Ethics in the Work of a Social Worker with a Client in a Social Care Facility

Introduction

Every person throughout their life encounters situations in which they must decide and act in a way that cannot overlook ethical principles. "They certainly do not have an easy task, because even in everyday life we encounter many contrasts and contradictions" (Jankovský, 2003, pp. 13-14). These may not always be in harmony with a person's desires, wishes, possibilities, and personality.

The essence of helping professions, which include social work, is working with people, therefore ethical issues represent an inseparable part of their activities. Assessing the client's life, everything they have experienced, what compelled them to become a client of social work, and subsequent intervention must be evaluated not only in the wholeness of their life, but also from the perspective of ethical principles, which is the starting point of the social worker's work with the client.

Ethics and Helping Disciplines

Ethics and its principles are a natural necessity for the proper functioning of people in any area of life, an individual's activities, their profession, and thus also for the social worker. The term ethics originates from the ancient Greek word ethos, meaning custom, practice, habit. Gluchman (1994, pp. 3-4) characterizes ethics as a humanistic doctrine concerned with "the examination of the moral aspects of the actions, behavior, and decision-making of a moral subject. The subject of ethics may be the moral aspects of the life of an individual, a social group, or a nation, society, etc. On this basis, ethics can be divided into individual ethics and social ethics." Jankovský (2003, p. 22) defines it as "a philosophical science of the right way of life, based on rational approaches and seeking to find and possibly justify the common and universal foundations on which morality (the subject of ethics) stands." "Morality (from the Latin mos - originally will, then custom, precept, law, quality, character, inner essence) is a system of regulators of human behavior, based on the distinction between right and wrong, the ability to distinguish good and evil and to act within these intentions - and their transformation into the realm of values, norms, patterns, attitudes, and actions" (Matoušek, 2003, pp. 21-22).

The subject of ethics is therefore morality, which evaluates human behavior from the perspective of good and evil by comparing it with a person's conscience. In the exercise of helping professions, conscience represents a very important indicator and can be perceived as an essential component of morality that enables a person to morally evaluate their actions, both before and after the deed. Self-evaluation also applies within this. Besides this, there are other principles that the helping professional encounters. There is freedom, which is a prerequisite for moral behavior and is linked to the possibility of choice, and thus the acceptance of responsibility (Jankovský, 2003). "Good, evil, right, wrong belong to the basic categories of ethics and the concepts that form the basic structure of the conceptual apparatus used in morality" (Gluchman, 1994, pp. 3-4). "Thus ethics, as a conception of ethical teaching, can enter into the content of morality" (Tokárová et al., 2002, p. 288). Morally good behavior as conscious and willing behavior in accordance with duty, and the opposite, morally inappropriate behavior that is contrary to duty (Jankovský, 2003). The recognition of human dignity as the recognition of gravity, honor, respect is a value that must be concretized in everyday reality, in the dynamics of interpersonal and social relations (Roche Olivar, 1992). A dignified and functional life, the condition of which is respect for social norms and laws through the conscience of the individual. Authority as the competence to determine norms and power, which is an officially confirmed possibility to decide, may not be in alignment. An individual with authority may not have formally substantiated power, and an individual with a formally approved possibility to exercise power may not be a natural authority (Jankovský, 2003).

Applied ethics, as the practical part where individual principles are applied, grasps its object "in close cooperation with the concrete daily life of a person..." (Oláh, Schavel, 2006, p. 108). It is more situational, that is, it works with the current case where the moral subject must decide and act. It also includes professional ethics (Gluchman, 1994). "Professional ethics creates a conception of a certain profession based on its relationship to a certain hierarchy of values, which are at the same time accepted and justified by ethical theory, and thus may become binding. It works with the knowledge of political, social, and legal philosophy as well as individual ethics" (Tokárová et al., 2002). "Professional ethics includes reflection on norms and moral action" (Matoušek, 2003, p. 22). In the narrower sense of the word, it is understood as the morality of a doctor, scientist, social worker, etc. (Tokárová et al., 2002). Ethics in social work "proceeds from the mission of professional social workers" (Oláh, Schavel, 2006, p. 108). Therefore, "it is an inseparable, everyday part of the work of social workers" (Code of Ethics, 1996, In Oláh, Schavel, 2006, p. 108).

