"Integrity is doing the right thing. Even when no one is watching." - C.S. Lewis
The fifth value set forth by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics is Integrity which we will be discussed in this article. Over the course of the last several weeks this blog has been reviewing the values of Social Work as they pertain to supervision. To read our other blog posts in this six-part series please visit besupervised.blogspot.com
The values covered in this series will be: Service, Social Justice, Dignity and Worth of a Person, Importance of Human Relationships, Integrity, and Competence in this order.
Value: Integrity
Ethical Principle:
“Social workers behave in a trustworthy manner. Social workers are continually aware of the profession's mission, values, ethical principles, and ethical standards and practice in a manner consistent with them. Social workers act honestly and responsibly and promote ethical practices on the part of the organizations with which they are affiliated.” (NASW)
The process of supervision is only worthwhile if done with integrity. Supervisors should conduct supervision sessions in a trust worthy manner, i.e.: ensuring they only sign for a complete hour of supervision, making sure all documents are in order, and providing feedback to supervisees when their integrity may be in question. As a Supervisor is seen as a role model, and also as a final gate keeper in our profession, leading supervisees by the example and with integrity is an essential component of quality supervision.
Application in Supervision
When applying this value to supervision, the idea that comes to the forefront is that the Supervisor is responsible for holding both themselves and their supervisees to the highest accountability level. This is necessary because being a clinically licensed Social Worker implies a certain level of knowledge, professionalism, and training. It is the Supervisor’s responsibility to ensure that all supervisees in their care are developing skills worthy of this level credential. Supervisors should continually ask questions of the supervisee that help them to critically evaluate their work at this level. Additionally, Supervisors should offer coaching on how supervisees can find answers to questions, or resources, they may not have known so that they can learn to problem solve on their own.
Utilizing the Social Work Values set forth by the NASW is an action that should take place at all levels of learning in the Social Work profession, including supervision. It is essential that Supervisors be aware of the values and how they should be used in Supervision. Please see our other blog posts in this series for more information on how to address the other Social Work Values in Supervision.
Please leave a comment and let us know your thoughts on this article. If you liked what you read please like our blog, besupervised.blogspot.com , or follow us on Facebook (@LISWSupervision), or on LinkedIn at Be Supervised.
Resources
National Association of Social Workers (1996). The Code of Ethics for the National Association of Social Workers.
The fifth value set forth by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics is Integrity which we will be discussed in this article. Over the course of the last several weeks this blog has been reviewing the values of Social Work as they pertain to supervision. To read our other blog posts in this six-part series please visit besupervised.blogspot.com
The values covered in this series will be: Service, Social Justice, Dignity and Worth of a Person, Importance of Human Relationships, Integrity, and Competence in this order.
Value: Integrity
Ethical Principle:
“Social workers behave in a trustworthy manner. Social workers are continually aware of the profession's mission, values, ethical principles, and ethical standards and practice in a manner consistent with them. Social workers act honestly and responsibly and promote ethical practices on the part of the organizations with which they are affiliated.” (NASW)
The process of supervision is only worthwhile if done with integrity. Supervisors should conduct supervision sessions in a trust worthy manner, i.e.: ensuring they only sign for a complete hour of supervision, making sure all documents are in order, and providing feedback to supervisees when their integrity may be in question. As a Supervisor is seen as a role model, and also as a final gate keeper in our profession, leading supervisees by the example and with integrity is an essential component of quality supervision.
Application in Supervision
When applying this value to supervision, the idea that comes to the forefront is that the Supervisor is responsible for holding both themselves and their supervisees to the highest accountability level. This is necessary because being a clinically licensed Social Worker implies a certain level of knowledge, professionalism, and training. It is the Supervisor’s responsibility to ensure that all supervisees in their care are developing skills worthy of this level credential. Supervisors should continually ask questions of the supervisee that help them to critically evaluate their work at this level. Additionally, Supervisors should offer coaching on how supervisees can find answers to questions, or resources, they may not have known so that they can learn to problem solve on their own.
Utilizing the Social Work Values set forth by the NASW is an action that should take place at all levels of learning in the Social Work profession, including supervision. It is essential that Supervisors be aware of the values and how they should be used in Supervision. Please see our other blog posts in this series for more information on how to address the other Social Work Values in Supervision.
Please leave a comment and let us know your thoughts on this article. If you liked what you read please like our blog, besupervised.blogspot.com , or follow us on Facebook (@LISWSupervision), or on LinkedIn at Be Supervised.
Resources
National Association of Social Workers (1996). The Code of Ethics for the National Association of Social Workers.
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