Importance of Project/Issue:

It is important that social workers can provide professionalism but also recognizing and 
adhering to the code of ethics when we are supporting clients. The Code of Ethics are 
put in place to be sure boundaries are not crossed and that we are allowed to advocate 
and support our clients thoroughly, safely, and to our fullest potential with the skills we 
learned through our courses. Mental health is a huge topic in today’s society, especially 
when it comes to those who live with disabilities. Mental health is often seen as taboo. 
Allowing individuals who have thoughts and feelings of self-harm and suicidal thoughts 
the safe place to communicate and express their feelings, but also to be heard and 
provided resources to take charge of their life is important. 

Skills, competencies, &/or capacities learned: 

• Active listening skills
• Reflecting and validating
• Objectively assessing and providing the proper support/resources.
• Critical thinking and observing the context of the conversation.
• Affectively gathering information through the chat/text to identify the client’s 
  strengths, limitations, and weaknesses.
• Readily identify myself as a crisis counselor professional.
• Demonstrate professional self through the context and language of the chat.
• Apply ethical decision making to issues specific to clinical social work.
• Recognize and identify the flow and wavelength of the chat/text to determine 
  possible risk level.
• Identify and use knowledge of relationship dynamics, including power 
  differentials and barriers the client may be struggling with.
• Work effectively with diverse populations and communicate with my coworkers 
  professionally and effectively.