Ethics Of Social Work

6 Pages 1457 Words

A most unquestionably rewarding career is one in which the well being of others is the main objective. A social worker is a professional whose agenda is working towards the betterment of others’ lives. Somewhat of a caretaker, whose complete and total dedication is for the noble cause of protecting human life and health in a moral and ethical manner. Social workers must cope with many diverse patients who are facing deep, personal calamities. These practitioners are the bearers of ocean-deep private and confidential information, thus carrying an enormous responsibility. The patients are banking on that all information confided with their social workers will remain confidential. All entrusted information is kept private, however, there are times where it is imperative that such classified information will be revealed. Confidentiality is grounded on the rights of privacy, yet nonetheless also on the responsibility to human life and security. Both are exceedingly of great magnitude and must be weighed individually on a case-by-case scenario using professional training. Human life is and evidently shall remain of the highest priority. If human life is at stake, it is the social worker’s obligation to protect the client or the potential victim. Under such circumstances, a Social Worker is obliged to shelve professional ethics in complete similarly to Judaism, where a religious practice may be suspended in order to save a life.
Judaism places life as the highest priority and life therefore, is of highest value. A scenario is painted whereby Shabbat dinner is suddenly disrupted by a call from a patient who is currently standing over a bridge and threatening to end his life unless his Social Worker will come and talk him out of committing such act. Driving on Shabbat is of course, a sin. According to Judaism, the Social Worker should, and must go to the patient in order to save his life. Consequently, keeping Shabbat would not be consider...