This course examines legal, moral, and ethical issues in the Social and Health fields of practice, as a basis for decision-making for professionals in these fields.
Credits: 3
Hours: 45 (Lecture: 45)
Total Weeks: 15
Prerequisites:
None
Non-Course Prerequisites:
Acceptance in:
-Social Services Worker Diploma Program
-Post-degree Diploma in Business Management: Health Administration Specialization
-Indigenous Human Services Worker Certificate
-or permission of the Chair
Co-requisites:
None
Course Content:
- Introduction to professional ethics: history, theories, principles and guidelines
- Ethical decision-making models in practice: Relational, Relativist, Absolutist, and Ghandian
- Social justice, cultural diversity, and reconciliation as an ethical obligation
- Values and ethics in the helping profession and entering the Third Space/Habit of Mind
- Client autonomy and self-determination
- Confidentiality: ethical and legal issues
- Managing boundaries and multiple relationships
- Professional competence and training; commitment to lifelong learning
- Ethical issues in the use of technology and social media
- Ethical issues in supervision and consultation
- File documentation and legal obligations
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:
- Describe the ethical principles of helping professionals and apply problem solving models
- Demonstrate the ability to question personal positions on ethical and value issues.
- Discuss various positions about major issues in professional practice in Social Services Work.
- Identify behaviors that are subject to discipline under the Board of Registration for Social Workers in British Columbia.
- Examine and apply the British Columbia Social Work Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
- Recognize federal and provincial legislation that pertains to issues of client confidentiality and informed consent.
- Describe federal and provincial legislation regarding duty to report child abuse, danger to others, and involuntary confinement.
- Define the various methods for responding to professional ethical conflicts and complaints.
- Describe helping relationships that protect the client and helper from liability and ensure on-going supervision and training in the field.
- Describe social work practice within the context of social change and social justice obligations.
Grading System: Letters
Passing Grade: C+ (65%)
Percentage of Individual Work: 80
Percentage of Group Work: 20
Textbooks: Textbooks are subject to change. Please contact the bookstore at your local campus for current book lists