Ethics are defined as being “a
system of moral principles”. (Dictionary.com,
LLC (2012) Morals are built on a person’s culture, religion, relationships, and
self-value. Ethics are what we discover as we grow and develop. We are not born
with a set of understood ethics, we are taught ethics, and over time we choose
what ethics we use for ourselves. Ethics don’t define a person; however, they
do shine light onto the characteristics of a person and the way they choose to
live their life.
Ethics
assist in the development of our everyday choices and decisions. There are
different environments which require different ethical decisions. According to
Corey & Corey (2005) we have three primary ethical models. They consist of
social ethics, professional ethics, and personal ethics. We surround ourselves
in these environments on a daily basis. Without a clear understanding out our
ethical decisions in each environment creates uncertainty and doubt in us and
our values. Having a clear understanding of our ethics in each environment
creates confidence and assurance in us and our decisions. With this in mind I
have created a personal ethics outline.
Professional Philosophy
·
I
will honor myself in the work I do, by following my faith, ethics, and beliefs.
I will follow the word of the Lord and answer my calling to him through
humanitarian aid. I will obey the American Counseling Association Code of
Ethics, National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics, and my own
internal code of Ethics that I will provide a copy of to all clients,
co-workers, and employers.
·
I
will seek a higher education/ understanding in this field throughout my entire
career. I will work hard to understand a client and their needs. I will educate
myself with what I don’t know, and listen/ ask questions to what I don’t
understand. I will strive to surround myself by professionals with the same
common goal, and work as a union to better assist our clients overall welfare.
·
I
will accept diversity and multiculturalism. I will base my opinions on biblical
teachings, but offer my assistance regardless of my personal beliefs towards a
single individual. I will educate myself on cultural differences I am
unfamiliar with in order to better assist the client. I will embrace
difference, and accept all members of distress regardless of race, gender,
sexual orientation, or religion. I will show respect to all members.
·
I
will commit myself professionally to my clients and their wellbeing. I will
complete all obligations. I will work hard to successfully assist all clients
who request/require assistance. I will seek different professionals’ assistance
if I feel I am unfit, unable, or unreliable to/for a client.
·
I
will create goals that will further my career/education. I will monitor my own
success and determine what I further need to improve on. I will openly accept
criticism and feedback. I will encourage myself to strive for the best of the
people I am helping.
·
I
will collect accurate and appropriate data of all clients. I will accurately
document sessions and the result of sessions over time. I will document
success/fail within a client and their sessions.
·
I
will protect the confidentiality of all clients within the spectrum of the ACA
Code of Ethics, and the NASW Code of Ethics.
·
I will not threaten, bribe, or manipulate
clients. I will keep all relationships professional and healthy.
·
I
will continue to commit myself to other humanitarian efforts outside of my
career, which may at times take me away from my career (United States Army
Reserves, and Red Cross). I will show a sense of humanity and dignity to all
other humans.
Ethics aren’t always decisions that
come easily. There isn’t always a clear-cut black and white answer to
everything that life presents us. The American Counseling Association (2005)
created an aim to five main purposes. They are to “clarify ethical
responsibilities for counseling professionals, help support the mission of the
association, establish principles that define ethical behavior and best
practices, serve as an ethical guide to assist counselors construct a
professional course of action, and handle ethical complaints initiated against
counseling professionals”. With this guideline I feel that we can better assist
those struggling with ethical decisions and choices. Together we can build a
community of knowledgeable and confident people. Through strong relationships
with culture, religion, relationships, and ourselves we are able to make strong
ethical decisions.
Reference
American
Counseling Association. (2005). Code of
Ethics. Alexandria, VA: Author
Corey,
G., Corey, M.S., Callanan, P. (2005). An
Approach to Teaching Ethics Courses in Human Services and Counseling.
Dictionary.com
LLC. (2011). Ethics. Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/
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