Ethical Principles and Practices of Human Service Workers, Essay Example

In my discipline as a new practitioner my consideration of what is ethical consists of my conviction that customers/clients must ve treated in the same way I would expect if I were in their position. Clearly, the opposite for me is unethical. In today’s world where it is extremely difficult to see justice expressed among people,  my point of view also is that any form of injustice is unethical.

Precisely, behaviors I consider most unethical pertain to demonstrating discrimination against persons out of mereprejudice. For example, the first African America president of America while holding a distinguished position, because of his blackness and the history of segregation, he is blatantly criticized and disrespected by some whites in the society. This is most unethical.

The primary cause of professional burnout according to experts is exhaustion, lost of organizational focus and over worked skills. These emerge mainly due to a boss who is very critical, low wages for job performance, staff shortages and difficult clients. A professional can best deal with these concerns by voicing them with someone in a managementposition since often management to a great extentinitiates the burn out (Porter, 2005).

Professional burnout could be prevented if mangers and organizations endeavor to motivate employees through incentives and personal development in their profession. However, this varies from one organization to the next depending on their goals and resources. As management style adjustments are made in certain industries administrators will have to become more creative  in designing strategies to prevent burnout of their employees (van Dierendonck, Garssen& Visser, 2005).

I was not at all surprised by the responses in this self assessment. My ethical values as it pertain to confidentiality especially, if someone violates trust is to report  thembecause this could havefar reaching effects and compromise business. More importantly, it could tarnish the reputation of the person whose personal data has been exposed.

Questions that the assessment raised for me relate to counseling friends. According to the assessment friends are only to be counseled with their permission. Besides, it suggests that the counselor also must consent to the counseling techniques. Another very sensitive  assessment issue came up when counseling gays/lesbians. The counselor is expected to be as objective as possible (Corey,Corey& Callanan, 2014).

Inevitably a professional’s cultural beliefs will influence the type of counseling a client receives. For example, everyone has political preferences. While this should not determine how a counselor responds to a client many times it is difficult to hide these sentiments, especially, if one was exposed to some type of injustice by the opposing party or forces. On many occasions I witness counselors trying to play the game, but their true beliefs still subtly surface. This is one attitude I need to work on before I am accused of being prejudice since my core values may not be well concealed.

These factors could definitely inhibit my work if I meet a client whose values are in conflict with mine. Working with a gay/lesbian client might pose some difficulty to me. This is due mainly to my religious orientation and instilled beliefs. In approaching such a client while my religious beliefs may prohibit me from endorsing that cultural orientation, I would have to be accommodating of the client and respond according to the needs presented. If I feel it is beyond my control I will seek assistance in handling the case.

References

Corey, G. Corey, S., & Callanan, P. (2014).Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions, (9thed). Centage Learning.

Potter, B.(2005).Overcoming Job Burnout: How to Renew Enthusiasm for Work, Ronin Publishing.

van Dierendonck, D.Garssen, B., & Visser, A. (2005). Burnout Prevention through Personal Growth. International Journal of Stress Management, 12(1), 62-77.