STANDARD 12 Human service professionals are aware of local, state, and federal laws. They advocate for change in regulations and statutes when such legislation conflicts with ethical guidelines and/or client rights. Where laws are harmful to individuals, groups, or communities, human service professionals consider the conflict between the values of obeying the law and the values of serving people and may decide to initiate social action.
STANDARD 30 Human service professionals promote the continuing development of their profession. They encourage membership in professional associations, support research endeavors, foster educational advancement, advocate for appropriate legislative actions, and participate in other related professional activities.
The two standards for the Code of Ethics listed above is of great importance to myself because it mimics what my future professional goals embodies. Working with any persons that is in need of assistance as a professional one has to be very knowledgeable of codes and laws when implementing them in practice. How can a professional advocate for their constituents/clients when they do not know their needs or wants. But, while working in any capacity with people developing new skills and increasing one’s knowledge by gaining continuing ones education is of essence. Once can not be stagnant mentally because it only stunts your mental,social and professional growth. Continual development in education whether it may be, webinars, seminars, continuing education, certificate programs or monthly trainings it is imperative to oneself and the population one is working with.
The areas I would like to grow as a human service professional is my writing and communications skills. These two skills are as important as interpersonal skills how we present our writing abilities of a client and portray them on paper is of essential when someone is review their case. In the very near future I will be returning to school to pursue a career in Urban Policy in Administration which is offered at Brooklyn College, CUNY School of Professionals, Adelphi and Fordham University just a name a few from a vast list. Another interest for my professional development would be working with the mayor’s council to advocate for neighborhood communities at large for progression of healthcare, education, economic development and housing. In order to make changes within our communities voting does make a small difference but working on bills and new laws for people of New York will be my lifelong professional goal.
