Reference no: EM133548401

You are an LCSW who regularly sees other therapists as clients, and are in an administrative role in a large group practice. You were Lindsey's therapist briefly, approximately 5 years ago, for grief counseling. Lindsey, an Asian American woman who has been an LCSW for several years, has applied for an open position at this same agency where she was also a former a client. Lindsey sought out grief therapy due to the sudden and unexpected death of her husband. Lindsey contacted you and had a discussion about how dual relationships could be handled if she received the job. Lindsey is insightful and believed that both parties could manage the relationship without any risk of harm. Lindsey is very qualified and has expressed a desire to work in town (smaller town) and does not want to have to commute/travel/ and wants to be able to see clients in person once vaccinated. She has strong ties to the community and wants to serve underprivileged populations in the community; however, job options are limited. The agency that she is currently working with has announced to employees that they will be dissolving the local office due to COVID and will not be reopening.

You would not be Lindsay's immediate supervisor in the open position. You would also not participate in the interview process and would work to limit any other dual relationships. The issue has been raised that you want to prevent harm by not denying Lindsey a good job opportunity, and believe that Lindsey would be a great asset to the agency as she is bright, motivated and highly trained. You are unsure how to balance the Code of Ethics and ethical hiring practices as Lindsey is likely to be hired due to her skill level. It seems wrong to not hire someone because she sought out help during a difficult period; yet, there are ethical concerns as she was a previous client.

In these next questions, integrate the trauma informed principles of safety, trust and transparency, collaboration and mutuality, empowerment, voice and choice, and peer support, cultural, historical and gender-related issues that relate to the scenario. Consider your anti-racist and anti-oppressive approach and language needed for the scenario.

1. What are the values, beliefs, emotional reactions, virtues, and perspectives of others affected by the ethical question? (A6.4) (review the Barskey text, page 290 for guidance)

2. In terms of the ethical management process, what are your goals and what are the potential areas of conflict between these goals? (A1.3a) (refer to the Barskey text, page 291 to review discussion of goals)

3. What options need to be considered to address the ethical question? What are the pros and cons of each option? (A1.3a)

4. What is the best response to the ethical question and what is your justification for the chosen ethical response? (A6.4)

5. What specific efforts are needed to assure you move forward with an anti-racist and anti-oppressive approach and language?