Reflecting on the chapter on ethics and other professional responsibilities for human service workers provides valuable insight on how ethics codes are critical to a productive and correction provision of services. It is important to note that ethical behaviors can be manifested in legal, ethical, and moral perspectives (Summers, 2016). A service worker needs to be aware of the values of a client since they can create a conflict. Informing clients about their rights is necessary, and the sensitive information must be confidential with full respect for one’s privacy. Communication outside work should still follow the key professional responsibilities.
By reflecting on the chapter on attitudes and boundaries, it becomes apparent how service worker needs to approach their work with clients. The core attitudes include empathy, genuineness, and warmth, which are reflected in how a worker communicates, behaves, and reciprocates. It is important to avoid being judgmental and phony, which can be difficult with dissatisfied clients, and thus, a reality check is needed. Boundaries must be set when it comes to working with clients by perceiving oneself and them as separate entities (Summers, 2016). No attributions should be made on the basis of assumptions in regard to similarities or differences. A service worker should not exhibit a false sense of authority and perceive clients in the light of transference or countertransference.
If one reflects on the chapter about first interviews, it becomes evident that it is a systematic process about the identification of key weaknesses, strengths, present issues, future issues, and gaps. Listening to clients’ perspectives needs to be done attentively, which means that preparations must be made to create a proper environment (Summers, 2016). Critical information needs to be collected accurately and with precision, which includes the client’s understanding of the problem, expectations, social histories, and transition summaries.
Reference
Summers, N. (2016). Fundamentals of case management practice: Skills for the human services (5th ed.). Cengage Learning.