Core Values in Social Work

Social work core values define the field of social work and help to set the standards that all social work professionals follow to uphold integrity and professional conduct. It requires a high level of emotional intelligence and resources that can be applied to assist in the well-being of individuals or families. Written by the NASW (National Association of Social Workers) in 1996, the purpose of the NASW code of ethics is to create a foundation on which all social work professionals follow. 

What is Important about the Social Work Code of Ethics?

From clinical social work graduate studies to working in the professional field, these six social work values are valuable resources for social workers. Knowing these values in social work not only helps social workers learn their roles, but it helps define their conduct so they can do the most for their community and their clients. There are plenty of uncertainties, both ethical and professional when working in the field of social work. The code of ethic’s purpose is to lay a pathway for social workers to consult if they are uncertain about how to proceed.  

NASW Code of Ethics 

Service

First and foremost, the purpose behind the actions of social workers is to use their training, skills, and knowledge to address social problems and the people in need. This means that a social worker prioritizes a client's needs above their own, and makes sure to take into consideration that they may need to go above and beyond as social workers. Social workers play a critical role in addressing social issues, advocating for vulnerable populations, and working towards a more equitable and inclusive society.

Social Justice

The values of social work are dependent on the desire to improve the lives of others. Often, social workers are tasked with challenging social injustices that are entrenched in our society, a daunting task that might feel impossible at times. Advocating on behalf of the oppressed, marginalized, and voiceless helps to create a better world. Along these lines, social workers look inwards to challenge their own biases, encouraging others to do the same. 

Dignity and Worth of the Person

A good social worker is mindful of others, taking into account their backgrounds and personal beliefs, and always giving the individual the respect and decency they deserve as human beings. Social workers are defined by their actions, and genuinely seeing the best in others is crucial in becoming a dedicated social worker who is making a change. 

Importance of Human Relationships

Once you find the worth in someone, you can then begin to build a relationship with them. As a social work core value, building long-lasting relationships creates a foundation on which you can build good work as a team. Building relationships with individuals and the community they are a part of will help with supporting and healing in the wake of societal, interpersonal, and economic hardships.  

Integrity

To let these relationships flourish, a social worker needs to build trust in these relationships, which is done by acting with dignity. It involves adhering to a strong set of moral and ethical principles, being honest and transparent in all interactions, and consistently acting in the best interests of clients and the profession. Integrity is a crucial value in social work. Knowing your mission's goal, the steps needed to complete that goal, and the ethical guidelines a social worker needs to stand behind will help set a good example and one that the client will greatly benefit from. 

Competence

The code of ethics and core values of social work are ineffective without competence. All of these actions cannot be performed without the assistance of competence. Competence is necessary for every profession, and social work is no exception. Competence in social work is the ability to apply knowledge and skills to effectively support the well-being of the community in its commitment to social justice. A social worker needs to know when and how to apply ethics and advocacy for social change. This can vary from case to case, which is why it is important to know how to assess the situation, professionally intervene, and evaluate the dynamic to maximize its effectiveness. Getting hands-on experience is a crucial element of graduate school social work for a reason because it is where you will grow your scope of competence. 

Pursuing a Career in Social Work  

The NASW Code of Ethics do not work alone. You cannot have value without the other five. They work together to build a series of interconnected relationships built on solidarity and a collective goal: to improve the quality of life for those in need. 

Are you interested in becoming a clinical social worker? Lifting up a community starts in the classroom. Either online or in person, ICSW’s clinical graduate programs give you the opportunity to get either a Master’s or a Ph.D., preparing you for a promising career in clinical social work. Learn more and apply today.