Ethical practice requires staying current. That’s true for every social worker—and especially true for those in supervisory or administrative roles. Section 3.08 of the NASW Code of Ethics reminds leaders that it’s not enough to support today’s work; they’re also responsible for preparing teams for tomorrow’s challenges.

Whether it’s new legislation, shifting best practices, or evolving cultural understanding, the field doesn’t stand still. Ethical administrators ensure their staff don’t either.

Here’s the full standard:

3.08 Continuing Education and Staff Development
Social work administrators and supervisors should take reasonable steps to provide or arrange for continuing education and staff development for all staff for whom they are responsible. Continuing education and staff development should address current knowledge and emerging developments related to social work practice and ethics.

What It Means in Practice

This standard is brief, but the implications are big.

  • Staying current is an ethical responsibility. It’s not just about CEU compliance or agency checkboxes—it’s about staying sharp, accountable, and ready to serve.

  • Supervisors and administrators must lead the charge. That includes identifying learning gaps, budgeting for training, and encouraging lifelong learning.

  • Education should match real needs. Ethics and best practices evolve. From telehealth standards to DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) competencies, staff training must reflect what’s current—not just what’s convenient.

  • Support takes many forms. It might mean hosting trainings, offering stipends for outside courses, encouraging case consultation, or simply modeling curiosity and professional growth.

Neglecting this area doesn’t just slow staff down—it can directly impact client outcomes. Ethical development is part of service quality.

Practice Question

One way this content might show up on the social work licensing exam:

A social worker is promoted to clinical supervisor. In the first few weeks, they notice that staff haven’t had access to professional development in over a year, and some are using outdated intervention strategies. What is the supervisor’s ethical responsibility?

A. Encourage staff to seek training during their personal time

B. Report the issue to the agency’s board of directors

C. Address the issue during the next annual performance review

D. Begin arranging for continuing education that addresses current standards

What do you think?

This scenario is about proactive support. Narrowing down to the best answer:

  • A shifts the burden unfairly onto staff. Supervisors are ethically obligated to provide access—not just offer encouragement.

  • B might escalate before attempting a local solution.

  • C delays meaningful change and risks ongoing harm to clients.

  • D is the best choice. It’s immediate, practical, and directly aligned with the Code.

The best answer choice is D.

Get more practice questions like this—plus full-length exam simulations. Try a full SWTP test today.




July 11, 2025
Categories :
  ethics  
  practice  
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