Ethical Dilemmas
Abstract Ethical dilemmas are a natural part of a human service provider’s career. In this paper we will explore the steps to identifying and solving an ethical dilemma. We will review statements from the Ethical Standards for Human Service Professionals, specific to client confidentiality. We will review the following four steps: Identify the Problem, Consulting with Colleagues or Experts, Identifying and Exploring Options, and Choosing a Course of Action. We will explore how each of the aforementioned steps should be processed when solving an ethical dilemma.
Ethical Dilemmas
There will come a time in every human service provider’s career when they will be faced with an ethical dilemma. Many have struggled with the emotional toll of solving an ethical dilemma. I believe that struggle results from not fully understanding the Ethical Standards for Human Service Professional, (http://www.nationalhumanservices.org/ethical-standards-for-hs-professionals). The standards provide a code of conduct for the provider, consumer and the organization. Providers must take the time to thoroughly familiarize themselves with the standards in order to provide high quality services to their consumer.
A human service provider, for many consumers, may be considered, the ‘lifeline to coping’. When a consumer seeks assistance, they expect for the provider to be unbiased, nonjudgmental, resourceful, and most of all keep their information confidential. It is the provider’s responsibility to inform the consumer of their responsibility to the ethical standards in which they operate under. Clearly communicating this with your consumer could (but not always), reduce the possibilities of ethical dilemmas.
Many providers will encounter an ethical dilemma during their careers. It is imperative that all dilemmas are resolved ethically, effectively and efficiently. In the case, where there is an ethical dilemma the following steps should be followed:
Ethical Dilemmas
There will come a time in every human service provider’s career when they will be faced with an ethical dilemma. Many have struggled with the emotional toll of solving an ethical dilemma. I believe that struggle results from not fully understanding the Ethical Standards for Human Service Professional, (http://www.nationalhumanservices.org/ethical-standards-for-hs-professionals). The standards provide a code of conduct for the provider, consumer and the organization. Providers must take the time to thoroughly familiarize themselves with the standards in order to provide high quality services to their consumer.
A human service provider, for many consumers, may be considered, the ‘lifeline to coping’. When a consumer seeks assistance, they expect for the provider to be unbiased, nonjudgmental, resourceful, and most of all keep their information confidential. It is the provider’s responsibility to inform the consumer of their responsibility to the ethical standards in which they operate under. Clearly communicating this with your consumer could (but not always), reduce the possibilities of ethical dilemmas.
Many providers will encounter an ethical dilemma during their careers. It is imperative that all dilemmas are resolved ethically, effectively and efficiently. In the case, where there is an ethical dilemma the following steps should be followed:
References: Ethical Standards for Human Service Professionals, National Organization for Human Services, http://www.nationalhumanservices.org/ethical-standards-for-hs-professionals Marianne Woodside & Tricia McClam (2011) Introduction to Human Services, 7th Edition