THE JUXTAPOSITION AND CHALLENGES OF PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY IN SOCIAL WORK PRACTICE

By Mickey Skidmore, AMHSW, ACSW, FAASW

This article will focus and emphasise three primary values that encompasses a wide range of contemporary Social Work practice as outlined in the AASW Code of Ethics (2020) and the challenges in Social Work practice to adhere to them. 

Respect

More specifically, this refers to the respect of the individual. The Social Work profession recognises the inherent worth and dignity of each individual regardless of where you are from; what your ethnic or cultural background is; how you worship; who you love; what physical, mental or emotional difficulties you may struggle with; no matter your financial status; or whatever other circumstances that may adversely impact or disenfranchise you. Moreover, the profession also recognises the role of self-determination to make choices regarding their own life.

Social Justice

A core principle regardless of what area of Social Work you may practice, the profession underscores its efforts in advocacy for the fair and equal opportunities for all — again, regardless of disenfranchisement. We seek to empower individuals to overcome adversities and aid in identifying and/or discovering an individual’s sense of agency to participate; engage; contribute; serve and even lead in opportunities from the micro to the macro levels of society while upholding the principles of human rights. It also advocates for change to social systems and structures that preserve and perpetuate inequalities and injustice.

Professional Integrity

Professional integrity begins with basics: punctuality, civility, honesty; and consideration of others (good character). It also includes being competent (ongoing professional development); lawful (not engaging in criminal activities) and adhering to a Code of Ethics (transparency; accountability); while demonstrating a sound and consistent work ethic (promoting the needs of others over personal gain). In short, it seeks the responsible use of power and authority in ways that serve humanity.

Students often roll their eyes during the review and presentation of such material that seems so fundamentally basic. Until you mention to them, that if they do nothing beyond what they have been trained to as professional Social Workers — while adhering to these basic professional values in practice, it may be shocking to you that you may not be well received. Because you will essentially be “stirring the pot” … “shining a light” on inconsistencies or even blatant hypocrisy. On one hand you are doing what you have been trained to do. On the other hand, this will often place you in a position at odds with your co-workers or even management of the organisation.

So how do professional Social Workers manage this (ongoing) dynamic in their professional work? This is something that many SW students are not exposed to until they are near completion of their studies. 

I ask the reader to consider if they can identify any societal institution that is not broken, damaged, or seriously flawed. If we are genuinely honest, nearly every systemic institution, agency or organisation that one might consider is under-resourced; crippled by bureaucracy; inadequately designed and/or riddled with ambivalence or indifference. And this is before we consider additional factors such as corruption, power and political considerations. Thus, we are preparing and sending Social Workers into a societal maze of organisational dysfunction and institutional toxicity that seems almost like sending them into the lion’s den.

For many months during 2024 I have often reflected on the impact of these forces and dynamics on my own professional practice. My supervision has frequently focused on my efforts to re-establish a personal and professional equilibrium that I had previously been successful in achieving. Not long ago I lamented about growing weary about always being “that guy” who would endeavour to do what I was trained to do as a professional Social Worker. As the list of such examples began to grow, I noticed something interesting. My unconscious mind also began retrieving a list of scenarios that I have come to recognise as “small wins.”

During a conversation I had with a GP she went out of her way to acknowledge and validate that my professional efforts “were making a contribution.” 

In my previous consulting work, I recognise that I frequently received praise from my immediate supervisor for my work efforts.

One of my private clients offered unsolicited feedback about the positive impact our work had been for her — to the point that she will be continuing privately after her Medicare sessions have been exhausted.

Looking back, I can acknowledge encouraging feedback from several individuals regarding the “Perspective”  editorials I post.

After deciding not to proceed with the final year of my contract with an large national organisation, several of my previous co-workers validated my courage for adhering to the values important to me in arriving at this decision. Furthermore, two of them have engaged me in supportive follow-up gatherings every few months for ongoing personal and professional support.

Several months ago I was approached by a different University inquiring of my availability to join their casual academic staff. After one term, they offered additional teaching opportunities, which I have recognised as the universe guiding me in a direction where my experience add contribution is most needed at this time in my life.

I could go on, but the point is (for those who provide supervision you’ll get it) often, these “small wins” might be things that we dismiss or discount for any number of reasons (they are my client thus, they are just saying that to stroke my ego). And when we consider the nature of the work we do everyday, being exposed vicariously to seemingly endless toxic content and trauma, it is important that we recognise and take stock in the small advances and gains that we are successful with in this profession. While it can seem like our efforts are but a tear drop in the ocean, these “small wins” are more crucial than ever to aid in countering the overwhelming challenges that professional Social Workers face every day  —  simply by adhering to the basic professional values underscored by the AASW Code of Ethics. 

I think as Social Workers we sometimes loose sight of the reality that we are often faced with complex issues where there is no neat and tidy solution that we can tie a bow around. I offer this as a reminder, that being genuinely present and connected with people, and offering humane kindness in such circumstances — even if it is limited and short of a resolution is a worthwhile contribution that will always be valuable.

REFERENCES

AASW Code of Ethics (November 2020).