Senior High School

Disciplines and Ideas in

Applied Social Sciences
Module 7:
Rights, Responsibilities, Accountabilities,
Ethical and Unethical Behaviors
of Social Worker

AIRs - LM
LU_Discipline and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences_Module7
HUMSS- DISCIPLINES AND IDEAS IN APPLIED SOCIAL SCIENCES
Module 7: Rights, Responsibilities, Accountabilities, Ethical and Unethical Behaviors
of Social Worker
Second Edition, 2021

Copyright © 2021
La Union Schools Division
Region I

All rights reserved. No part of this module may be reproduced in any form without written
permission from the copyright owners.

Development Team of the Module

Authors: Janina Ali B. Baladad, Oliver R. Niere

Editor: SDO La Union, Learning Resource Quality Assurance Team
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Design and Layout: Paul Justine A. Posas
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Atty. Donato D. Balderas Jr.

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LU_Discipline and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences_Module7

 Senior High School

Disciplines and Ideas in

Applied Social Sciences
Module 7:
Rights, Responsibilities, Accountabilities,
Ethical and Unethical Behaviors
of Social Worker

LU_Discipline and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences_Module7

Introductory Message
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear
learners, can continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities,
questions, directions, exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you
to understand each lesson.

Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you
step-by-step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.

Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons in

each SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on completing this module
or if you need to ask your facilitator or your teacher’s assistance for better
understanding of the lesson. At the end of each module, you need to answer
the post-test to self-check your learning. Answer keys are provided for each
activity and test. We trust that you will be honest in using these.

In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher are
also provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on
how they can best help you on your home-based learning.

Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on
any part of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises
and tests. And read the instructions carefully before performing each task.

If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in

answering the tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher
or facilitator.

Thank you.

LU_Discipline and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences_Module7

 Target

Social work foremost rights include the right to fulfil its professional mandates to live
by its values. It is the responsibilities that cover those that pertain to the
dispensation of its basic functions, roles, professional standards, and adhere to its
local and international codes of ethics. Social work is accountable to the clients, the
general public and the society.

Responsibilities of social workers working within their field of specialization

are to help children, assist those life-threatening problems, or aid people in
overcoming addictions. While accountability of social worker is to the clients,
colleagues, employers, professional associations, and to the law.

In your previous lesson, you are done with the areas of specialization of social
work: the family and child welfare, health, mental, correction and schools.

This learning material will provide you with information and activities that will
help you understand the rights, responsibilities and accountabilities of social works.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

Learning Competencies:

1. Value rights, Responsibilities and Accountabilities of social work

(HUMSS_DIASS 12-lf-22)
2. Distinguish between ethical and unethical behaviors among practitioners
(HUMMS_DIASS12-If-23)

Specific Learning Objectives:

1. Recognize the rights, Responsibilities and Accountabilities of social work;

2. Identify ethical and unethical behaviors among practitioners.

LU _Discipline and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences_Module7

 Jumpstart

Activity 1

Direction: Arrange the following jumbled letters below to form the correct word. Be
guided by the definition that follows.

1. ESPNIOBIITIESRSL
-To help children, assist those life- threatening
problems, or aid people in overcoming addictions.
2. ICOUNTAILITESCAB
-An obligation or willingness to accept responsibility.
3. SIGTRH
-Being in accordance with what is just, good, or
proper
4. OCALSI
-Pleasant companionship with friends or associates
5. OKRSRWE
- A member of a working class

Activity 2: Be MEANINGFUL

Direction: Arrange the sets of letter below to unlock the key words. Use a separate
sheet of paper for your answers.

1. U T D Y _________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
2. A T H I C L E _________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
3. C U T H E N I L A _________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
4. A V I E B O S R H _________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
5. S P A T I T R I C O R N E _______________________

___________________________________________________________________________

LU _Discipline and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences_Module7

 Discover

Lesson RIGHTS, RESPONSIBILITIES and

1 ACCOUNTABILITIES of SOCIAL WORK

The right of social work is partially outlined. Social work foremost rights
include the right to fulfill its professional mandates and to live by its values.

