What we do outside of work matters—but how much?
Social workers are human beings with personal lives, opinions, and identities. We parent, vote, post online, go out with friends, and maybe vent about a bad day once in a while. But our code of ethics reminds us: when private behavior threatens our ability to practice professionally, it becomes a professional concern.
That’s the heart of Section 4.03 of the NASW Code of Ethics:
Social workers should not permit their private conduct to interfere with their ability to fulfill their professional responsibilities.
What It Means in Practice
This is one of the shortest standards in the Code, but it carries weight—especially in a world where the line between private and public is increasingly blurred.
You have a right to a personal life. But if that personal life affects your professional judgment, damages client trust, or harms your ability to carry out your duties, it becomes an ethical issue.
This doesn’t mean social workers have to be saints. It means we need to be mindful. The concern isn’t about appearing perfect—it’s about preserving the integrity and effectiveness of our practice.
Keep in Mind
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Your social media presence is fair game
On the exam, you might get a question where a client finds a social worker's public post mocking a past client or joking about substance use. Even if the post wasn’t directed at anyone in particular, it still reflects poor judgment and may interfere with the social worker’s ability to build trust.
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Illegal or disruptive behavior can spill into practice
A question might present a scenario where a social worker is arrested for driving under the influence. Even if it occurred off-hours, this could impact their credibility, licensure, or ability to serve certain populations—raising clear ethical concerns.
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Bias expressed outside of work still matters
Suppose a social worker attends a public event where they give a speech with discriminatory views. An exam question may test whether that private conduct compromises their ability to serve clients impartially. The answer likely points toward ethical impairment.
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Be proactive about boundaries and judgment
You might see a case where a social worker frequently parties with clients outside of work. Even if not explicitly prohibited, this can create confusion, dual relationships, or mistrust—interfering with the professional role.
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Privacy doesn’t protect everything
A scenario might involve a social worker arguing that their actions off the clock are “nobody’s business.” But if those actions interfere with client care or violate community standards, ethics are still in play.
Practice Question
How this could show up on the ASWB exam:
A clinical social worker is overheard by a client at a bar making offensive jokes about people with disabilities. The client later expresses discomfort and reluctance to return for further sessions. What is the BEST ethical response?
A. Assure the client that comments made off-duty have no impact on professional care.
B. Acknowledge the client’s concerns and explore referral to another clinician if needed.
C. Report the client’s reaction to the agency supervisor and request they address it.
D. Suggest the client consider how personal sensitivities might affect therapy.
Let’s break it down: A dismisses the client’s concerns and the ethical issue entirely; C passes responsibility without reflection; D blames the client, which can damage the relationship further.
The correct answer is B. It respects the client’s perspective and acknowledges the possible damage caused by the social worker’s conduct, offering a professional and ethical response.