In small rural communities, nearly everyone knows everyone else and there is considerable social interaction. A duel relationship arises for a social worker when he or she provides professional services for a client and enters into a business or social relationship with that client. Assume you are a Social worker in a rural community, that you are serving on a church committee, and that one of your clients joins this committee. What do you do?
You are on a Volleyball team in your community. The team has a ritual of having a few beers after a game. A client of your joins the team. What do you do?
One of your clients in the only cement contractor in the community. You own a home and need a new driveway. Will you contact this cement contractor to pour a new driveway for you? give rationale for what you would do.
What do YOU do?
We'll be glad to discuss YOUR responses with you.
Why not welcome that client and then be sure that your business relationship remains separate from the church committee.
Again, socializing is fine IF you can keep the business relationship separate.
If that client is the ONLY cement contractor in the community, wouldn't you prefer helping a community member? He has a monopoly but might never forgive your going outside the community!
Sra
As a social worker in a small rural community, it is important to maintain ethical boundaries and handle situations that may lead to dual relationships professionally and ethically. Let's address each scenario individually:
1. Serving on a church committee with a client:
When a client joins a committee on which you are serving, it creates a potential dual relationship. To handle this situation appropriately, you should consider discussing the matter with your supervisor or another senior colleague within your organization. They can provide guidance on how to proceed and ensure that the client's best interests are prioritized. It may be necessary to limit your involvement in the committee or transfer your responsibilities to another member to avoid any conflicts of interest.
2. Being on a volleyball team with a client:
Similarly, when a client joins a team or participates in activities where you are involved, it is essential to maintain professional boundaries. If the team has a ritual of consuming alcohol after games, it is advisable to refrain from participating in that aspect of the team's social activities. By declining to engage in activities that can blur the professional-client relationship, you can uphold the necessary boundaries and avoid potential ethical issues.
3. Hiring a client as a contractor for your home:
In this scenario, it is important to consider the potential conflicts of interest and the power dynamics involved. As a social worker, you should exercise caution and avoid employing your clients in situations where a power imbalance or ethical implications may arise. In this case, it would be more appropriate to seek out other contractors in the community to avoid any conflicts, maintain professional distance, and prevent compromising the therapeutic relationship.
It is crucial to remember that these examples highlight the potential challenges faced by social workers in small rural communities, where dual relationships may be more likely to occur. Seeking advice from supervisors or trusted colleagues is always encouraged to ensure that ethical standards are upheld and client well-being remains the top priority.