Introduction

Purpose of the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice

A code of ethics is the foundational document for social work practices, encompassing the values of our profession, articulating our central beliefs, and creating the unique context for engaging in our work.

The purpose of the Nova Scotia Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice (herein, referred to as the Code) is to serve as a foundation for the ethical practice of the individual practitioner and the social work profession in our province. The Code states the professional values and sets out guiding principles aligned to each value. All values and guiding principles have equal importance and work together to describe the conduct and professionalism necessary to provide ethical social work services.

Ethical behaviour begins with a social worker’s commitment to ethical practice. Both the spirit and the letter of the Code compel social workers as they act in good faith and with a genuine desire to make sound judgements.

The NSCSW’s primary role is to safeguard public interest and maintain integrity in social work practices. This involves ensuring that social work is delivered safely and ethically, adhering to professional ethics and standard. Part of this responsibility includes implementing procedures to address ethics complaints against members. These procedures rely on the Code and Standards of Practice as the key benchmarks for evaluating a social worker’s professional conduct.

Professional Values

Social workers uphold these seven core values:

1. Respecting the Dignity and Worth of All People
2. Promoting Social Justice
3. Pursuing Truth and Reconciliation
4. Valuing Human Relationships
5. Preserving Integrity in Professional Practice
6. Maintaining Privacy and Confidentiality
7. Providing Competent Professional Services

Contextual Terms

The Code of Ethics and the Standards of Practice apply the following terms.

“All people” and “people” include all individuals, families, groups, and communities, irrespective of their participation in social work services.

The term “service users” includes individuals (service users, patients, residents, etc.), parents and substitute decision-makers, families, groups, communities, and populations who access or receive social work services.

The term “family” is also expanded beyond the traditional definition of family (e.g., spouses, parents, siblings, other relatives, etc.) to include any person(s) who plays a significant role in an individual’s life which may include a person(s) not legally related to the individual.

How to Use this Code

The Code of Ethics is grounded in the seven values of the profession. Each value is accompanied by Guiding Principles, Context for Practice statements, and Standards of Practice. The end of the document contains a Glossary with definitions of selected words and terms that are bolded in the Code and are in alphabetical order.

Guiding Principles define the parameters for expected ethical behaviour and align with the value. Context for Practice statements supplement each Guiding Principle and provide additional information on how principles are to be applied in practice.

Standards of Practice follow each Guiding Principle. The Standards are the minimal ethical and professional behaviours expected of social workers in Nova Scotia. These standards, in alignment with the profession’s context and guiding principles, set the benchmark for the necessary abilities, knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for safe and effective practice. Standards of Practice are crucial for maintaining safe and ethical social work practices, protecting those served by social workers, and guiding professionals in their continuous development and advocacy efforts. They ensure that individual social workers meet the expectations for professional conduct and competence. The Standards of Practice serve several critical functions:

1. Setting Professional Expectations: They provide a foundation for social workers to develop, manage, evaluate, and enhance their practice responsibly.
2. Protecting the Public: By mandating competent practice, they safeguard the public and specifically those receiving social work services.
3. Supporting Professional Development: They offer a framework for ongoing learning and professional growth within the social work field.
4. Clarifying Social Work Practice: By embodying the profession’s values, ethics, knowledge, and skills, they support others—professionals, employees, service users, and the general public—to understand the objectives and methods of social work practice in Nova Scotia.
5. Enhancing the Profession’s Value: They bolster the profession’s credibility and effectiveness in advocating for necessary social changes.

Ethical decision-making in social work requires recognizing and valuing the lived experience of the individuals, families, groups, and communities involved, as well as an understanding of the social workers’ contextual environments and the prevailing societal narratives. This process involves a deep self-reflection on one’s own values, emotions, and position within larger societal systems. Additionally, it necessitates consulting with colleagues or other professionals to navigate through ethical dilemmas or issues, recognizing conflicting responsibilities, and understanding how personal situations impact decision-making choices.

NSCSW members must review the Guiding Principles, the Context for Practice statements and the Standards of Practice when judiciously considering an ethical concern or a dilemma. Members are encouraged to seek supervision and consultation, including consultation with the NSCSW, to guide decisions when faced with an ethical concern.