A social worker must possess the following qualities: active listening, self-
awareness, social perceptiveness coordination, and persuasion. Its responsibilities
cover those that pertain to the dispensation of its basic functions, roles, professional
standards, and adherence to its local and international codes of ethics. Social work
is accountable to the clients, general public, and the society.

Responsibilities of social workers working within their field of specialization

are to help children, assist those life- threatening problems, or aid people in
overcoming addictions.

It is the responsibility of social worker to protect, and uphold respect for the
inherent worth and dignity of all people as expressed in the United Nations Universal
Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and other related UN declarations on rights and
the conventions derived from those declarations. Social workers have a responsibility
to promote social justice, in relation to the people with whom they work.

Social workers have a responsibility to apply professional values and

principles set out above their practice. They should act with integrity and treat people
with compassion, empathy, competence, social justice, dignity and worth of the
individuals and care.

Accountability of social worker is to the clients, colleagues, employers,

professional associations, and to the law. Social workers are accountable for the
action to the values and principles of the profession, which require them to act in a
reliable, honest, client confidentiality, cultural competence, conflicts of interest and
trustworthy manner.

They are answerable to their clients’ professional bodies like registered social
workers (RSW), certified social workers (CSW), licensed social workers (LSW),
licensed clinical social workers (LSW), and licensed independent social workers

LU _Discipline and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences_Module7

(LISW) organization, and the law promulgated and enforced by appropriate
government agencies.

Lesson ETHICAL and UNETHICAL BEHAVIORS AMONG

2 PRACTITIONERS

Ethical and Unethical Behaviors among Practitioners

Social workers have a very crucial role in the society, it is their sworn duty to
protect the well-being of individuals who are in need of their help. Here in the
Philippines, the practice of welfare work is legally mandated and that they are being
guided by Code of Ethics.

The Code of Ethics elaborates the standards of ethics, conducts, and

performance expected to a registered social worker. There are many things that a
social worker needs to consider; respect for the inherent dignity and worth of
individuals, pursuit of social justice, integrity of professional practice, confidentiality
in professional practice, and competence in professional practice.

Critical to any code of ethics is explicit provisions of ethical principle and

ethical standards and should come into specific enforceable guidelines for
professional conduct in details that might provide objective professional judgment
and make it easier to spot the particular violations after they occur.

I. Ethical Principles

Here are sample of ethical principle and ethical standards in were adapted
from the Code of Ethics of the National Association of Social Workers. These are
broad ethical principles are supported social work's core values of service, social
justice, dignity and value of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity,
and competence. These principles set forth ideals to which all social workers should
follow.

1. Value: Service

Ethical Principle: Social workers' primary goal is to help people in need and
to address social problems.
Social workers elevate service to others above self-interest. Social
workers draw on their knowledge, values, and skills to help people in need
and to address social problems. Social workers are encouraged to volunteer
some portion of their professional skills with no expectation of significant
financial return (pro bono service).

LU _Discipline and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences_Module7

2. Value: Social Justice

Ethical Principle: Social workers challenge social injustice.

Social workers pursue social change, particularly with and on behalf of
vulnerable and oppressed individuals and groups of people. Social workers'
social change efforts are focused primarily on issues of poverty,
unemployment, discrimination, and other forms of social injustice. These
activities seek to promote sensitivity to and knowledge about oppression and
cultural and ethnic diversity. Social workers strive to ensure access to needed
information, services, and resources; equality of opportunity; and meaningful
participation in decision making for all people.

3. Value: Dignity and Worth of the Person

Ethical Principle: Social workers respect the inherent dignity and worth of
the person.
Social workers treat each person in a caring and respectful fashion,
mindful of individual differences and cultural and ethnic diversity. Social
workers promote clients' socially responsible self-determination. Social
workers seek to enhance clients' capacity and opportunity to change and to
address their own needs. Social workers are cognizant of their dual
responsibility to clients and to the broader society. They seek to resolve
conflicts between clients' interests and the broader society's interests in a
socially responsible manner consistent with the values, ethical principles, and
ethical standards of the profession.

4. Value: Importance of Human Relationships

Ethical Principle: Social workers recognize the central importance of human

relationships.
Social workers understand that relationships between and among
people are an important vehicle for change. Social workers engage people as
partners in the helping process. Social workers seek to strengthen
relationships among people in a purposeful effort to promote, restore,
maintain, and enhance the well-being of individuals, families, social groups,
organizations, and communities.

