In what situation are social workers prohibited from receiving payment during a referral?

Social workers are prohibited from receiving payment during a referral when no professional service is provided. This guiding principle aligns with the ethical obligation to maintain professional integrity and serve the best interests of clients. When a referral occurs, the expectation is that the social worker is facilitating a connection or resource to benefit the client, not to profit off a situation where no actual service has occurred. Accepting payment in such circumstances would not only undermine the integrity of the referral process but could also create a conflict of interest, where financial motivations might overshadow the provision of quality care and support for the client.

The other options do not align with the ethical standards set forth by the NASW Code of Ethics. For instance, client dissatisfaction or voluntary referrals do not inherently imply that payment should or should not be received. Additionally, receiving payment while acting as a mentor would depend on the nature of the mentorship and the context in which the role is defined. Thus, the ethical prohibition is clear when no professional service is present in a referral situation.