Ethics and Values
The journey through the Human Services Program has made me look deep within myself. I have had the opportunity to question my values and apply ethical standards throughout my internships and courses. As I understand it, personal values are the moral principles instilled in me mostly by my family, but with influences from my professors at the school and through my religious upbringing. Ethics are a set of values held at a societal, organizational or professional level. Ethics and values influence decision-making, this is why they are so important in the human services field because we are interacting and helping other human beings. There may be times when a seemingly simple situation becomes extremely complex. Sometimes our values can be in conflict with the ethical standards we are required to apply or perhaps our values conflict with those of our client. The National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) ethical guidelines were developed to help professionals in the decision-making process, especially when personal values and ethics clash.
Responsibility to Clients STANDARD 3 Human service professionals protect the client's right to privacy and confidentiality except when such confidentiality would cause serious harm to the client or others, when agency guidelines state otherwise, or under other stated conditions (e.g., local, state, or federal laws). Human service professionals inform clients of the limits of confidentiality prior to the onset of the helping relationship. During HSP 325 Interviewing for Human Services, I learned the importance of stating my client's right to confidentiality and establishing the time parameter for the meeting, as well as obtaining the client's consent to services. I am expected to disclose my position as a mandated reporter. I must caution my client about the possibilities of breaching confidentiality when there is suspicion of child abuse, elder abuse, the threat of harm to himself, herself, or others, or suspicion of treason. The subjects of privacy and confidentiality are always present in this profession, and they cannot be stressed enough. Responsibility to the Public and Society STANDARD 18 Human service professionals describe the effectiveness of treatment programs, interventions and treatments, and/or techniques accurately, supported by data whenever possible. Researching is an interesting part of Human Services since we are working and interacting with human beings; there is not one solution for all. In HSP 345 Case Management & Interventions, I show evidence of my research regarding different Models of Case Management in my paper Case Study (Appendix G). I cited two suitable models for my client, Dimitri. I incuded two models that were not appropriate for him, and I examined and described the reasons why those approaches would work or not, based on my client's population, his unique circumstances, and abilities. Dimitri, a 67 year-old man if facing eviction and displays anxiety and depression, which qualifies him for case management through Hope Options, a program from the Everett Housing Authority. I found the Critical Time Intervention model that prevents homelessness in older adults with behavioral challenges. Under the supervision of a mental health professional, a caseworker connects the client with services and support within the community. In the second phase of the program, services are monitored and helps the client re-connect with friends or family if possible. In the third phase, the client and caseworker develop a long term plan with goals such as getting the client to be self-sufficient and obtaining a job. The goal, as always is to help the client empower himself or herself and help them achieve independence if possible.
Responsibility to Colleagues STANDARD 21 Human service professionals respond appropriately to unethical and problematic behavior of colleagues. Usually, this means initially talking directly with the colleague and if no satisfactory resolution is achieved, reporting the colleague's behavior to supervisory or administrative staff. In HSP 303 Human Services Professionals and Interpersonal Systems, I addressed communication techniques in a dyad, as well as how to resolve conflict effectively in my Legacy of Learning essay (Appendix S). Speaking openly and clarifying the expectations I have of the other person leaves no room for misunderstandings, it also allows me to say anything without creating conflict. As stated in the textbook for HSP 303, Systems Theory, and Interpersonal Relationships, by Joanie Connors (2011), the colleague and I form a system within our organization or agency. It is through successful interpersonal communication that we can strive to reach a common goal. Working together to compensate for each other's limitations allows us to achieve our objective and keeps our dyad system self-regulated. If my attempt to arrive at a common ground fails, my colleague would know that the next step is talking to a superior. Communication and an appropriate course of action create transparency and harmony in the workplace as well as a healthy environment and allows for successful interactions with clients. Responsibility to Employers STANDARD 24 Human service professionals participate in efforts to establish and maintain employment conditions which are conducive to high quality client services. Whenever possible, they assist in evaluating the effectiveness of the agency through reliable and valid assessment measures. Through experiences with my godmother who has a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and her family, I have learned that there are no services in Spanish within Snohomish County to support individuals living with dementia and their families. During my internship at the Alzheimer's Association and in conjunction with HSP 485 Program Planning and Evaluation, I offered to conduct a needs assessment (Appendix E) in Everett and surrounding areas. My goal was to determine the interest and level of knowledge amongst the population regarding Alzheimer's disease and dementia. I created a survey that was culturally competent and easy to understand. Later on, I visited several groups of people and had them answer my survey. Through these actions, I was able to determine that out of 176 individuals surveyed, 86% would like to attend a presentation in Spanish to learn more about dementia. I also concluded that some people identified themselves or others as caregivers to someone displaying forgetfulness and/or having difficulty reasoning through everyday tasks. I have presented my findings before the Association and Senior Services of Snohomish County.I hope that these organizations can implement educational and support services for the Hispanic community. Responsibility to the Profession STANDARD 28 Human service professionals seek appropriate consultation and supervision to assist in decision-making when there are legal, ethical or other dilemmas. I experienced an ethical dilemma in my internship at the Alzheimer's Association, and I addressed it in a paper for HSP 440 Internship and