Human Service Professionals Discussion

Reply:As the human service professional, I am bound by ethical principles and policies of the agency which do not provide monetary assistance to our clients (Martin, 2014). However, I can’t help but contemplate to buy an outfit for a client who truly desires to become self-sufficient. The final decision has been influenced by Kitchener’s model of decision making and ethical principles of the National Organization of Human Services (NOHS). The Kitchener’s model of decision has four assumptions, including, autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice. Also, the ethical principles will help arrive at a rationale for the situation.Utilizing The 4 Assumptions of Kitchener’s Model of Ethical Decision-MakingAccording to the first assumption of Kitchener’s model of decision making, non-maleficence, one should avoid harm to others even though it will benefit another. In addition, the non-maleficence assumption links to the cost or benefit ratio where one should strike a balance between the truths, values, and rights of the client (Urofsky, Engels and Engebretson, 2008). I do not want to cause harm to the client, and I believe that the agency should extend some form of monetary assistance to their clients when promoting their clients. Secondly, the assumption of beneficence states that we should act and contribute to the good and welfare of others. Under this principle, one is encouraged to engage in effective and significant research so as to maximize the good of the client. It is thus clear that the agency has contributed to the welfare of the client by offering career assistance. However, in order to maximize the good of the client, I believe it should pay for clothes the client will use at the interview since they cannot afford.The third assumption is the autonomy, which implies that one should have the freedom of action as well as a choice when faced with ethical decision-making dilemmas. Under this assumption, as a human service professional despite being bound by ethical principles or policies of the agency, I have the freedom of choice to purchase outfits for my client using my funds. Justice is the fourth assumption, which is based on the idea of promoting fairness and that all people are equal (Urofsky, Engels and Engebretson, 2008). In this case, the client is not truly equal to others. However, this does not mean that a different treatment can be administered. Hence, I would opt to pay for an outfit or the client to attend interviews even of our agency does not provide monetary assistance.Following the National Organization of Human Services (NOHS) Ethical PrincipleOn the other hand, my rationale for the decision has considered all the ethical principles in the National Organization of Human Services. (NOHS). These principles involve keeping in mind the professional rules, codes, and policies of the agency I work for as well as NOHS. According to these principles, my rationale decision was motivated by the facts of the situation whereby the client cannot afford to purchase clothes and want to be self-sufficient. Also, I would not condone my course of action if someone else made similar decisions. In addition, I would be willing to subject my decision to public scrutiny and defend it. Also, I would be able to treat other clients the same, and however, if the client is financially capable, I would make a different decision irrespective of known status or influence (Robson, Cook, Hunt, Alred and Robson, 2000). After following the NOHS ethical principle, the outcome of my course of action to buy an outfit for the client would be positive and applicable in a similar future situation.ConclusionAs a professional employee dealing with clients, one is often faced with dilemma situations that may have to contemplate a course of actions. Based on ethical principles and policies of the firm, you work for the rationale of the final decision should be justified. Also, it should be easily subjected to public scrutiny and applicable universally in similar situation. On the other hand, based on Kitchener’s model of decision making, the decision should meet the assumption of the model. They include non-maleficence, beneficence, autonomy, and justice. Discussion-One of the biggest issues in these situations relates to caseloads. In fact, Martin (2014) has pointed out that professional caseloads can be a huge issue. You could have 29 or more other clients in the same exact circumstances.  You couldn’t possibly buy them all something.  Those co-workers you are thinking about asking, likely have 30 or more of the same clients too.  Not trying to be overly negative here, it’s just that I’m a realist.  I like to project what experience has taught me you will actually face.  All of these types of situations are hard to deal with.  The bottom line is that you always want to know what the ethical codes for your occupation say as well as what your agency rules are.  Knowing those two things will keep you employed.ReferenceMartin, M.E. (2014) Introduction to Human Services: Through the eyes of practice settings (3rd Ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education.