ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam

The ASWB Advanced Generalist Exam assesses the knowledge and skills necessary for social work practice at an advanced level.

Foundations of Advanced Social Work PracticeEthical Decision Making and Professional ValuesAssessment and Intervention Planning
Organizational Leadership and SupervisionPolicy Analysis and AdvocacyAdvanced Clinical Assessment and Evidence-Based Interventions
Community Collaboration and Resource DevelopmentCrisis Management and InterventionProgram Evaluation and Quality Improvement
Mastering Multiple-Choice QuestionsEffective Study Planning and Stress Management
Foundations of Advan...Ethical Decision Mak...Assessment and Inter...Organizational Leade...Policy Analysis and ...Advanced Clinical As...Community Collaborat...Crisis Management an...Program Evaluation a...Mastering Multiple-C...Effective Study Plan...
Basic Concepts

Ethical Decision Making and Professional Values

Navigating Ethics at an Advanced Level

Social workers face tough ethical dilemmas. At the advanced level, it’s about using ethical frameworks to make choices that balance client needs, organizational policies, and legal mandates.

Key Principles

  • Autonomy: Respecting clients’ rights to make their own choices.
  • Confidentiality: Safeguarding personal information.
  • Integrity: Acting honestly and responsibly in all situations.

Steps for Ethical Decision-Making

  1. Identify the ethical dilemma.
  2. Review relevant codes and laws.
  3. Consider the perspectives of all stakeholders.
  4. Explore possible courses of action.
  5. Make a decision and document your reasoning.

When Ethics Get Tricky

Sometimes, two ethical values conflict. That’s when advanced reasoning and consultation with colleagues or ethics boards are essential!

Examples

  • A social worker must decide whether to break confidentiality to protect a client in imminent danger.

  • Balancing a parent's wishes against a child’s best interests in a custody evaluation.

In a Nutshell

Ethical decision-making is a core skill that helps advanced social workers resolve dilemmas and uphold professional values.

Key Terms

Autonomy
The right of clients to make their own choices.
Confidentiality
The obligation to protect clients' private information.
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Assessment and Intervention Planning