NASW Ethics Table Talks

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The National Association of Social Workers remains dedicated to advancing social work ethics through diverse and innovative ethics education opportunities that meet the profession where it is around the latest ethical challenges. NASW Ethics Table Talks are one way the association has met the moment by tackling trending topics that are presenting ethics questions and dilemmas to the profession.

Ethics Table Talks convene a social work ethicist, subject matter experts, and the viewing audience in facilitated conversations that delve into trending topics. Host Andrea Murray, Director of NASW’s Office of Ethics and Professional Review, sets the stage for these conversations with the disclaimer that "while we may not always have all the answers, this series seeks to raise the key questions and ethical considerations facing the profession". Ethics Table Talks have initiated critical conversations to address ethics education needs facing social workers.

Over 3,000 social workers have participated in these Talks to date, engaging with NASW social work experts to address relevant and even controversial topics head on. The vision for these Talks is to open the door for future conversation by creating a safe space for social workers to demystify the emerging realities facing the profession.

The inaugural Ethics Table Talk topic was Artificial Intelligence. This Talk focused on defining the latest technological developments and their implications for the social work profession. Drs. Frederic Reamer and Jaime Sundvall set the stage for this conversation by exploring the reality of how AI is already being used in social work, highlighting emergent ethical challenges that professionals face around the AI explosion.

The second Talk focused on Gender Affirming Care through the lens of social workers’ ethical obligations. Ethicist Dr. Allan Barsky, along with Dr. Brandy Brown and Tracey Monteferrario-Rubenstein, laid the groundwork for social workers to uphold the NASW Code of Ethics by offering practical information about how to apply gender affirming care practices in today’s challenging professional landscape.

The most recent Table Talk explored what it means to be ethical in today’s Political climate. Political thought leaders explored key questions about the intersection of personal beliefs in a climate of challenging geo-socio-political issues facing social workers. Tanya Rhodes Smith, Gortrell Cox, Dr. Meredith Tetloff and Dr. Fredric Reamer offered helpful guidance and resources to navigate through the ethical complexities being driven by today’s political landscape.

Ethics Table Talks are available on-demand free of charge to social workers and other allied mental health professionals looking to learn more about what’s trending in ethics. Those wishing to receive ethics-specific continuing education credit can earn up to 4.5 CEs for as little as $75 for NASW members, and $105 for non-members.

Looking forward, this fall, Ethics Table Talks will examine ethical considerations for using social media as professional social workers.

Now Available On-Demand:

Social Work Ethics in Today’s Political Climate 2024

Ethics table talks with portraits of Dr. Frederic Reamer, Gortrell Cox, Tanya Rhodes Smith, and Dr. Meredith Tetloff

Join our esteemed panel, Dr. Frederic G. Reamer, PhD, Gortrell Cox, MSW, LCSW, Tanya Rhodes Smith, MSW and Dr. Meredith Tetloff, MSW, PhD to explore key ethics questions emerging from our complex socio-political times. Examine social work ethics against the backdrop of challenging developments in the US and global political landscape. Using the NASW Code of Ethics and other resources, panelists explore social workers’ ethical responsibilities in the face of professional, political, and personal values that at times do not align. As always, NASW’s Ethics Table Talks offer a safe space to have the vital conversations needed to advance ethical social work practice. Watch the discussion today for free or register to earn CEs!
Ethics CE: 1.5


Gender-Affirming Care in Social Work: Exploring and Managing Ethical Responsibilities

Ethics table talks with portraits of Allan Barsky, JD, MSW, PhD, Dr. Brandy Brown, and Tracey Rubenstein, LCSW

This virtual panel discussion on gender-affirming care looks at key ethical considerations for social work professionals through the lens of the NASW Code of Ethics. Whether you’re an experienced professional or a student, this discussion promises to raise key questions and offer resources to help you make informed and ethical decisions when working with gender diverse individuals and their families. You’ll hear from thought leaders in the profession, Dr. Brandy Brown DSW, LCSW, Dr. Allan Barsky, JD, MSW, PhD and Tracey Monteferrario-Rubenstein, LCSW. Watch the discussion today for free or register to earn CEs!
Ethics CE: 1.5


Artificial Intelligence in Social Work: Exploring Key Ethical Considerations

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The explosive growth of artificial intelligence (AI) has ignited both intrigue and trepidation. How can the social work profession harness the benefits of AI while balancing the risks it presents to ethical practice? Gather at the table to discuss the implications of AI in social work, with featured panelists Dr. Frederic Reamer, PhD and Dr. Jamie Sundvall, PhD, PsyD, LICSW as they discuss real time AI developments in social work and shed light on potential ethical challenges. This moderated discussion will stimulate thought and dialogue and lay the foundation for the development of ethical guidelines and responsible practice.
Watch the discussion today for free or register to earn CEs!
Ethics CE: 1.5


National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics

NASW Code of Ethics

The NASW Code of Ethics defines the values and principles that guide social workers’ conduct in all practice areas.

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The Ethics 8 Series offers 8 useful tips related to prevailing topics in social work practice.

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Understanding the NASW Code of Ethics


Earn 3 ethics CEs while exploring the evolution of social work ethics through the lens of the NASW Code of Ethics. Examine the content, composition, and application of ethical standards via engaging activities and case scenarios that capture diverse social work settings.

Instructors: Dr. Frederic G. Reamer; Andrea Murray, LCSW; Terricka Hardy, LCSW, ACSW, BCD; and Stephanie Asare-Nti, MSW, LCSW-C

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