1. Development of Your Professional Self Carol Britton Laws, MSW

2. Professionals have a body of knowledge scope of practice agreed upon values oath or code and accountability to our society for our profession and our professional behavior. What is a Professional?

3. What is Professionalism? Describes a certain type of behavior in the workplace Based on our values and understanding of our professional roles Evidenced in our behavior

4. How is Professionalism Judged? Against a set of expectations or standards From our own personal values set and understanding of what “professionalism” means May be situational in nature Strongly influenced by culture

5. Professionalism is in the eye of the beholder…

7. Professionalism is Determined By: Our Image Our Communication Our Competence Our Demeanor

8. From the Client’s Perspective Trustworthy Competent Empathetic Respectful Caring

9. Unprofessional Behavior - Clients Non-therapeutic relationships Inappropriate communication Inappropriate self-disclosure Exploitation – money, gifts Breaches of confidentiality

10. From the Co-Workers Perspective Trustworthy Competent Supportive Respectful Accountable

11. Unprofessional Behavior - Coworkers Inappropriate relationships Disengagement – texting, inappropriate use of internet, phoning Provision of misleading information Disrespect

12. Qualities and Characteristics of a Professional Social Worker • Competent • Trustworthy • Respectful • Act with Integrity • Considerate • Empathetic • Courteous • Dependable • Cooperative • Committed

13. Getting There – 6 Phases Expectation Revelation Refutation Negotiation Adaptation Affirmation

14. Always do your best. What you plant now, you will harvest later. OgMandino