Resolving Ethical Quandaries or Dilemmas

Human services professionals can be challenged by the sheer complexity of ethical decisions when working with social workers, counselors, caregivers, and administrative employees. By now, it should be clear that ethics and morals tend to be challenging.

The question remains, “Given all that I know about moral rules, and given the unique demands of this situation, what is the most selfless, compassionate, loving act possible” (Sommers-Flanagan & Sommers-Flanagan, 2015, p. 35). When it is seemingly impossible to answer this honorable approach, what can a supervisor or service provider do?

Consider options you might think most appropriate as you seek to resolve ethical quandaries, giving your attention to the National Organization of Human Services’ ethical code, “Ethical Standards for Human Service Professionals” (linked in the Resources). Also, Chapter 1, page 8 of the Becoming an Ethical Helping Professional text prioritizes the seven resources to which a human services professional may turn in an attempt to resolve a quandary or dilemma.

Suppose an employee service provider has decided to help her elderly client determine whether to sign a life insurance agreement that could benefit the client’s neighbor (the neighbor has encouraged the client to sign the agreement). Post how you would handle the situation.

Your initial post must:

• Be at least 250 words in length.
• Contain a minimum of two references with citations in APA style.
• Follow APA style guidelines.

Response Guidelines

Respond to the post of at least one of your peers, highlighting points about the different options for consulting others about difficult ethical decisions that are helpful to you to consider in this or future situations. Ask questions that will help you better understand the post and contribute to expanding the discussion. Make substantive suggestions that will provide food for thought.

Reference

Sommers-Flanagan, R., & Sommers-Flanagan, J. (2015). Becoming an ethical helping professional: Cultural and philosophical foundations. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.