Problem:
Linda has been a social worker at the Department of Social Services with adolescents for 10 years. She loves her job and takes great pride in her work. Linda believes that she has made a difference in the lives of her clients. Linda thinks that she understands the "system" and always advocates for her "kids" in an effective way. One way she often helps them is to allow one or two trustworthy kids to come to her house and help with chores. Last week, Linda gave two boys (Nathan and John) a ride to her house so they could rake leaves and clean her yard. She didn't need either boy to sign out of the facility, but just asked them to be ready when she needed their help. She picked them up at a nearby Taco Bell, fed each boy, and headed to her house. While Nathan and John worked, Linda decided to catch up on some paperwork inside her house. She had done this many times and had no worries about having the boys over or having them work in her yard without direct supervision. She felt like she was giving them a chance to gain life experience and earn some money at the same time. Having adolescents work at her home is one strategy Linda is proud of; while she knows that others might think this strategy is not professional, Linda prides herself in thinking "outside the box" to get her clients life experience. She has shared this strategy with her coworkers. Monday morning, Linda's supervisor called her into his office and shut the door. Linda was baffled. What could be wrong? In this activity, you will read about a social worker named Linda who works with adolescents in the child welfare system. She strives to use a strengths-based perspective in her practice. Linda makes questionable decisions that impact her professional boundaries to provide opportunities to some of her adolescent clients. Linda has a chance to discuss this situation with her supervisor. You will read a brief case scenario and then discuss your thoughts and concerns with your classmates. Resources Textbook: The Social Work Practicum: A Guide and Workbook for Students File: Professional Boundaries.pdf Website: National Association of Social Workers Background Information The development and enforcement of professional boundaries are important elements of social work ethics and being a professional social worker in the field. In this case scenario, the social worker will likely get some feedback from her supervisor about a questionable strategy. As a future social worker, you are likely to encounter situations in which you could bend or stretch your professional boundaries in order to develop rapport or provide opportunities to clients, and it is important to remember the purpose and boundaries around your identity as a professional social worker. Instructions In your textbook The Social Work Practicum: A Guide and Workbook for Students, read Chapter 8, "Professional Social Work." Review the case study in the Professional Boundaries.pdf document. Review the ethical values and standards as set forth in the NASW Code of ethics Navigate to the threaded discussion and respond to the following questions: Identify at least 2 and provide references to the NASW Code of Ethics in your post. What questions or concerns do you expect Linda's supervisor to raise at their meeting? What ethical and professional issues are relevant? What would you do if you were Linda's coworker and heard about her strategy before your mutual supervisor was aware of it? Justify your response on ethical grounds. It seems like Linda has good intentions and is trying to use strengths-based and empowerment theoretical perspectives when working with clients. What alternative ways could Linda build rapport and provide opportunities to her adolescent clients? As a coworker or supervisor, what would you recommend to Linda? What would you do if you worked with adolescents? Based on the tables of practice roles described in Chapter 8 of your textbook, identify one role from each category (micro, mezzo and macro) that you see to be important for social workers at your agency and give an example of a specific professional skill or boundary you see as needed to be effective in your setting. Need Assignment Help?