5. Value: Integrity

Ethical Principle: Social workers behave in a trustworthy manner.

Social workers are continually aware of the profession's mission,

values, ethical principles, and ethical standards and practice in a manner
consistent with them. Social workers act honestly and responsibly and
promote ethical practices on the part of the organizations with which they are
affiliated.

LU _Discipline and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences_Module7

 6. Value: Competence

Ethical Principle: Social workers practice within their areas of competence

and develop and enhance their professional expertise.
Social workers continually strive to increase their professional
knowledge and skills and to apply them in practice. Social workers should
aspire to contribute to the knowledge base of the profession.

II. Ethical Standards

The following ethical standards are relevant to the professional activities of all
social workers. These standards concern (1) to clients, (2) to colleagues, (3) in practice
settings, (4) as professionals, (5) to the social work profession, and (6) to the broader
society.

III. Guidelines for the Professional Conduct

The following guidelines for professional conduct reflect the spirit of a code of
ethics. It consists the ethical specifics in the professional conduct of social workers
culled from the Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for Social Workers
devised by the Social Workers Registration Board (SWRB) at CORU (2011) and
the Ethics in Social Work Statement of Principles by the International
Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) (2004):

Social workers are expected to uphold human rights in their practice.

1. Social workers are expected to respect the rights and dignity of people.
2. They are expected to respect relationships of people who use their services.
3. Social justice should also be promoted.
4. They should comply with the laws and regulations governing their practice.
5. Carry out their duties professionally and ethically.
6. Demonstrate ethical awareness.
7. Professional accountability should be demonstrated by the social workers.
8. Social workers should act in the best interest of people who use their service.
9. They should communicate with people who use their services careers and
professionals.
10. Social workers should seek informed consent of people who use their services,
11. They should keep accurate records.
12. Social workers should deal appropriately with health and safety risks.
13. Social workers should willingly collaborate, delegate, and manage
appropriately.
14. Social workers should undertake research ethically.

LU _Discipline and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences_Module7

 15. They should maintain high standards of personal conduct.
16. Social workers should act with integrity.
17. Accurate information about their conduct and competence should be
provided by the social workers.
18. They expected to treat information about people who use their services as
confidential except in situation that call for greater ethical requirement such
as preservation of life.
19. Social workers should act within the limits of their professional knowledge,
skills, and experience.
20. Professional knowledge and skills up to date so that they are able to provide
appropriate services should be kept by the social workers.

Explore

Here is some enrichment activity for you to work on to master and strengthen the
basic concepts you have learned from this module.

Activity No.1
Matching Type: Match column A with B by drawing a line that connect them.

A. Answerable
to clients
RIGHT

Help
B. children
RESPONSIBILITY
Fulfilment of
C. C.
professional
mandates
ACCOUNTABILITY
Protect and
uphold
D. D.
respect

Must possess the following

qualities: good listener,
E. self-awareness, and
coordination persuasion

LU _Discipline and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences_Module7

Activity No. 2

Directions: Briefly answer the following question in a separate paper.

1. What are the Ethical Principles of Social Workers?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

2. Why is it important for Social Workers to follow ethical codes and standards?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

3. How do Social Workers become competent and effective professionals?

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

4. Can we also apply the principles of social works practice in our daily living?
How?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

5. Why is it imperative for social workers to develop and enhance their

competencies?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

Description: This rubric will help you know what is expected from your answers.

Characteri 5 4 3 2 1
stics

Content The writing The writing The writing The writing The writing
is is is generally is is unclear
exceptional engaging, clear and occasionall and
ly engaging clear and focused y clear and unfocused
focused. focused

Ideas Ideas are Ideas are Ideas are Ideas are Ideas are
thoroughly well thoroughly under not
developed developed developed developed developed
with with with or
relevant relevant limited connected
details and details and details and
examples examples examples
were were were
appropriate appropriate appropriate
. . .

