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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.