Social workers don’t practice in a vacuum. Most are part of agencies, hospitals, nonprofits, or schools—working within systems that have their own goals, pressures, and policies. That’s where Section 3.09 of the NASW Code of Ethics comes into play. It reminds us that we have ethical responsibilities not just to clients, but to employers—and that the two don’t always align cleanly.
Here’s the full standard:
3.09 Commitments to Employers
(a) Social workers generally should adhere to commitments made to employers and employing organizations.
(b) Social workers should work to improve employing agencies’ policies and procedures and the efficiency and effectiveness of their services.
(c) Social workers should take reasonable steps to ensure that employers are aware of social workers’ ethical obligations as set forth in the NASW Code of Ethics and of the implications of those obligations for social work practice.
(d) Social workers should not allow an employing organization’s policies, procedures, regulations, or administrative orders to interfere with their ethical practice of social work. Social workers should take reasonable steps to ensure that their employing organizations’ practices are consistent with the NASW Code of Ethics.
(e) Social workers should act to prevent and eliminate discrimination in the employing organization’s work assignments and in its employment policies and practices.
(f) Social workers should accept employment or arrange student field placements only in organizations that exercise fair personnel practices.
(g) Social workers should be diligent stewards of the resources of their employing organizations, wisely conserving funds where appropriate and never misappropriating funds or using them for unintended purposes.
This section of the Code focuses on balancing two sets of responsibilities—your duties as an employee and your duties as a professional. Employers and ethics don’t always align perfectly. The Code gives you a way to navigate that tension.
Stay loyal, but not at the cost of ethics
An ASWB question might ask what to do if your supervisor tells you to backdate documentation. The ethical response is to refuse and advocate for accurate records—even if it causes friction.
Push for better policies
You may see a question where a policy harms clients—say, requiring abrupt termination. The best answer would involve advocating for change while still respecting your role.
Speak up when ethics are threatened
On the exam, a question might show a social worker pressured to ignore client confidentiality for agency convenience. The correct answer would often involve raising the issue using appropriate internal channels.
Know that discrimination policies apply internally too
A question might involve unfair staff scheduling based on race or age. The ethical choice is to report or challenge discriminatory practices—even if you're not the direct victim.
Don’t accept unethical employment situations
You could see a question about a social worker considering a job at an agency with known discriminatory hiring practices. The correct answer might involve declining or working to change the environment.
Use agency funds responsibly
Expect a question about a supervisor encouraging use of petty cash for staff gifts. The ethical response is to decline and suggest alternative, appropriate uses of funds.
Here's a full-length practice question based upon this material:
A social worker notices that her agency is frequently pressuring staff to close cases early in order to meet monthly productivity goals. The social worker is concerned that this practice may negatively impact client care. What should the social worker do FIRST?
A. Document her concerns and report the issue to the NASW Ethics Committee.
B. Comply with agency expectations and monitor client outcomes.
C. Raise her concerns internally and advocate for changes to agency policy.
D. Refer affected clients to a different agency.
Narrowing down: A involves escalation before trying internal solutions. B neglects the ethical issue. D may disrupt continuity of care unnecessarily. The correct answer is C. This approach respects both the social worker’s responsibility to her employer and her ethical obligation to advocate for sound, ethical practice.
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