LU _Discipline and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences_Module7

 Organizati The The The The The essay
on organizatio organizatio organizatio organizatio is
n of ideas n is n is n is unorganize
support the appropriate generally inappropria d and the
writer’s and the appropriate te. The sequences
focus. sequencing and the response are
Ideas are of ideas is ideas are may lack a inappropria
grouped in logical. clearly clear te.
a logical sequenced, introductio
manner. but may be n or
repetitive. conclusion.

Deepen

Activity No.1

Direction: Read and analyze the situation given below.

Suppose you are confronted with different situations in life which would you be
considering the most, your RIGHT, your RESPONSIBILITY, or ACCOUNTABILITY?
Explain your choice.

Rubrics:

Categories 5 4 3 2 1

Excellent Very good Good Poor Very poor

discussion discussion of discussion of discussion discussion
of point point point of point of point

The The answer The answer The answer The

REASONING answer was was was discussion
was discussed discussed discussed was out
discussed within the with two within the context
completely context details context
within the however with unexplained
context a detail not

LU _Discipline and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences_Module7

 well
explained

Excellent Very Good Good Poor Very poor

CONVINCING The The reader The reader The reader The reader
APPEAL reader was left with was left with was left was
was a point for points of with a lot of confused
perfectly discussion or argumentatio questions
convinced argumentatio n
n

Activity No.2

Direction: Read the situation below. Suppose you are a social worker involved in
those cases, how would you react given the situation? Justify your decision based on
the principles of social work. Write your answer on a separate sheet of paper.

1. Linda is the social worker responsible of orphan brothers Lito and Eddie.
Every day, the brothers are often found marketing newspapers in the street.
Like several less fortunate kids, they need to satisfy kind foster parents and
live like kids with their age. However, of the two, solely Lito is cooperative and
friendly. Linda finds Eddie difficult to contend with. Eddie seldom expresses
himself and sometimes throws temper and tantrums. Linda considers passing
Lito and Eddie’s case file to a different social worker. If you were Linda, what
would you do?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

2. As a social worker and a devote Catholic, Amelia makes an attempt to

integrate into her practice the teaching of her religion. One day, she was
told to travel to the station to mediate a gay couple, Rico and Ben apparently,
a jealous and drunk Rico turned violent on Ben once he saw him being
friendly with a reasonably neighbor. Ben refused to file a case against his
partner. He insisted that it absolutely was his fault for not considering the
emotions of an already depressed Rico, who simply laid from his job. If you
were Amelia, what would you tell the couple? Justify your answer.
.___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

3. Joseph’s first client as a social worker is a 15-year old mother named

Clara. Clara confided that she does not want to raise her newborn child
because she is not yet ready to be a mother. She also explains that her
American boyfriend does not know that she has a child. She is worries

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LU _Discipline and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences_Module7

 that once he finds out, he may back out on his promise to bring her to
the United States. The task of taking care of the baby was left to Carla’s
sick grandmother, Aling Rafaela. Joseph felt uneasy with Carla’s
irresponsible attitude especially since he himself was abandoned as a
child. If you were Joseph, how would you approach Carla’s case and
why?.

Gauge

I. Multiple Choice
Direction: Read and analyze the following questions then write your answers
on a separate sheets of paper.

1. 1. What is the right of a social worker?

A. Professionalism
B. Accountable for their actions to the values and principles of the profession
C. Protect and uphold respect
D. Right to fulfill its professional mandates and to live by its values
2. Which of the following is a responsibility of social workers?
A. Promote social justice
B. Accountable to the clients, the general public and the society
C. Help children, assist their life-threatening problems, or aid people in
overcoming addictions.
D. A and C
3. Which among the choices is the accountability of social workers?
A. Accountable for their actions to the values and principles of the profession,
which require them to act in a reliable, honest and trustworthy manner.
B. Apply professional values.
C. Uphold respect
D. All of the above
4. Which of the following professional bodies is answerable to their clients?
A. Registered Social Workers (RSW)
B. Certified Social Workers (CSW)
C. Licensed Social Workers (LSW)
D. All of the above
5. Among the rights of social worker below, what orders them to protect, uphold
and respect their inherent worth and dignity of people?
A. United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Right (1948)
B. Bill of Right
A. Social Justice
B. Code of Ethics
6. Which of the following that refers to a member of a working class?
A. Workers B. Member C. Groups D. All of the above

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LU _Discipline and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences_Module7

