Sample interview questions: Can you provide an example of a time when you had to navigate ethical dilemmas in your work with youth?
Sample answer:
As a professional Youth Counselor, I encountered an ethical dilemma when a 15-year-old client confided in me about engaging in self-harm behaviors. While maintaining confidentiality is crucial in building trust with clients, I had to balance this responsibility with the duty to ensure their safety and well-being.
In this situation, I first ensured the client’s immediate safety by conducting a risk assessment to determine the severity and frequency of their self-harm. Next, I explained the limits of confidentiality to the client, emphasizing that while I respected their privacy, there were certain circumstances in which I would need to involve others to keep them safe.
Given the severity of the situation, I decided to involve the client’s parents or guardians. However, to respect the client’s autonomy and foster a sense of trust, I included them in the decision-making process. We discussed the importance of their parents’ support and involvement in helping them through this challenging time.
To ensure a collaborative approach, I sought the client’s permission to communicate with their parents. I explained that by involving their parents, we could collectively develop a safety plan and provide the necessary support. I also emphasized that their parents’ involvement was not meant to punish or control them, but rather to create a supportive and nurturing environment.
Furthermore, I offered the client ongoing individual counseling sessions to explore the underlying reasons behind their self-harm behaviors an… Read full answer