Social workers must adhere to the Code of Ethics even when they are not officially "on the job". The standard states, “Social workers should not permit their private conduct to interfere with their ability to fulfill their professional responsibilities” (NASW ethical standard 4.03 Private Conduct). It is important that you consider any personal situations or conditions that may create challenges for you as a social worker.
Additionally, social workers must assure that “their own personal problems, psychosocial distress, legal problems, substance abuse, or mental health difficulties do not interfere with their professional judgment and performance” (NASW ethical standard 4.05 Impairment).