ASWB Clinical Practice Exam 2025 – All-in-One Guide to Master Your Social Work Boards!

Consulting the agency's policy on ethical matters is a robust approach for a social worker facing ethical conflicts. Agency policies are typically developed to provide clear guidance on handling various situations, and these policies often align with established ethical standards and professional codes of conduct. By referring to these guidelines, social workers can ensure that their actions are consistent with the expectations and norms of their profession, as well as the specific values of their workplace.

This approach helps in maintaining a standard of practice that is not only ethical but also protects the social worker and their clients, as it promotes accountability and transparency in decision-making. Additionally, agency policies often incorporate mechanisms for conflict resolution, providing a structured avenue for addressing ethical dilemmas.

In contrast, relying solely on personal instincts can lead to subjective decision-making that may not adequately consider the complexities involved in ethical situations. Ignoring conflicts can exacerbate issues and potentially harm clients or the community, undermining the integrity of practice. While seeking external supervision is a valuable strategy in many contexts, it is often ideal to first refer to established policies that are specific to the social worker's practice environment.