Introduction:
These ethical principles are based on professional values and principles that are standard in counseling professions. They serve as the foundation for ethical behavior and decision-making by counselors. They are not a set of rules or procedures that must always be followed; rather, they are meant to guide professionals in all aspects of their professional lives, especially in relationships with clients, colleagues, employers, and society at large. These goals are more aspirational than normative.
The principles are designed with the understanding that adherence to them is an important part of a career counselor’s professionalism. They help define the profession for the public. Members of the Albania Career Development Association (ACDA) commit to these principles when providing their services.
Relation to Society:
1- Members of ACDA participate in societal changes that contribute to the empowerment of individuals and social groups and achieving social justice.
2- They actively promote equality and diversity, seeking to remote barriers to personal success that arise from prejudice, stereotypes, and discrimination, thereby contributing to inclusion.
3- Members are obliged to ensure their personal judgement remains objective, taking precedence over external pressures or factors that could compromise their impartiality in providing career counseling services.
Relation to Self:
4- Members have a duty to care for their personal integrity, safety, and their ability to practice effectively to provide clients with effective services.
5- Members of ACDA maintain their professional competence, knowledge, and skills through continuing education and reflecting on their own practice.
6- They accurately present their professional competencies, education, and experience and practice within the limits of their education and expertise.
Relation to Clients:
7- Members of ACDA act in the best interests of their clients, advocating for the value, dignity, and uniqueness of each individual.
8- Members of ACDA support their clients in making independent decisions and realizing their potential.
9- Members of ACDA respect their clients’ privacy.
Relation to the Profession:
10- They strive to strengthen the status and reputation of the career counseling profession and the Association.
11- They maintain professional relationships with colleagues within and outside their organizations, respecting the contributions of other professionals to career development services.
12- Members of ACDA appropriately expand career development opportunities and access to career counseling services for all.
Sources:
- Career Development Institute. Code of Ethics. 2019.
- National Career Development Association. Code of Ethics. 2015.