Understanding & Applying Social Work Ethics

Should I report this to my supervisor or should I protect my client’s confidentiality?”

“Would the self-interest of the client takes precedence or client’s self determination?”

At times, that line between what is good, what is right and what may be harmful is not that straightforward in the field of social work practice. According to the National Social Work Competency Framework (NSWCF), Ethics, Values and Legislation is the Core Knowledge and Skill (K&S) component that apply to all Key Responsibility Areas (KRAs). Ethics is undeniably a salient part of the Social Work profession. It is important for social workers to be equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills in understanding ethical dilemmas, making ethical decisions and mitigating risks. In this effective workshop, participants are able to walk away with a better understanding of the Code, apply the principles in actual practice and resolve dilemmas and conflicts that may arise in the implementation of the Code.

The training would be conducted through practical case studies, group discussions and role play. Upon completion of the 2-days high impact workshop, participants would be able to:

• Develop awareness of value systems that impact on social work practice
• Acknowledge the importance of applying the social work code of ethics on themselves, clients and fellow practitioners
• Identify ethical problems and dilemmas that emerge in practice; and
• Understand and apply the ethical decision making model

Social workers, medical social workers, psychologists, counsellors, allied health professionals, educators and social service practitioners should attend, especially if you are a Registered Social Worker-Provisional (RSW-P), a Registered Social Worker (RSW) or a Registered Social Service Practitioner (RSSP).

Ms Agnes Chia is a seasoned leader in Singapore’s social service sector, with over two decades of experience advancing child and family well-being. She brings together frontline social work expertise, executive leadership and policy advocacy.

She currently serves as a Director at the National University of Singapore. Previously, as Chief Service Officer at Care Corner Singapore, Agnes oversaw Children, Youth, Family and Counselling Services, leading major service transformation initiatives. She was instrumental in scaling ‘Circle of Care’, a holistic support programme for children from low-income families, for national adoption. She also established ‘Care Corner Project StART’, Singapore’s third Family Violence Specialist Centre, by forging partnerships with public agencies and community groups to strengthen protection for vulnerable families.

Agnes has contributed to legislative changes, including the Vulnerable Adults Act and the Children and Young Persons Act. She is presently Chair for Professional Ethics at the Singapore Association of Social Workers and has formerly served as its President and Vice-President. Professionally trained in both social work and management, she is committed to building inclusive communities and equitable systems that enable children and families to thrive.

Mr Alvin Chua is a Lecturer with NUS Department of Social Work. Prior to joining academia, he spent almost two decades in the social service sector. Over the years, Alvin had led, managed and practised social work in diverse settings including Family Service Centre, Family Violence Specialist Centre, acute hospital and childrens home.

At the national level, Alvin led the profession as President of the Singapore Association of Social Workers (SASW) from 2011 to 2015 and served on the SASW Executive Committee for more than a decade. As Chairperson of the Social Service Industry Skills and Training Council, he also drove the manpower and skills strategy for the social service sector in 2014. Currently, Alvin serves as the Deputy Chairperson on the Civil Legal Aid Means Test Panel.