Power and privilege can often be abused, therefore a code, as a regulator of people's behavior and actions, is necessary for practice (Matoušek, 2003). Most professions have ethics embedded in codes of ethics. "Together with legal, especially procedural norms, administrative regulations and etiquette, codes of ethics are an important guide for practice, which members of professions respect, trust, and which by their psychological effectiveness contribute to the identity of the profession" (Tokárová et al., 2002, p. 295). Tokárová (et al., 2002) further states that it does not mean merely its recognition, but general human moral values must also be taken into account, because the moral profile of a social worker based on general ethical values is a prerequisite for a sense of humanity and for the internalization of the code's norms in one's own conscience. No code of ethics can cover all problems either, therefore role norms should also be updated within them to encompass the widest possible range of ethical risks. Úlehla (1996) also states that professional ethics cannot be defined by any code. This is necessary mainly for the first contact and insight into the issue of ethical evaluation of work. However, the worker's attitude to life and people is reflected in the professional performance of work, therefore it is a matter of ethics to also address the needs that the worker carries within themselves. Kopřiva (2006) believes that when working with the old, the poor, the lonely, and the disabled, a great deal depends on the life philosophy of the helper.

Adherence to the code of ethics in social work rests on the personality of the social worker, who is "the first and basic investment in one's own profession. It is an integrating element of various ways, forms and approaches of working with the client, each of which emphasizes the importance of the worker's personality from a professional and human perspective" (Oláh, Schavel, 2006, p. 59). "The ethical actualization of social work, however, is ultimately decided by the client, who is, however, limited by the moral responsibility of the social worker" (Oláh, Schavel, 2006, p. 110). "Without this relational framework, the work of the helper becomes merely an exercise of delegated powers" (Kopřiva, 2006, p. 15).

Tokárová (et al., 2002) states that the International Code of Ethics for Professional Social Workers, prepared in 1976 by the International Federation of Social Workers, began to serve as the basis and starting point for individual national codes of ethics in social work; furthermore, the code of the British Association of Social Workers, which focused on the relationship of the social worker to the client, served as a model. The code of ethics of the American National Association of Social Workers, effective from June 1980, was also stimulating; it contains six main areas: the behavior of social workers in general, their ethical responsibility to the client, colleagues, the profession, the employer, and society (Gluchman, 1994). "The currently internationally valid Declaration of Ethical Principles, adopted in 1994, is based on the code of ethics adopted by the IFSW in 1976" (Matoušek, 2003, p. 41). The Declaration of Ethical Principles of Social Work presents nine basic ethical principles: to defend and encourage the client's independence of action, to defend their equality, which consists in freedom from repression and substandard living conditions, to prevent any form of discrimination, to respect human rights and democracy, to guarantee the protection and integrity of the client, to work with the client with their active participation, to allow for their self-determination, that is, voluntariness in decision-making, to reject any violence, to work with personal responsibility even without ethical principles (Tokárová et al., 1997). The code of ethics of social work "should include the necessary steps to ensure the safety of the client, the protection of the helper, and also the protection of the professional status of social work" (Oláh, Schavel, 2006, p. 108).

Tokárová (et al., 2002) believes that the model code of ethics for a social worker should take into account the following principles and norms. To use professional knowledge, skills and experience for the benefit of all members of the community and the community at large. To prioritize professional responsibility over personal interests, to apply it while maintaining a standard level of services, while also applying a unity of emotional commitment, but also the necessary degree of emotional distance, so that the social worker can effectively solve the problem and carry out interventions. To strive to improve the level of social work through further education and training.

