Diving Into the Gray - Ethical Considerations

Diving Into The Grey: Ethical Considerations

Three Clinical Category A CEs in Ethics approved by NASW NH #4196

Judith A. Josiah-Martin, PhD, ACSW, CADC (She, Her, Hers)

Principal, JAMA Professional Development Services

Ethical behavior is conduct that is beyond reproach and is in accordance to the laid down standards of a society, institution or organization. The standards of conduct may not always be written and adopted formally by the institution or organization. They also change as organizations and institutions evolve, underscoring the need for regular education about acceptable conduct in the profession and the organization.

It is important to note that there may be a difference between ethical behavior and legal or illegal actions. Ethical conduct is not about upholding the law. It is about upholding higher standards of conduct than simply adhering to the rules or the law. It may not always be easy to adhere to these higher standards, especially in difficult situations. It takes courage, moral integrity, and a keen sense of commitment to ethical standards to make the right decisions.

One condition that weakens and impacts the practitioner’s vigilance on ethical situations is the subjective experience with compassion fatigue. During these extraordinary times, it is critical for practitioners to understand this phenomenon, compassion fatigue, and have clear, achievable pathways to maintain balance and compassion satisfaction in pursuit of ethical care delivery.

TRAINING OUTCOMES

• Participants will be able to identify and acquire skills in identifying and responding to ethical dilemmas in their workplace.
• Participants will understand the signs of ethics exhaustion and compassion fatigue.
• Participants with acquire strategies on responses to ethical dilemmas.
• Participants will acquire tools for managing the effects of compassion fatigue.

About the Presenter

Judith Josiah-Martin, PhD, ACSW, CADC, has been a part of the University of Maine community for the past 16 years, as School of Social Work faculty and as the Director of Multicultural Student Life. Her alma maters are Smith College School of Social Work for a PhD in Clinical Social Work, and Washington University-St. Louis for a MSW degree emphasis in Social Welfare, Administration and Community Development. Dr. Josiah-Martin was the 2021 President’s Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award recipient for the University of Maine. She serves the broader community on the Board of Trustees for St Joseph’s Healthcare System, and the Board of Directors for Maine Migrant Health Program.

Dr. Josiah-Martin has spent 38+ years working in the field of social work as a: clinical social worker; program administrator; mental health trainer and consultant; community advocate; secondary and tertiary educator; social activist; grant coordinator; and researcher. Her areas of specialization include: clinical practice with individuals, groups and families; substance use and trauma related disorders; family life matters, practice interventions for under-represented and marginalized populations; and intercultural effective communication with focus on equity and inclusion in the workplace. She is an avid reader, a musician and a world traveler who enjoys outdoor adventures.

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