What must social workers do if their personal difficulties affect their professional judgment?

Social workers are held to high ethical standards, which mandate that they prioritize the well-being of their clients and ensure their professional judgment is not compromised. If a social worker finds that their personal difficulties are impacting their ability to make sound, ethical decisions in their practice, seeking professional help is essential.

This step is crucial because unresolved personal issues can lead to impaired judgment, which may negatively affect the quality of care and support provided to clients. By actively seeking help, social workers can ensure that they are in the best position to serve their clients and uphold the ethical standards of the profession. This action not only protects the clients but also promotes self-care and personal development on the part of the social worker.

Maintaining professionalism and ensuring that personal challenges do not interfere with duty is a key tenet of the NASW Code of Ethics, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and accountability in practice.