Reference · Values and Ethics

Supervision, consultation and impairment

The short answer

Consultation is often the best first step: seek a colleague's advice whenever it serves the client, choose someone with real expertise, and share only what is needed.[1] Supervisors must be competent to supervise, set clear boundaries, avoid exploitative dual relationships with supervisees, and evaluate fairly.[2] When your own distress or health problems start to affect your judgment, seek consultation right away and take remedial action, such as getting help or adjusting your workload.[3] With a colleague who is impaired or incompetent, talk with them first when feasible, then use formal channels if they do not act.[1]

The key ideas

  • NASW 2.05 Consultation

    Seek colleagues advice whenever it serves the client best interests, choose consultants with demonstrated expertise, and disclose the least information necessary.[1]

  • NASW 3.01 Supervision and consultation

    Supervisors need the knowledge and skill to supervise and work within their competence, set clear and culturally sensitive boundaries, avoid exploitative dual relationships with supervisees including on social media, and evaluate fairly and respectfully.[2]

  • NASW 4.05 Own impairment

    Do not let personal problems, distress, legal problems, substance use or mental health difficulties compromise judgment or client interests. If they do, immediately seek consultation and take remedial action such as getting help, adjusting workload or ending practice.[3]

  • NASW 2.08 Impairment of colleagues

    With direct knowledge of a colleague impairment (personal problems, distress, substance abuse, mental health) that harms practice, first consult the colleague when feasible and help them take remedial action. If they do not act adequately, go to employer, NASW, licensing bodies or other established channels.[1]

  • NASW 2.09 Incompetence of colleagues

    Same stepwise approach as impairment: with direct knowledge of a colleague incompetence, consult them when feasible and assist remediation; if they have not taken adequate steps, use channels established by employers, agencies, NASW, licensing and regulatory bodies.[1]

How the ASWB exam tests it

  • Consultation is a frequent best-first-step; share minimum identifying detail.[1]
  • Supervisor dual relationship and boundary items; supervisor owns the boundary.[2]
  • Own impairment: immediately consult/act; protect clients.[3]
  • Sequence matters: talk to the colleague first when feasible, then formal channels. Do not go straight to the board nor ignore.[1]
  • For a colleague's incompetence, talk to the colleague first when feasible, then use formal channels such as the employer, NASW or the licensing board.[1]

The common trap

Going straight to the licensing board about a colleague. Talk with the colleague first when feasible, and use formal channels if they do not take adequate steps.[1]

Related explainers

Sources

  1. 1.NASW Code of Ethics (public page). www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English/Social-Workers-Ethical-Responsibilities-to-Colleagues
  2. 2.NASW Code of Ethics (public page). www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English/Social-Workers-Ethical-Responsibilities-in-Practice-Settings
  3. 3.NASW Code of Ethics (public page). www.socialworkers.org/About/Ethics/Code-of-Ethics/Code-of-Ethics-English/Social-Workers-Ethical-Responsibilities-as-Professionals

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