The social worker should perceive their own imperfection in their work and strive for improvement. To carry out self-reflection on shortcomings, seek ways to overcome them, and in case of failure, request a change in the fulfillment of tasks for a specific case. To exercise a sense of teamwork and cooperation when the work and interventions of an individual are insufficient. To value clients, respect their personality, protect their dignity and rights, understand them, not impose their own judgments, leave the client the possibility of self-determination, the opportunity to participate in decision-making and the determination of services, not to allow any violence or discrimination. In behavior towards clients and communication with them, to be tactful, polite, courteous, to create a relationship full of trust, and thus create a sense of certainty and security. To show a genuine and sustained interest in clients. To observe the principle of discretion, confidentiality of information about clients, to disclose it only with their consent, exceptionally without consent in times of danger or threat. To obtain sponsorship support, to engage the public in cooperation. To prevent the bureaucratization of services, which would suppress their human goal. To protect the integrity of financial resources.

In the provision of social services, to support forms and methods that accept ethnic and cultural differences, not to tolerate and to overcome prejudices based on origin, race, social position, status, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, belief, contribution to society. At the workplace, to create conditions enabling the observance of these principles of professional ethics of the social worker.

The Social Worker and the Ethics of Their Work

Matoušek (2003) states that social workers have a responsibility in their work that stems from several perspectives. It is their position within the system of the state, but also within their independent position; at the same time, they occupy a position in the middle between the state and the citizen. From the perspective of the system, they are forced to act strategically; from the perspective of the client's life, communicatively, therefore they must master the transitions between them and uphold, within the limits of possibility, the basic values of the profession.

Social work in a social services facility is an inseparable part of care for a person who is dependent on the provision of services. A dependent client is more or less a client at risk, "who is in an acute state of threat to the social security of themselves, others, and the social environment" (Kozoň, 2006, p. 26). It proceeds from addressing the given situation, working with relationship, trust, development of the client's prerequisites and abilities for self-determination, ensuring the observance of human rights and a dignified life, based on intervention and the application of basic and special methods. Labáth (2004) outlines the following periods of the client's stay, in which he defines its function and interventions. The first is the separation interview, where the social worker conducts a conversation with the client, helps them adapt; then there is the creation of an individual plan for development, correction, therapy, resocialization, socialization, where the social worker implements interventions; and finally a program for gaining autonomy, which includes evaluation of the stay and planning of possible future cooperation. In addition, the social worker helps preserve the continuity of the client's life and, by working with their life story, supports their mental and physical health and improves their quality of life (Matoušek, 2005). Therefore, working with the client, their needs, and interests is paramount (Labáth, 2004).

In a social services facility, where the social worker is "confronted daily with difficult human destinies, they often have a fundamental influence on the lives of clients, entering into the most intimate interpersonal relationships" (Oláh, Schavel, 2006, p. 107). The client needs trust, the feeling that they are needed despite physical or mental disability or old age; they need to feel their own worth from the behavior of the helper (Kopřiva, 2006). Therefore, among the values that the social worker practices in their work are individualization, as recognition of the uniqueness of each personality, which also entails an individual approach without prejudice and stereotypes. Expression of feelings, as recognition of the client's need to freely express all feelings, wishes, needs, including negative ones. Empathy as an effort to empathize with their feelings, problems, situation. A non-judgmental attitude, not moralizing, that is, not attributing blame to the client, evaluating only their behavior and attitudes. Acceptance as perceiving the client as they are, including their weaknesses and strengths, supporting their dignity and worth. Self-determination as respect for the client's right and need to freely decide and choose between options (Biest, 1957, In Matoušek, 2003). The client's right to self-determination in a social services facility is limited by their level of ability to freely and constructively decide, choose interventions, methods, and help. These prerequisites are, however, limited by old age, illness such as dementia, mental illness, or disabilities. This limited or reduced ability to decide is transferred to social workers, who determine the manner and methods of working with them on one hand, but on the other hand, they guide the client within their possibilities towards the greatest possible independence. Kozoň (2009, p. 10) states that the activities and actions of "help, intervention, care, treatment, management, etc. of social work cannot remain focused on only one need of the individual, but must be perceived in the wholeness of the person as a unique being, even sensitively identifying latent dispositions in other actions of the person, and thus initiate the creation of new needs as a possible compensation when it is impossible to fulfill existing needs." At the same time, "they help protect their rights and interests, work in their favor, while intensively cooperating with other persons from their natural environment or guardians. Cooperation with the guardian is paramount in fulfilling the interests of such clients" (Mátel, 2010, p. 163). Even with clients deprived of legal capacity and clients with limited legal capacity, the social worker distinguishes the extent of their competence and independence, their ability to understand, decide, express their needs, consent or refusal of intervention and help, and thus supports their right to self-determination to the greatest possible extent, because one of the important instruments of the right to self-determination is also the provision of informed consent (Mátel, 2010).

