Integrity In Social Work

The purpose of this paper is to allow the student to discuss what the term “integrity” means to them and to educate the reader on the different levels of integrity on a moral, intellectual, and philosophical standpoint. In addition, the student will discuss how working with or without someone that lack integrity can cause problems in agency workplace for them and for other employee in their environment, and what to do when they have encountered a colleague who is not trustworthy, engages in behavior that is not moral, or display integrity. Lastly, the student will discuss how this paper will help them in the future social work profession. The word integrity is important in social work when practicing by the Code of Ethics, it plays a huge part

The social worker is guided by a professional code of ethics in assisting people to achieve an effective level of psychosocial functioning and effecting social change to improve the well-being of everyone. Social work is founded on the principles of service; social and economic justice; personal dignity and worth; the importance of human relationships; integrity; and competence” (Daley &Haas, 2011, p.3).

As a student social worker, integrity is viewed as someone having self-respect and respecting others, honestly and trustworthy, and doing the right thing even when no one is around. In addition to learning the social work practice, we must follow the core values which are the foundation of social work guide by the NASW Code of Ethics. According to NASW (2008), states integrity is when “social workers are continually aware of the profession’s mission, values,

The responsibilities when you encounter a colleague who is not trustworthy and engages in behavior that is not moral or display integrity the student social worker feels that they should confront their colleague informed he/she that they are aware of what has taken place and it has to be reported to higher authority. However, this will cover them so that they will not be responsible and jeopardize the integrity of the entire staff. The proper action is to follow the chain of commands that is directed by the agency policy, or if any action plans have not worked anonymously contact the 24 hour compliance hotline to report the problem. “The social worker who believes that a social work colleague is incompetent and has not taken adequate steps to address the incompetence should take action through appropriate channels established by employers, agencies, NASW, and the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners”( Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners Administrative Code and Social Work Licensure Law, 2016). According to the NASW Code of Ethics (2008), unethical conduct of colleagues states that “social workers should take adequate measures to discourage, prevent, expose, and correct the unethical conduct of colleagues. Social workers should be knowledgeable about established policies and