Ethical Issues Left by COVID-19 on Social Welfare Practices: Focusing on the Work Experiences of Social Workers

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify ethical issues experienced by social workers in the COVID-19 situation, enhance ethical sensitivity of social workers, and ultimately seek directions for ethical social welfare practices. Four focus group interviews (FGI) were conducted between March 20 and 30, 2022, targeting sixteen social workers working at community social welfare centers in Seoul. As a result of this study, major ethical issues experienced by social workers was (1) conflict of interest (difficulty in demonstrating autonomy as a private organization, and the different and variable guidelines for each program), (2) respect for individuals (invasion of privacy of users and employees, and the limitation of confidentiality due to preventive measures), (3) work responsibility and employee rights (proceeding of work in an infection risk situation, and the work after work), (4) competence and evidence-based practice(the practice of unprepared professionals, and the unproven practice), ( 5) discrimination/ exclusion/ stigma (the marginalization of the digitally vulnerable, the discrimination and exclusion of non-vaccinated persons, and the fear of community stigma about infection). Based on this research results, this study suggested the necessity of ethics education to enhance ethical sensitivity of social workers, the strengthening of the role of Social Workers Association for ethical practices, the advocacy role for the socially underprivileged in crisis and disaster situations, and the need for support from central and local governments.