What is expected of social workers who know a colleague is incompetent?

Social workers are expected to uphold the values of professionalism and accountability in their practice, which includes addressing the competence of their colleagues. When a social worker becomes aware of a colleague's incompetence, the ethical response is to engage in a constructive dialogue. Consulting with the colleague allows for a supportive environment where the issue can be discussed openly, and potential solutions or remediation strategies can be explored together. This approach not only emphasizes professional growth and development but also upholds the integrity of the social work profession.

By assisting in remediation, the social worker demonstrates a commitment to collaboration and improvement rather than punitive measures. This aligns with the ethical principles of respect for the individual and the pursuit of social justice, as it helps to ensure that clients receive the highest standard of care possible. Addressing the incompetence in this manner fosters professional relationships and encourages a culture of continuous learning within the field.

The other options do not align with the ethical responsibilities outlined in the NASW Code of Ethics, as they either ignore the issue, create unnecessary public embarrassment, or leap to severe actions without attempting to first resolve the situation through constructive dialogue.