Social work is a profession that is guided by a set of core values that are the foundation of social works unique purpose and perspective. These core values have been embraced by social workers throughout the professions history and must be balanced within the context and complexity of the human experience. The following are the six core values of social work:

1. Service: Social workers primary goal is to help people in need and to address social problems. Social workers elevate service to others above self-interest and draw on their knowledge, values, and skills to help people in need and to address social problems.

2. Social Justice: Social workers challenge social injustice and work for social change on behalf of vulnerable and oppressed people. Social workers seek to eliminate factors that threaten the dignity and worth of individuals, but they do so with a decentered approach that respects differences and honors self-determination.

3. Dignity and Worth of the Person: Social workers are respectful of every person and mindful of cultural and ethnic diversity. Social workers treat each client with dignity, care, and respect, while enabling clients abilities and opportunities to improve their own circumstances.

4. Importance of Human Relationships: Social workers recognize and value the importance of human relationships. Building long-lasting relationships creates a foundation on which social workers can build good work as a team. Building relationships with individuals and the community they are a part of will help with supporting and healing in the wake of societal.

5. Integrity: Social workers behave in a trustworthy manner. They are honest, transparent, and consistent in their actions. Integrity is a crucial value in social work, and it helps to set the standards that all social work professionals follow to uphold integrity and professional conduct.

6. Competence: Social workers practice within their areas of competence and develop and enhance their professional expertise. Social workers continually strive to increase their professional knowledge and skills and to apply them in practice[[2]](https://socialwork.buffalo.edu/admissions/is-social-work-right-c...