Q&A for How to Maintain Professional Boundaries in Social Work

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  • Question
    How can I support my staff and teach them about professional boundaries?
    Community Answer
    Be direct and specific when counseling the staff (i.e., "It is inappropriate to have a client in your office for 2 hours chatting.") Set the example. Don't discuss your personal life with clients, maintain professional distance, keep discussions at work about work, etc.
  • Question
    How do I maintain professional boundaries with my colleagues after receiving a promotion?
    Community Answer
    By acting in accordance with the role you have been promoted to, as needed. Just follow the tips in the article. They apply regardless of what position you are in with respect to others.
  • Question
    Within the boundaries of your role, can you give examples of what you are not allowed to do?
    Community Answer
    Some examples of things you aren't allowed to do are form a sexual or intimate relationship, borrow or lend money from SUs, or share personal details.
  • Question
    What are the legal obligations relating to professional boundaries?
    Community Answer
    There are no laws specifically on professional boundaries. But companies have their own rules and codes of conduct that you need to follow if you want to remain employed and out of trouble. And obviously, any general laws (e.g., regarding violence, sexual assault, etc.) always apply, whether you are in a workplace or anywhere else.
  • Question
    If a client wants to give me a gift, what do I do?
    Community Answer
    Tell the client politely that due to the company or professional procedures, that you are not allowed to take any gift from him or her. No matter how kind a gesture, it is just so much easier to never open this can of worms. In some cases, it can lead to dependence or unhelpful feelings from vulnerable persons and misunderstandings, all things you don't want happening.
  • Question
    What should happen in a client's best interests if a professional is overstepping boundaries?
    Community Answer
    Unless there is a way to rebuild the professional boundaries, it would be best for all involved to break the working relationship. If professional boundaries break down, professional support/care is not possible. It could harm both the SU and the worker.
  • Question
    How can you professionally receive gifts from clients?
    Community Answer
    By creating a company gift policy that gift givers can sign. Effectively any received gift will be divided where possible between everyone in a department/company or a recipient will be decided by a simple casting of lots. This way it is fair and professional.
  • Question
    If I was going to attend college, and one of my clients is in the same class, would this be a boundary?
    Community Answer
    You could find yourself in trouble. If for some reason you are paired to do any work together, your relationship is now that of a peer instead of an authority figure dealing with a client. As well as your extra knowledge of them as a client could be construed as taking advantage of said client if things devolved in class and there was conflict between you two. However, if it is on a completely different area of knowledge, things will probably be okay. Just keep it professional and discuss the matter both with the college and the client.
  • Question
    Can I visit my client outside of work hours?
    Community Answer
    You can, but this is not recommended as it sets the expectation that you are available to the client outside of your normal working hours. This expectation can cause inconvenience later on, as the client may think you are "on call" and available whenever he needs you to be.
  • Question
    One of my clients wants to leave me something in her will. What should I say?
    Community Answer
    I would say something like, "Thank you, that's very generous, but I really can't accept." You could suggest that they donate to a non-profit organization instead.
  • Question
    What are the problems that may be encountered when establishing boundaries with clients?
    Community Answer
    Clients might get upset with you for establishing boundaries and believe that you're doing so because you don't really "care" about them. You just have to patiently remind them that you do care, but that your relationship is professional, not personal.
  • Question
    How do I handle clients coming in when I'm about to leave?
    Community Answer
    Just apologize to the client and inform them that you're getting ready to leave for the day. Ask them to make an appointment to see you at another time, or arrange to have a co-worker help them.
  • Question
    How do I ensure that my clients don't become to dependent on me?
    Community Answer
    Never discuss your private life with your client. Never give your personal number to the client, and make them aware that you are not available 24/7.
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