The human relationship as such is an important basic prerequisite for working with a client in a social services facility; it is specific and its formation is conditioned by the client's personality. The client is dependent on the appropriate behavior of the social worker, which must also have clearly defined boundaries that protect both the client and the social worker from harm. Reamer (2006, In Mátel, 2010) states that relationships between social workers and clients based on unclear multiple relationships can have destructive effects and distinguishes five categories to which they may belong: intimate relationships, pursuit of personal gain, professionals seeking answers to their own emotional needs or dependencies (e.g., when they themselves feel lonely or socially isolated), altruistic gestures (giving out a private phone number, gifts to clients...), and reactions to unforeseen circumstances.

The essence of forming a relationship is based on communication with the client, where the social worker values an appropriate first contact as one of the prerequisites for creating a positive relationship, active listening, knowledge of communication barriers, observes politeness, helpfulness, addresses and communicates with the client with respect, etc. Since the client is to some extent or completely helpless, they handle power appropriately, do not communicate in a directive manner, use directivity only in justified cases, and keep negative emotions, antipathy, and control under control, which "is professional if it is a way of opening an opportunity to fulfill a professional mission" (Úlehla, 1999, p. 41). Such conduct also supports the client's autonomy. One possible cause of disrespect in communication with a client can be burnout syndrome, a process in which the social worker loses enthusiasm, meaning in life, respect for others and their own life, commitment to the work they perform without personal interest, seeing it merely as a means of securing a livelihood (Kopřiva, 2006).

An important part is also maintaining appropriate physical contact, which on one hand is necessary for creating an appropriate relationship and confirms solidarity, but on the other hand must have precisely defined boundaries, because clients with mental disabilities, for example, may not understand them correctly. There is also the question of physical contact with a client with dementia, where the social worker can express understanding, solidarity, and empathy through their behavior, but also avoid feelings of domination, pity, and the like.

The foundation of the social worker's work with the client is working with the client's dignity as an expression of the idea of the personal and social value of every person, the prerequisite of which is respect for the uniqueness of the person with the right to personal autonomy in the realm of realizing values and self-realization (Strieženec, 1999). It proceeds from the identification of their strengths, the right to self-determination and participation in solving their social situation, but also from defining care in such a way that it is not abused to the client's detriment, not favoring one client over another, providing help and care to everyone without any discrimination or exclusion.

Řezníček (1995) states that social work in a social services facility is determined by the conception of state social policy, the mission, character, and philosophy of the given institution, but also by legal norms and generally valid morality, which are also limits on the client's self-determination. This presupposes a high level of moral maturity on the part of the social worker when working with a client in a social services facility.

Conclusion

Work in the helping disciplines brings many risks, therefore it requires precise rules for its effective performance. Since social work is based on respect for values as factors that we prioritize in our choices, values that are precious, for human rights, and human dignity, the social worker must act in accordance with them not only in their professional life but also in their private life in order to fulfill their mission.

Knowledge of ethical principles, the code of ethics, and the value base of social work helps the social worker to correctly solve a given problem, gives them greater certainty in performing their profession, implementing interventions, and using methods, thereby creating a true moral profile of social work.

A human approach, trustworthiness, responsibility, the preservation of dignity, genuine and unfeigned interest in the client is the way to make the client feel good in a social care facility. This tells us that for clients "who can no longer find a place in society, social work supports the most dignified way of life possible" (Matoušek, et al., 2003, p. 11).

Author: PhDr. Janka Kuffová

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