Professionalism, Adapting, Developing, Thriving - Social Work Report

This report delves into the concept of professionalism within the field of social work, with a specific focus on the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) and its significance. The report highlights the AASW's role in establishing ethical guidelines, setting standards, and promoting professional development among social workers. It examines how the AASW's code of ethics influences ethical practices, provides a framework for decision-making, and ensures accountability. The report also discusses the importance of adapting, developing, and thriving within the profession, emphasizing the code's contribution to these aspects. Furthermore, the report references key literature, such as the works of Lawrence (2016) and Patil and Ennis (2017), to support its arguments and provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

Running Head: PROFESSIONALISM, ADAPTING, DEVELOPING AND THRIVING.
Professionalism, Adapting, Developing and Thriving
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation

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PROFESSIONALISM, ADAPTING, DEVELOPING AND THRIVING.
Professionalism, Adapting, Developing and Thriving
The Australian association of social workers (AASW) is a body which professionally
stands for all social workers in the country. The role of this professional body is to
benchmark and set guidelines on education and practice in social work (Lawrence, 2016).
The body also sets guidelines and standards on matters related to the human rights of all
Australians. The body contains a code of ethics which consists of a set of guidelines and
principles, that are agreed upon by all the members. It ensures that the ethical aspect of the
social profession is put in place.
The AASW code of ethics contributes greatly to all aspects surrounding the
professionalism of workers engaging in professional welfare support. One of its roles is to
identify rules and practices which demean the practice of ethics in social work (Patil and
Ennis, 2017). Secondly, it ensures ethical work practices are implemented in social work, by
providing guidelines and standards. Thirdly, it ensures professionals in social work have a
focus which ensures progress and diversification. The code also gives social workers a base
for making decisions which are ethically supported. It helps social workers to be aware of
their human and professional rights, when dealing with their colleagues and employers.
Finally, the AASW code of ethics helps align the social workers by holding them accountable
for their ethical and unethical practices (Patil and Ennis, 2017).

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PROFESSIONALISM, ADAPTING, DEVELOPING AND THRIVING.
References
Lawrence, R. J. (2016). Professional social work in Australia. ANU Press.
Patil, T., & Ennis, G. M. (2017). Critically reflecting on the Australian Association of Social
Workers Code of Ethics: Learning from a social work field placement. British
Journal of Social Work, 48(5), 1370-1387.