmas.
Task:
Create your own code of ethics
Activity specifically addressing diversity,
Develop a Personal Code of equity, and inclusion in social
Ethics work practice. Reflect on how
this code guides your decision-
making and actions in the field.
Dimension 4: Social and Economic
Justice
Task: Collaborate with peers to
organize a social justice campaign
or event addressing issues of
Activity: Organize a Social Justice inequality, discrimination, or
Campaign economic injustice in your
community. Evaluate the impact of
your efforts on promoting social and
economic justice.
Task: Research policies and
practices within your agency or
community that may perpetuate
Activity: Advocate for Policy
discrimination or inequity. Develop a
Change
plan to advocate for policy changes
that align with principles of social
and economic justice.
Dimension 5: Combating Discrimination
Activity: Facilitate Anti-Discrimination Workshops

Task: Take the lead in organizing and facilitating workshops aimed at raising awareness
about discrimination and oppression. Engage participants in activities and discussions
that promote understanding and empathy..

Activity: Mentor Others in Combating Discrimination

Task: Serve as a mentor to fellow students or colleagues who are seeking guidance in
combating discrimination. Share your knowledge and experiences, helping others
develop strategies to address discrimination effectively.
 Work Place Utilization
Dimension 1: Recognizing Worth
• Shadowing therapists from diverse backgrounds and observing their interactions with
clients, which helps in recognizing and respecting the inherent worth of individuals.
• Assisting in client intake procedures where you have the opportunity to engage with
clients from diverse ethnic, cultural, and social backgrounds, contributing to your
understanding of individual worth.
Dimension 2: Understanding Context
• Participating in team discussions and case reviews that often touch upon the historical
and contemporary contexts of clients' lives, broadening your understanding of diversity
and equity issues.
• Collaborating with colleagues who bring diverse perspectives to the workplace, fostering
an environment that encourages learning about the context of diversity and inclusion.
Dimension 3: Ethical Practice
• Handling paperwork related to client care, including informed consent and confidentiality
agreements, demonstrating the application of ethical principles in addressing diversity
and equity in the context of client interactions.
• Observing how therapists navigate ethical dilemmas arising from diverse client
backgrounds and treatment needs, providing insights into ethical practice within a
diverse client population.
Work Place Utilization
Dimension 4: Social and Economic Justice
• Assisting in client advocacy by ensuring clients have access to
needed resources and services, contributing to the promotion of
social and economic justice.
• Learning about community resources and support systems
available to clients, which helps you understand the role of
advocacy in addressing systemic inequities.
Dimension 5: Combating Discrimination
• Observing and learning from therapists who actively combat
discrimination and oppression in their practice, providing real-world
examples of strategies for addressing discrimination.
• Gaining exposure to clients' experiences with discrimination and
how therapists work to create safe and inclusive spaces for clients
to share their challenges, fostering a commitment to combating
discrimination.
 References
• NASW, National Association of Social Workers. (n.d.).
https://www.socialworkers.org/about/ethics/code-of-ethics