Human services is a profession dedicated to addressing the diverse needs of individuals in society. Human service professionals provide support to a wide range of clients in various environments and communities. The ethical framework guiding the practice of human services emphasizes the use of core values and principles to ensure that services are delivered with integrity and respect for client rights. Therefore, human service professionals prioritize upholding ethical values and maintaining confidentiality while delivering services, to clients in a manner that promotes wellbeing and protects privacy.
In particular, human service professionals rely on ethics to foster both community and individual wellbeing. This research reviews four specific ethical dilemmas in human services, identifies the dilemmas, and outlines the National Organization for Human Services (NOHS) standards and resolutions to address them.
Scenario 1: Confidentiality and Financial Privacy in Social Work
The first ethical dilemma involves threats to the privacy and confidentiality of a human service professional’s financial information, specifically regarding clients’ financial data. A social worker faces the challenge of ensuring the privacy of all her clients when one client, who works as a bank teller, has access to financial records of others. This scenario presents a risk to both clients and professionals, including potential identity theft, fraud, or other breaches of confidentiality (Burke, n.d.).
The NOHS ethical standard addressing confidentiality and privacy (Reamer, 2016) emphasizes that client privacy must be safeguarded at all times. Social workers urged to obtain informed consent before collecting sensitive data from clients. To resolve this dilemma, the best course of action is for the social worker to consider changing financial institutions, thereby reinforcing boundaries with the bank employee while protecting client privacy and maintaining professional integrity.
Scenario 2: Respecting Boundaries in Public Spaces
The second scenario highlights a common dilemma involving boundaries and client confidentiality. A human service professional meets a client in a public place, such as a store, and must navigate the delicate balance between respecting the client’s privacy and maintaining professionalism. The NOHS ethical guidelines stress the importance of respecting personal boundaries (Burke, n.d.), which includes avoiding the disclosure of client information in public settings.
In this case, a simple solution would be for the social worker to acknowledge the client with a brief wave from a distance, thus recognizing the client without compromising their privacy. It is important for the social worker to maintain a safe physical distance, potentially shopping in a different aisle to respect both the client’s privacy and social boundaries.
Scenario 3: Social Worker-Client Interaction at Social Events
A third ethical dilemma arises when a human service professional unexpectedly encounters a client at a social gathering, such as a party. Although the encounter is in a public space, the social worker must carefully consider how much personal interaction is appropriate. If the client begins to share personal issues, such as relationship problems, the social worker should respectfully suggest that the client make an appointment to discuss the matter in a private, professional setting.
According to NOHS ethical standards, social workers must prioritize the dignity, welfare, and privacy of their clients (Burke, n.d.). The social worker’s duty is to avoid any professional counseling during a casual social encounter. Respecting the client’s privacy and maintaining boundaries is critical for preserving a professional relationship (Wark et al., 2019).
Scenario 4: Digital Privacy and Social Media Boundaries
The fourth scenario addresses the challenges posed by the proliferation of digital technology, particularly social media. A former client might seek to connect with a social worker on social media, leading to potential privacy concerns. Social workers may find themselves inadvertently sharing personal details of their lives, such as information about family or home life, which could compromise both personal safety and professional boundaries (Reamer, 2016).
The NOHS ethical standards advocate for strict adherence to confidentiality and privacy (Burke, n.d.), especially when interacting with former clients online. In this case, the ethical solution would be for the social worker to sever social media connections with former clients, ensuring that all professional boundaries respected and that the social worker’s personal life remains private.
Conclusion: Upholding Ethical Standards in Human Services
In conclusion, human service professionals must maintain a high standard of ethics to protect client dignity, privacy, and welfare. Ethical guidelines such as respecting self-determination, promoting social justice, and fostering cultural diversity are essential in delivering quality, unbiased services. Upholding professional boundaries, maintaining confidentiality, and demonstrating integrity are crucial elements in providing human services that are both effective and ethically sound.
By continuing to prioritize ethical standards, social workers and human service professionals can enhance the trust and effectiveness of their work with clients and the broader community.