 7. Which of the following helps children, assist those life- threatening problems,
or aid people in overcoming addictions?
A. Responsibilities B. Rights C. Accountabilities D. Obligations
8. An obligation or willingness to accept responsibility
A. Responsibilities B. Rights C. Accountabilities D. Obligations
9.Which of the following refers to the clients, colleagues, employers, professional
associations, and to the law?
A. Accountability of social worker
B. Obligations of social worker
C. Rights of social worker
D. Responsibility of social worker
10. Which of the following a pleasant companionship with friends or associates?
A. Social B. Worker C. Employees D. Clients

II. Identification

Directions: Distinguish whether the Social Worker in the following

situation exhibits ethical and unethical behavior. Write E if the practice is
ethical and UE if the practice is unethical. Use a separate sheet of paper for
your answer.

1. A social worker reveals the personal profile of his clients to his colleagues
without asking client’s permission.

2. Social workers should keep their professional knowledge and skills up to date
so that they are able to provide appropriate services

3. A social Worker should promote oppression to the ethnic diversity.

4. A social worker becomes romantically and sexually involved with a client.

5. Social workers should seek informed consent of people who use their services.

6. Social workers should act with exaggeration of their professional knowledge,

skills, and experience.

7. A social worker should focus on the self-interest than to address the social
problem.

8. Social workers should treat information about people who use their services as
confidential even in situation that call for greater ethical requirement such as
preservation of life.

9. A social worker should recognize the boundaries between personal and

professional life, and they should not abuse their position for personal benefit
or gain.

10. Social workers should communicate with people who use their services
careers and professionals.

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LU _Discipline and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences_Module7

LU _Discipline and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences_Module7
13
Gauge Gauge
Assessment 2 Assessment 1
1. UE 8. E 1. D
2. D
2. E 9. E
3. D
3. UE 10. E 4. D
5. A
4. UE 6. A
5. E 7. A
8. C
6. UE 9. A
10.A
7.UE
Jumpstart
Activity 1
1. Responsibility
Explore 2. Accountability
Deepen
Activity 1 3. Rights
Activity 1 & 2
RIGHT 4. Social
Answer may vary
- A&C 5. Worker
RESPONSIBILITY
Activity 2
- B&E
1. Duty
ACCOUNTABILITY
2. Ethical
- D
3. Unethical
Activity 2
4. Behavior
Answer may vary
5. Practitioners
* Explanation may
vary
Answer Key
References
Printed materials:

Sampa, Elias M (2016). Disciplines and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences p. 80

Cauyan, JM, L., Brillon, CA, A., and Quilocol, R, T., Discipline and Ideas in the
Applied Social Sciences (pp 25-26), Vibal Group, Inc. 1253 G. Araneta
Avenue, Quezon City

Cauyan, JM, L., Brillon, CA, A., and Quilocol, R, T., Discipline and Ideas in the
Applied Social Sciences (pp 46-55), Vibal Group, Inc. 1253 G. Araneta
Avenue, Quezon City

Tatel, C, P., Discipline and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences (pp 80-87), Rex
Bookstore

Website:

http://socialwork.buffalo.edu/admissions/is-social-work-right-career-for-
me/list-of-essential-skills-in-social-work.html

http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2011/si/143/made/en/print

https://mswonlineprograms.org/job-duties-and-responsibilities-of-social-
workers/

https://socialworkhumss2bmaterchristi.wordpress.com/2017/10/06/rights
-responsibilities-and-accountabilities/

https://thecorpusjuris.com/legislative/republic-acts/ra-no-4373.php

https://www.coursehero.com/file/18510724/Buford-High-Rubric

https://www.slideshare.net/eweber/meap-6-pt-writing-rubric-by-trait

https://www.socialworkdegreeguide.com/lists/5-ways-social-workers-
should-hold-themselves-accountable/

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LU _Discipline and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences_Module7

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Department of Education – SDO La Union

Curriculum Implementation Division
Learning Resource Management Section
Flores St. Catbangen, San Fernando City La Union 2500
Telephone: (072) 607 - 8127
Telefax: (072) 205 - 0046
Email Address:
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LU _Discipline and Ideas in the Applied Social Sciences_Module7