Social workers advocate for disadvantaged individuals, groups and families by serving as a voice for equality. This is in part because of social work values and ethics.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are more than 715,000 social workers across the country—a number that is expected to grow 12% from 2020 to 2030. Each of those social workers must follow the National Association of Social Workers’ (NASW) professional code of ethics.

While the field offers many benefits to the greater community, it is also important to recognize and identify its core values. To help you better understand these key principles in social work, we’ve put together a brief overview.

The NASW Code of Ethics is a guide for the day-to-day conduct of a social worker. The NASW Delegate Assembly set up the first version in 1960. It has been revised several times but much of it remains as originally written.

The moral framework is based on these social work core values:

The code of ethics clearly defines laws, regulations and policies for people in the field to follow, and to hold them accountable if the rules are broken.

The code serves six purposes:

The NASW promotes these ethical objectives for social workers to consider and practice. That said, social work research, policies and agency regulations should be used at all times.

Professional ethics are rooted in the heart of social work. Core values have ethical requirements each social worker should strive to follow. These legal provisions help social workers identify professional obligations and legal conflicts of interest.

The code is composed of six core values:

1. Service

The main focus of social workers is to uphold exemplary public service by helping people in need address and overcome their social issues. They must elevate public service above self-interest or personal gain. Because of this belief, social workers often volunteer their professional skills—in addition to their full-time work—with no expectation for compensation.

2. Social justice

Social workers advocate on behalf of those who have no voice in society. They usually target problems related to poverty, unemployment, discrimination, harassment and other forms of oppression. They also educate the public on sensitive matters that correspond with social justice by encouraging the public to embrace opportunities for diversity and inclusion. Social workers ensure their clients have the right resources, services and information they need to thrive.

3. Dignity and worth of the individual

Since everyone has their own social and cultural values, professionals in this line of work have to be mindful of them. Social workers must treat each person with dignity and respect to help them reach their full potential. For example, a social worker might encourage a client to address their personal challenges in the hope they will become more socially responsible. Social workers have to be mindful of their role to the people they serve and to society as a whole and seek out fair solutions for all parties.

4. Importance of human relationships

Building positive, meaningful relationships lie at the core of social work. Professionals understand that human connection is critical when it comes to change. Social workers engage clients with individuals, groups or organizations in the community to provide the appropriate help. They aspire to restore functionality between clients and their loved ones and society. Considering that social work relies heavily on the ability to maintain good relationships with people who may be averse and doubtful, social workers must be patient.

5. Integrity

To facilitate successful relationships and strengthen the lives of others, social workers need to be trustworthy. They should always be aware of the profession’s core values and ethical principles. By setting a good example for their clients, social workers may help progress their career competency, further support the organizations they’re affiliated with, and create the best value for the people they serve.

6. Competence

Although many social workers hold an undergraduate or master’s degree in social work, a fair share of their knowledge comes from real-world experience. In accordance with the social work values in the NASW Code of Ethics, each social worker must practice within his or her scope of competence. Social workers must expand their knowledge for the benefit of the people.

Social work ethics and core values are more than just following rules, regulations and protocols. In a profession where the clients are often vulnerable, it’s necessary for social workers to be passionate about empowering those who are defenseless, oppressed or impoverished.

To advance your knowledge in social work, we put together some resources that may be useful. This list includes state licensing boards and social work organizations and associations. We also included career guides, articles and other occupational information for students enrolled in a social work degree program.

There are many benefits to joining a social work organization or regulatory board. From professional networking and internship opportunities to education beyond the classroom, membership can help jump-start your career.

Some national organizations include:

Passing the Association of Social Work Board (ASWB) exam is a vital step in the licensing process. To help you prepare for the big day, here’s a list of social work practice tests and study guides.

If you’re curious about a topic or need more clarity, consider reading in-depth articles from experts in the social work profession. Take a look at these top picks:

Social work spans all levels of society, from the medical field to the military. Explore hundreds of social work careers with this list.

Through the social work profession, we can help bring a positive social impact, supporting individuals of all ages to thrive in their environment. Social work not only fosters individuals and communities but also helps them mend and recover from adversity. Three key takeaways from social work values and ethics are:

The demand for social work grows more each day, giving professionals a chance to humbly advocate for the people and groups who are in need. If you wish to support these core values and ethics in your career, you will have opportunities to inspire change.

Interested in a career in social work? Find out how to become a social worker!

Last updated: May 2022