What action should be taken if a social worker believes a colleague is incompetent and has not remedied the situation?

The appropriate action when a social worker believes a colleague is incompetent and has not addressed the issue is to take action through established channels. This response aligns with the ethical principles outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining professional standards and ensuring that the welfare of clients is protected.

By utilizing established channels, such as bringing the concern to a supervisor, using a formal complaint process, or engaging with an ethics committee, the social worker is acting responsibly and within professional guidelines. This approach supports a structured and fair resolution to the concern, ensuring that it is handled sensitively and with due process while safeguarding the integrity of the profession.

Other actions, such as discussing incompetence on social media or confronting the colleague in public, undermine professionalism and the ethical duty to protect client confidentiality and integrity. Ignoring the incompetence, on the other hand, may lead to harm for clients who rely on competent care and support. Engaging established channels promotes accountability and encourages improvement while protecting the interests of clients and the profession.