(caps)The core values listed in the NASW Code of Ethics (1999) collectively form the foundation
of social work practice and guide the conduct of social workers. In practice,
social workers are expected to enhance the capacity of people to address their
own needs and promote the responsiveness of organizations, communities, and
other social institutions to individuals' needs and social problems. T
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Six Core Values of Social Work
The National Association of Social Workers “Code of Ethics” is a set of guidelines and standards that govern the professional conduct of social workers in the United States and worldwide. The 1999 version of the NASW Code of Ethics identifies six core values that serve as fundamental principles for the social work profession. It includes values like (1) service; (2) social justice; (3) dignity and worth of the person; (4) importance of human relationships; (5) integrity; and (6) competence.
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These values guide social workers in their practice,
decision-making, and interactions with clients, colleagues, and communities.
Therefore, this is important for social worker to understand the scope of each core
value in order to integrate it into professional value.
.jpg "Top 6 Core Values of Social Work Practice | NASW Core Values |")
1. Service
“Service”
is one of the core values of social work. It emphasizes the social work
profession’s commitment to helping those in need and addressing societal
issues. The principle of service is deeply rooted in the profession’s mission
to enhance human well-being and fulfill the basic needs of all people,
particularly those who are vulnerable, oppressed, or living in poverty. Social
workers, guided by this value, aim to enhance the capacity of individuals to
address their own needs and promote the responsiveness of organizations,
communities, and other social institutions to individuals’ needs and social
problems. This value reflects the unique purpose and perspective of the social
work profession.
2. Social
justice
The
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics, as of 1999,
identifies social justice as one of the six core values of the social work
profession. This value is deeply rooted in the mission of social work and is
reflected in the profession's unique purpose and perspective. Social justice,
as a core value, emphasizes the need for social workers to promote societal
fairness and equity. It involves striving to end discrimination, oppression,
poverty, and other forms of social injustice. Social workers are expected to
work towards social change with and on behalf of clients, which can include
individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.
3. Dignity
and worth of the person
This
value underlines the inherent respect and worth that each individual possesses,
regardless of their circumstances. Social workers, guided by this value, are
expected to treat each person in a caring and respectful manner, being mindful
of individual differences and cultural and ethnic diversity. They are also
tasked with promoting clients’ socially responsible self-determination.
This
value is fundamental to the profession’s mission and unique purpose, and it
informs the ethical principles that guide social work practice. It emphasizes
the importance of recognizing and respecting the personal dignity and
individual worth of each person, which is crucial in fostering empowerment and
promoting social justice.
4. Importance
of human relationships
Importance
of Human Relationships emphasizes the significance of human relationships in
the context of social work practice. Social workers, under this value,
recognize that relationships between people are an important vehicle for change.
They engage people as partners in the helping process and 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.
This
value is integral to the social work profession’s dual focus on individual
well-being in a social context and the well-being of society. It highlights the
role of social workers in enhancing the capacity of people to address their own
needs and promoting the responsiveness of organizations, communities, and other
social institutions to individuals’ needs and social problems.
5. Integrity
This
value emphasizes the need for social workers to behave in a trustworthy manner.
Social workers, guided by the value of integrity, are expected to act honestly
and responsibly. They should uphold the profession’s mission, values, ethical
principles, and ethical standards. They are also expected to continually
scrutinize their own professional conduct and accept responsibility for their
actions.
The
value of integrity is crucial in maintaining the trust of clients and the
public in the social work profession. It ensures that social workers adhere to
the highest standards of professional conduct, thereby promoting the overall
credibility and effectiveness of the profession.
6. Competence
Competence
emphasizes the importance of social workers being knowledgeable and skilful in
their professional practice. Social workers, under the value of competence, are
expected to strive for professional excellence. They should continually seek to
enhance their professional knowledge and skills, and apply them in practice.
They should also aspire to contribute to the knowledge base of the profession.
The competence ensures that social workers are equipped to provide the best possible service to their clients. It underscores the commitment of social workers to remain informed about the latest developments in social work practice and theory.
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