Topic 4: Report problems to supervisor

As a community services worker you will often be faced with challenging ethical and legal situations. Your workplace will have policies and procedures to help direct you to the best course of action in these scenarios. However, it is not a one-size-fits-all process and often situations will have to be addressed with careful consideration regarding the individual factors and circumstances.

At times you may not be able to determine what course of action is required. These situations will often place a worker at risk of breaching their responsibilities or being unable to achieve their workplace rights. It is therefore important that whenever in doubt you should refer the situation to your supervisor for support and guidance.

In this topic you will learn how to:

4A Comply with legal and ethical responsibilities and discuss difficulties with supervisor

4B Refer any breach or non-adherence to standard procedures or adverse event to appropriate people

4C Refer issues impacting on achievement of employee, employer and/or client rights and responsibilities

4D Refer unresolved conflict situations to supervisor