This paper discusses an ethical situation involving a health worker, Jenkins, her new client Nina. From the case, Nina exhibits an abrupt change of behavior. Such change is manifest on the performance of the client over a measured period of time. Through her journey from Guatemala to her current location, Nina has had contact with a social worker whom she confesses a liking for and not willing to change to another worker. The ethical dilemma in this case study lies with Jenkins, the current health worker, who is poised to help Nina out of her situation even if Nina herself may not be willing a change. It is unethical not to attempt finding the best solution to a client for a health worker as it is unethical to break the desires of the client of not needing a change of a therapist. To reach a sound solution, Jenkins has to base her actions on the primary code of ethics to social workers, which demands professionals to ensure the well-being of their clients at all costs. Notably, the case presented by Vignette-Nina touches on all the borders of the code of ethics on top of desiring an analytical model to root an ethical solution.
The second option available for Jenkins details a step by step move into finding a solution. Cournoyer (2016) avails an eight-step NASW model that could be critical to obtaining the desired information and eventually finding a solution. In the model, identification of the problem marks the beginning of the eight steps. Jenkins may use information from Nina’s former health worker to develop the exact root of the problem, in a case where contextual information provided proves adequate. Regard should be upheld on social and legal factors that easily combine to create the base of the problem identification. A detailed identification of the problem should be followed by an equally detailed identification of the involved potential issues. Issues such as cultural shock provide sound bases for case analyses. The third step in the model details a review of applicable ethical guidelines. At all times, a social worker takes decisions that border on the boundaries of legality.
Cournoyer (2016) points understandings analyses of the attained options as the fourth step in reaching the decision. With a client who is attached to varied legal grounds, as in the case study, a legal consultation beyond singular confines is a necessity. Consultations majorly with close contacts such as guardians or classmates, consideration of probable decisions, the establishment of the consequences then reaching the solutions constitute the consequent steps in the model as pointed out by Cournoyer (2016).
Reference
Cournoyer, B. R. (2016). Social Work Skills Workbook. Cengage Learning
