HMS 221 Ethical Problems and Issues

This course focuses on ethical standards of the human services field and the influence of personal values on the decision making process. Students completing this course will acquire the tools needed to address an ethical dilemma.

Credits

3

Prerequisite

Prerequisite: HMS 121 and (Test score or ENG 101 or higher)

See Course Syllabus

Course Number and Title:

HMS 221 Ethical Problems and Issues

Campus Location

  • Dover
  • Georgetown
  • Wilmington

Effective Date

2025-51

Prerequisites

Prerequisite: HMS 121 and (Test score or ENG 101 or higher)

Course Credits and Hours

3 credit(s)

3 lecture hours/week

0 lab hours/week

Course Description

This course focuses on ethical standards of the human services field and the influence of personal values on the decision making process. Students completing this course will acquire the tools needed to address an ethical dilemma.

Additional Materials

None.

Required Text(s)

Obtain current textbook information by viewing the campus bookstore - https://www.dtcc.edu/bookstores online or visit a campus bookstore. Check your course schedule for the course number and section.

Disclaimer

Students must complete Stewards of Children, a prevention and response online training program, to complete the course.

Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)

  1. Examine and differentiate among foundational ethical concepts, such as values, ethics, and morality. (CCC 2, 4; PGC 2, 4, 5, 7)

  2. Using an ethical model, evaluate how individual choices of the professional have a direct impact on the beneficence of others. (CCC 2, 4, 5, 6; PGC 2, 4, 5, 7)

  3. Relate the ethical responsibility of maintaining one’s health and wellness to optimal client relations. (CCC 1, 2, 4; PGC 2, 4, 5, 7)

  4. Assess major personal and professional ethical issues and one’s own value system, beliefs, and biases. (CCC 2, 4: PGC 2, 4, 5, 7)

  5. Synthesize ethical and legal aspects of the therapeutic relationship. (CCC 1, 2, 4, 5; PGC 1, 2, 4, 5, 7)

  6. Discuss how professional competency guidelines for supervision and training are necessary for the human services profession. (CCC 2, 4; PGC 2, 4, 5, 6)

See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.

Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)

Upon completion of this course, the student will:

  1. Examine and differentiate among foundational ethical concepts, such as values, ethics, and morality.

    1. Define foundational concepts used to address ethical issues.

    2. Differentiate between the various levels of ethics applied in the profession.

    3. Apply moral principles in ethical practice.

  2. Using an ethical model, evaluate how individual choices of the professional have a direct impact on the beneficence of others.

    1. Identify the steps used to address an ethical dilemma.

    2. Assess key components of each step of the ethical model.

    3. Apply steps of an ethical model to address an ethical dilemma.

  3. Relate the ethical responsibility of maintaining one’s health and wellness to optimal client relations.

    1. Respond to client transference.

    2. Recognize and respond to countertransference.

    3. Discuss the importance of managing stress to avoid burnout and impairment.

  4. Assess major personal and professional ethical issues and one’s own value system, beliefs, and biases.

    1. Identify your personal and professional views, beliefs, and biases.

    2. Examine how your personal and professional views, beliefs and biases impact the client relationship.

    3. Evaluate how your cultural competency impacts the client relationship.

  5. Synthesize ethical and legal aspects of the therapeutic relationship.

    1. Examine the responsibilities of managing boundaries and dual relationships.

    2. Explain a professional's ethical and legal responsibilities regarding informed consent, privacy, and confidentiality.

    3. Apply risk management strategies to minimize liability and prevent malpractice.

    4. Develop an awareness and receive education and training to prevent, recognize, and react responsibly to child sexual abuse.

  6. Discuss how professional competency guidelines for supervision and training are necessary for the human services profession.

    1. Explain the importance of supervision and training for continued professional competency.

    2. Discuss supervision as it relates to education, the profession, credentialing, and licensing.

Evaluation Criteria/Policies

The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:

90-100 = A
80-89 = B
70-79 = C
0-69 = F
Students should refer to the Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.

Final Course Grade

Calculated using the following weighted average

Evaluation Measure

Percentage of final grade

Exams 2-4 (Summative - Equally Weighted)

50%

Code of Ethics Analysis Paper (Summative)

20%

Formative:

The course will contain a various number of formative assessments including but not limited to:

  • Journals
  • Quizzes
  • Discussion boards
  • Case scenarios
  • Online training
  • Class participation activities

30%

TOTAL

100%

Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)

  1. Create and maintain effective and professional documents relevant to Human Services agencies.
  2. Interact ethically and professionally within the Human Services field.
  3. Apply information to identify client’s strengths, weaknesses, and resources to create a treatment plan.
  4. Provide effective client services at an entry level by utilizing professional Human Services principles and practices.
  5. Establish effective working relationships within the Human Services arena.
  6. Apply basic management and leadership skills in Human Services environments, including time management, organization, and the ability to follow directions.
  7. Utilize feedback to assess the effect of oneself on Human Services outcomes and make adjustments accordingly.

Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)

  1. Apply clear and effective communication skills.
  2. Use critical thinking to solve problems.
  3. Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
  4. Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
  5. Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
  6. Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.

Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability

We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.

Minimum Technology Requirements

Minimum technology requirements for online, hybrid, video conferencing and web conferencing courses.