Module 2: Ethics

“Always do right--this will gratify some and astonish the rest.”

-Mark Twain

As a rehabilitation counselor you will be faced with ethical dilemmas on a frequent basis. Therefore, it is necessary to have a strong idea of not only what ethics are, but also what they are not. Be aware of the difference between ethics, morals and values. Values are personal. For example, some people value hard work while others may value leisure. There does not need to be a consideration of right or wrong here, merely the subjective consideration of what is important to each of us. If we are to go further and speak of right and wrong conduct, we are talking about morals. Morals are typically agreed upon by society or cultures at large. For example, almost all people would say that stealing is wrong. This is a moral standard.

Ethics are a group of agreed upon principles that guide conduct within a group, such as the workplace. Ethics may incorporate morals and organizational values into their format, though this is not always the case. Ethics have nothing to do with preferences, norms, feelings, beliefs, laws or science. Within vocational rehabilitation practice, ethics are the minimum standard by which employees act and are required to maintain an awareness of at all times. Professional governing bodies, in order to promote the best interest of the client, established the ethical code for rehabilitation counselors.

Ethics are dynamic. Being that we as professionals are working with the mercurial nature of humanity, we must be open to changing practice and professional standards. As you encounter situations that may give you the ethical itch or a sense of discomfort, the current ethical codes are there to be called upon and tested. The current ethical codes for rehabilitation counselors can be found at the Commission for Rehabilitation Counselor Certification ( and through the state Vocational Rehabilitation Casework Regulations. The CRCC code of ethics is currently under revision, but it is our responsibility to be aware of the minimum standards set forth in each of it’s outlined areas. As the CRCC states, it is the professional’s responsibility to know this code and uphold it. Currently, the CRCC covers these 11 areas. Please review them on the CRCC website as well.

The Counseling Relationship

Confidentiality

Advocacy & Accessibility

Professional Responsibility

Relationships with Other Professionals

Evaluation, Assessment, and Interpretation

Teaching, Training, and Supervision

Research and Publication

Electronic Communication and Emerging Applications

Business Practices

Resolving Ethical Issues

Throughout this introduction, the concept of ethics has been discussed in terms of minimum standards. It is not to say that some of the best counselors adhere to the code at a bare minimum. However, it is within the professional’s choice to aspire to higher principles and ethical codes. As the philosopher Kant would maintain through his formulation of deontological ethics, “act only according to that maxim by which you can also will that it would become a universal law.” In other words, “treat others as you wish to be treated.” For example, in terms of counseling practice, there is an ethical code for professional relationships. This section does not maintain that you must treat clients, as you would want yourself or a family member to be treated. Nevertheless, you will be free to set your own bar for excellence as long as it is built upon competent, ethical practice.

No matter how much you learn about the practice and theory of ethics within rehabilitation counseling, there are six big principles to always be considered. They are:

  1. Beneficence – DO GOOD. It is our primary responsibility to be considerate of our client’s dignity and promote what is best for them.
  2. Non-maleficence – DO NO HARM. Again, it is imperative that we are not only considering what is beneficial for our clients, but what could potentially be harmful. When working with clients, we commit to this cost:benefit analysis while providing services.
  3. Fidelity – BE TRUE TO YOUR WORD. We are trusted, respected professionals. We do not commit to providing a service to our clients without following through in a timely manner. Inclusively, it is required that you as a counselor maintain awareness of your multiple responsibilities and do not bite off more than you can chew. If you cannot follow through with a client in a timely manner, this should be discussed with the client as well as your supervisor.
  4. Justice – BE FAIR. In other words, treat equal situations equally. We cannot and do not provide the same level of services to each client. This is the philosophy behind individualized employment plans (IEPs). However, if you are setting the standard for one client to receive services, and are approached with another client in similar circumstances, you are ethically bound to provide equitable services.
  5. Veracity – BE HONEST. This requires not only an awareness of what is available to clients, presenting them with accurate and reliable information, but also maintaining an awareness of one’s own limitations.
  6. Autonomy – RESPECT THE CLIENT’S CHOICE. As the CRCC states, “On decisions that may limit or diminish client autonomy, such as involuntary commitment or initiation of guardianship, decision-making on behalf of the client is taken only after careful deliberation.” Even under these circumstances, if a client resumes the ability to participate meaningfully in services, we must make every effort to involve them in the VR process.

Now, let us return to the aforementioned ethical itch. It is certain, that within your practice as a rehabilitation professional that you will encounter situations in which ethical concerns arise. Again, it is these times in which we must refer back to the code and reflect if further measures must be enacted. Most ethical decision making models involve a careful consideration of the facts, evaluating them against an ethical code, determining action or inaction, and then evaluating the process. As a basic framework, this works well. However, counseling models go further in stating that professionals are to seek additional, professional opinion from others experienced in ethical matters (colleagues, supervisors) as long as there is no conflict of interest. Finally, if an ethical violation is found, it is the professional’s responsibility to report the matter to the appropriate supervisory body or certification board (CRCC).