As the use of technology in the workplace continues to evolve and expand, social workers must examine the use of this technology within the realm of professional practice and ethical decision-making. In “Technology, Ethics, and Social Work”, we will explore some of the ethical challenges and considerations, while highlighting best practice guidelines, grounded in the National Association of Social Work (NASW)/Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Code of Ethics. Learning Objectives: 1. NASW Code of Ethics Review. 2. Benefits and Challenges of Technology Use in Social Work Practice. 3. NASW/ASWB Standards for Technology. 4. Methods to Reduce Ethical Risk in Social Work Practice.

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2. Objectives
 Explore ethical challenges created by use of
technology in social work.
 Understand benefits and challenges created by use
of technology in social work.
 Identify and apply the ethical and legal standards to
use of technology.
 Develop strategies for addressing potential ethical
concerns in using technology.
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3. Ethical Issues – In Review
Ethical Challenges
 Situations involving ethical
principles.
 Ethical decision making
based on policies,
professional code of ethics,
and/or laws.
Ethical Dilemmas
 Involves two (2) or more
competing ethical principles.
 Conflict of values, rights
and/or professional
responsibilities.
 Each possible alternative will
result in an undesirable
outcome for one (1) or more
stakeholders.
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4. Types of Technology
Electronic Tools
 Personal Computers
 Mobile Telephones
 Fax Machines
 Websites
 Email
Social Media/Networks
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 Facebook
 Twitter
 LinkedIn
 Instagram
 Snapchat

5. Social Media Revolution 2015
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Social Media Revolution 2015

6. Code of Ethics and Technology
 Purpose:
 Offer guidance and professional standards.
 Improve practice & promote accountability.
 Protect the public.
 Essential Tools for Social Work Practice:
 National Association of Social Work (NASW)
Code of Ethics
 Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB)
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7. NASW/ASWB Standards:
Technology and Social Work Practice
 Maintain and improve quality of
technology-related to social work
services.
 Guide for social workers incorporating
technology into practice.
 Guidelines for monitoring and
evaluating technology used in service
delivery.
 Inform individuals and agencies about
professional standards.
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8. Use of Technology in Social Work
 Confidentiality
 Maintaining privacy and
integrity of information
 Accessibility
 How accessible should one be?
 Professional Integrity of Communication
 What type of communication is
appropriate?
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9. Use of Technology in Social Work
Benefits:
Convenient
Accessible
Cost-effective
Quick Response Time
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10. Use of Technology in Social Work
Challenges:
Difficult to maintain confidentiality.
Cannot interpret non-verbal
behaviors.
Little or no knowledge of
technology/access to technology.
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12. Let’s Discuss…
Scenario One
“The Case of the Mean Social Workers”
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13. Client’s Access to
Professionals’ Personal Information
 Prior to initial meeting, clients my use technology and
social media to collect information
How much personal information should be available
for public view?
Pictures, interests, hobbies, phone #, address,
communication with others (Facebook wall, etc.)
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14. Professionals’ Access to
Clients’ Personal Information
 Pictures, interests, hobbies, communication with others
(Facebook, etc.)
 Using technology and social media “scoping out client”
prior to meeting.
 Gain access to client’s information not expressed in
discussions.
 “Checking up” on clients after services have been
terminated
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15. Let’s Discuss…
Scenario Two
“A Friend of a Friend”
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16. Ethical Framework for Use of Technology
in Social Work
 Social workers are mindful that technology can blur the
boundaries between personal & professional lives.
 Applicable ethical principles relevant to social work & social
media:
Confidentiality
Multiple Relationships
Testimonials
Informed Consent
Minimizing Intrusions on Privacy
Initiating Professional Relationships
Documenting and Maintaining Records
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17. Social Media/Technology Policies
 Essential for ethical practice.
 Share with clients upon meeting and throughout
duration of services.
 Must be carefully created addressing:
Policy overview and understanding
All forms of technology
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18. Develop Your Social Work
Technology Policy
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19. Technology Is Not Evil
 Technology provides offers valuable opportunities and
tools to connect with our clients and families.
 Be clear with clients on how it will be used in your work
with them.
 Each professional must decide how they will use
technology with their clients, within the guidelines of the
NASW/ASWB and MACF policies.
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20. References
• Beckett, C. & Maynard, A. (2005). Values & ethics in social work:
an introduction. Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications
• Dolgoff, R. Loewenberg, F.M. & Harrington, D. (2005). Ethical
decisions for social work practice. 7th edition. Belmont, CA:
Brooks/Cole.
• Kolmes, K. , Psy.D. – Social Media Policy – 4/26/13
(www.drkkolmes.com)
• NASW News: It’s ‘Better to Be Informed’ About Tech Tools, M.
Malamud, 6, 2011.
• NASW Code of Ethics, 2008, NASW.
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21. References
• NASW/ASWB Standards for Technology in Social Work Practice,
2005
• Chernack, K.B., DSW, LCSW-R, Update, Vol. 36, No. 4, Summer
2012, pp. 8-9, 26. National Association of Social Workers New
York Chapter.
• Young, T.B., LCSW. Facebook: Ethical and Clinical
Considerations. www.socialworker.com, 10/25/2013.
• Reamer, F.G. (2013). Social Work in a Digital Age: Ethical and
Risk Management Challenges. National Association of Social
Workers.
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