Ethics in Professional Helping – SOWK 270

Ethics in Professional Helping is the study of values and principles of ethical decision making. Topics in the course are ethical dilemmas, critical thinking, professional code of ethics, and common morality. Each topic is evaluated through a biblical worldview.

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the student will post one thread of at least 350 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Thursday of the assigned module: week for each Discussion prompt. The student must then post 2 replies of at least 200 words by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of the assigned module: week. For each thread, students must support their assertions with at least 1 scholarly citation in APA format. Any sources cited must have been published within the last five years. Acceptable sources include the textbook, the Bible, and other scholarly sources.

For this second paper, the student will use the morality framework (from the course text) to evaluate their initial “gut reaction” solution to the ethical dilemma. Considering what the student wrote as their initial “gut” solution, they will apply that solution/decision to the framework presented in the textbook. After working through each step of the framework, the student will re-evaluate their initial “gut” solution, and develop at least two alternative solutions (at least one must be biblically principled). Additionally, the student will address the role that supervision and consultation would have within this dilemma. 

• This paper must be at least 4 pages long.
  • The title and reference page are not included in this page count. 
  • The student should include part one of the paper in this submission (Part one will not be graded for this part; it is included only for reference).
• This paper should be written in current APA formatting.

The paper must align with the following guidelines:

• The student must use the morality framework (Step 1, #1–10 and Step 2) on pages 41–46 to analyze the ethical dilemma. They must number the steps in their paper and use level two headings to organize their paper. The student should not write this portion in paragraph form.
  • If any of the steps are not applicable to their situation, the student should note this in their paper. Simply leaving the steps out, or marking them N/A will result in a loss of points. The student needs to explain why the step is not applicable, in order to demonstrate their understanding of each particular step. Thoughtful analysis for each step should be applied here. 
• The student must re-evaluate their initial “gut” solution.
  • Now that they have worked through their initial solution utilizing the framework, the student must analyze their solution. This section should demonstrate an ability to see all sides of a dilemma, and make decisions that reflect social work values and a focus on the client. Simply stating, "I still agree with my initial reaction," will not suffice here.  
• The student must describe at least two alternative solutions and provide a rationale for each. At least 1 of the solutions must reflect a biblical worldview, and the student must support this solution with scripture and biblical principles. This area should reflect the student's ability to conceptualize alternative actions, and how those actions will impact their client. 
• The student must discuss how they could use supervision and consultation as a resource when evaluating the potential solutions.
  • What would be the benefit in talking with the student's supervisor about this dilemma? How would the student approach their supervisor about this situation?
  • Are there others who would be appropriate to consult about this particular situation? If so, who and how does the student think this could be of assistance to them?
  • What additional resources could the studnet examine (e.g. agency policy, State or federal laws, etc.) to assist them in evaluating the potential solutions?