Seminar, Dilemma (Appendix T). I learned about tube feeding during the last stages of Alzheimer's disease and the fact that many people want to prolong their loved one's life. It was explained to me that tube feeding has risks because it is done through an incision in the stomach. In contrast, assisted oral feeding consists of a caregiver feeding the client. Therefore, it requires the participation of the client. As case managers or care consultants, we are not to give the family our opinion or point of view. Early on, we can stress to them the importance of advanced directives and plans and how they can relieve the stress of the caregiver and the family. For the dilemma at hand, we provide the family with information, both in favor and against, and let them decide for themselves having clarified our neutral stance with them. We need to protect the right to self-determination and autonomy of our clients while setting appropriate boundaries both personal and legal. I think that if I had encountered this dilemma a couple of years ago, I would not have known what t do. I may have asked for help from a supervisor, and I may have become personally attached to my client and his or her family, which is not a professional approach. Responsibility to Self STANDARD 34 Human service professionals are aware of their own cultural backgrounds, beliefs, values, and biases. They recognize the potential impact of their backgrounds on their relationships with others and work diligently to provide culturally competent service to all of their clients. I was born in Mexico; my family life was very traditional where men work and come home to rest and women can work outside the home, but are expected to keep the entire household running smoothly. My family obligations are divided among my elders, my husband, and lastly, my siblings. I documented my upbringing briefly in my essay Why do I Want to be a Helper (Appendix U) created for HSP 301 Human Services Professionals and Personal Systems. I address my mother's strong influence on my values and my desire to help those who need a hand up in life. In the essay, I also recognize my need for more education and for professional preparation to become an effective helper. My values have been put to the test through my volunteer service at the Providence Intervention Center for Assault and Abuse where I advocate for victims of sexual abuse while in the Emergency room. As a professional I have to keep my opinion of the suspect to myself and execute the job I am required to perform. In several courses I have learned about injustices within the penal system keeping innocent people behind bars, so I do not to jump to conclusions as I used to do a couple years ago. Overall, I believe I am more tolerant and compassionate since I do not know the internal battles other people are waging and I should not judge them. Today, I feel more prepared to deal with ethical quandaries, and I can separate my personal values from my professional self, thanks to the preparation acquired at Western.
References
Connors, J. V. (2011). Interpersonal peacemaking reader: Systems theory and interpersonal relationships. San Diego, CA: University Readers.
National Organization for Human Services. (2015). Ethical standards for human services professionals.
Retrieved from: http://www.nationalhumanservices.org/ethical-standards-for-hs-professionals
The journey through the Human Services Program has made me look deep within myself. I have had the opportunity to question my values and apply ethical standards throughout my internships and courses. As I understand it, personal values are the moral principles instilled in me mostly by my family, but with influences from my professors at the school and through my religious upbringing. Ethics are a set of values held at a societal, organizational or professional level. Ethics and values influence decision-making, this is why they are so important in the human services field because we are interacting and helping other human beings. There may be times when a seemingly simple situation becomes extremely complex. Sometimes our values can be in conflict with the ethical standards we are required to apply or perhaps our values conflict with those of our client. The National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) ethical guidelines were developed to help professionals in the decision-making process, especially when personal values and ethics clash.
Responsibility to Clients STANDARD 3 Human service professionals protect the client's right to privacy and confidentiality except when such confidentiality would cause serious harm to the client or others, when agency guidelines state otherwise, or under other stated conditions (e.g., local, state, or federal laws). Human service professionals inform clients of the limits of confidentiality prior to the onset of the helping relationship. During HSP 325 Interviewing for Human Services, I learned the importance of stating my client's right to confidentiality and establishing the time parameter for the meeting, as well as obtaining the client's consent to services. I am expected to disclose my position as a mandated reporter. I must caution my client about the possibilities of breaching confidentiality when there is suspicion of child abuse, elder abuse, the threat of harm to himself, herself, or others, or suspicion of treason. The subjects of privacy and confidentiality are always present in this profession, and they cannot be stressed enough. Responsibility to the Public and Society STANDARD 18 Human service professionals describe the effectiveness of treatment programs, interventions and treatments, and/or techniques accurately, supported by data whenever possible. Researching is an interesting part of Human Services since we are working and interacting with human beings; there is not one solution for all. In HSP 345 Case Management & Interventions, I show evidence of my research regarding different Models of Case Management in my paper Case Study (Appendix G). I cited two suitable models for my client, Dimitri. I incuded two models that were not appropriate for him, and I examined and described the reasons why those approaches would work or not, based on my client's population, his unique circumstances, and abilities. Dimitri, a 67 year-old man if facing eviction and displays anxiety and depression, which qualifies him for case management through Hope Options, a program from the Everett Housing Authority. I found the Critical Time Intervention model that prevents homelessness in older adults with behavioral challenges. Under the supervision of a mental health professional, a caseworker connects the client with services and support within the community. In the second phase of the program, services are monitored and helps the client re-connect with friends or family if possible. In the third phase, the client and caseworker develop a long term plan with goals such as getting the client to be self-sufficient and obtaining a job. The goal, as always is to help the client empower himself or herself and help them achieve independence if possible.
Responsibility to Colleagues STANDARD 21 Human service professionals respond appropriately to unethical and problematic behavior of colleagues. Usually, this means initially talking directly with the colleague and if no satisfactory resolution is achieved, reporting the colleague's behavior to supervisory or administrative staff. In HSP 303 Human Services Professionals and Interpersonal Systems, I addressed communication techniques in a dyad, as well as how to resolve conflict effectively in my Legacy of Learning essay (Appendix S). Speaking openly and clarifying the expectations I have of the other person leaves no room for misunderstandings, it also allows me to say anything without creating conflict. As stated in the textbook for HSP 303, Systems Theory, and Interpersonal Relationships, by Joanie Connors (2011), the colleague and I form a system within our organization or agency. It is through successful interpersonal communication that we can strive to reach a common goal. Working together to compensate for each other's limitations allows us to achieve our objective and keeps our dyad system self-regulated. If my attempt to arrive at a common ground fails, my colleague would know that the next step is talking to a superior. Communication and an appropriate course of action create transparency and harmony in the workplace as well as a healthy environment and allows for successful interactions with clients. Responsibility to Employers STANDARD 24 Human service professionals participate in efforts to establish and maintain employment conditions which are conducive to high quality client services. Whenever possible, they assist in evaluating the effectiveness of the agency through reliable and valid assessment measures. Through experiences with my godmother who has a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and her family, I have learned that there are no services in Spanish within Snohomish County to support individuals living with dementia and their families. During my internship at the Alzheimer's Association and in conjunction with HSP 485 Program Planning and Evaluation, I offered to conduct a needs assessment (Appendix E) in Everett and surrounding areas. My goal was to determine the interest and level of knowledge amongst the population regarding Alzheimer's disease and dementia. I created a survey that was culturally competent and easy to understand. Later on, I visited several groups of people and had them answer my survey. Through these actions, I was able to determine that out of 176 individuals surveyed, 86% would like to attend a presentation in Spanish to learn more about dementia. I also concluded that some people identified themselves or others as caregivers to someone displaying forgetfulness and/or having difficulty reasoning through everyday tasks. I have presented my findings before the Association and Senior Services of Snohomish County.I hope that these organizations can implement educational and support services for the Hispanic community. Responsibility to the Profession STANDARD 28 Human service professionals seek appropriate consultation and supervision to assist in decision-making when there are legal, ethical or other dilemmas. I experienced an ethical dilemma in my internship at the Alzheimer's Association, and I addressed it in a paper for HSP 440 Internship and Seminar, Dilemma (Appendix T). I learned about tube feeding during the last stages of Alzheimer's disease and the fact that many people want to prolong their loved one's life. It was explained to me that tube feeding has risks because it is done through an incision in the stomach. In contrast, assisted oral feeding consists of a caregiver feeding the client. Therefore, it requires the participation of the client. As case managers or care consultants, we are not to give the family our opinion or point of view. Early on, we can stress to them the importance of advanced directives and plans and how they can relieve the stress of the caregiver and the family. For the dilemma at hand, we provide the family with information, both in favor and against, and let them decide for themselves having clarified our neutral stance with them. We need to protect the right to self-determination and autonomy of our clients while setting appropriate boundaries both personal and legal. I think that if I had encountered this dilemma a couple of years ago, I would not have known what t do. I may have asked for help from a supervisor, and I may have become personally attached to my client and his or her family, which is not a professional approach. Responsibility to Self STANDARD 34 Human service professionals are aware of their own cultural backgrounds, beliefs, values, and biases. They recognize the potential impact of their backgrounds on their relationships with others and work diligently to provide culturally competent service to all of their clients. I was born in Mexico; my family life was very traditional where men work and come home to rest and women can work outside the home, but are expected to keep the entire household running smoothly. My family obligations are divided among my elders, my husband, and lastly, my siblings. I documented my upbringing briefly in my essay Why do I Want to be a Helper (Appendix U) created for HSP 301 Human Services Professionals and Personal Systems. I address my mother's strong influence on my values and my desire to help those who need a hand up in life. In the essay, I also recognize my need for more education and for professional preparation to become an effective helper. My values have been put to the test through my volunteer service at the Providence Intervention Center for Assault and Abuse where I advocate for victims of sexual abuse while in the Emergency room. As a professional I have to keep my opinion of the suspect to myself and execute the job I am required to perform. In several courses I have learned about injustices within the penal system keeping innocent people behind bars, so I do not to jump to conclusions as I used to do a couple years ago. Overall, I believe I am more tolerant and compassionate since I do not know the internal battles other people are waging and I should not judge them. Today, I feel more prepared to deal with ethical quandaries, and I can separate my personal values from my professional self, thanks to the preparation acquired at Western.
References
Connors, J. V. (2011). Interpersonal peacemaking reader: Systems theory and interpersonal relationships. San Diego, CA: University Readers.
National Organization for Human Services. (2015). Ethical standards for human services professionals.
Retrieved from: http://www.nationalhumanservices.org/ethical-standards-for-hs-professionals