Training Objectives Explores ethics and ethical boundaries Discuss Ethical Dilemmas found in the workplace Examine common unethical behaviors Review standards of professional conduct and organization policy Explore setting healthy boundaries in working with diverse clients

What are Ethics? Ethics are a broad code outlining obligations and standards of conduct.

MOST AGENCY SITUATIONS LEGAL ETHICAL MORAL

Where do ethics come from?

Ethics generally come from shared morals reflecting the values and judgments about “right” and “wrong” by society in general, and often by a specific group or organization

Professional Conduct & Responsibilities PURPOSE Preserve the integrity of the organization and its programs Promote professionalism Ensure the provision of quality services

Professional Conduct & Responsibilities PRACTICE Knowledge of policies Security and supervision Position responsibilities Relations with other agencies Relations with other employees Relations with clients Policy against sexual harrassment

Ethical Standards “code of behavior that guides our actions at work”

Ethical Guidelines Ethical standards reflect: Your role to the client Your philosophy of care Your role on the team and within the program

Ethical Behavior “behavior conforming to accepted principles of right and wrong that governs conduct of a profession or an organization”

Ethical Behavior Standard Description Honor the dignity of each person Never use your position to take advantage of the client(s) Each person is a human being with a full range of strengths and challenges Use care not to disrespect, prejudge or patronize What advantages do we have over our clients? Clients are not here to meet our needs

Ethical Behavior Standard Description NO sexual contact or intimate relationships Sexual contact – intimate touch, kissing, suggestive talk or narrative, nudity or exposure, conversations about sex, sexual relations Intimacy = lost ability to be effective in providing services and destroys trust in the foundation of work, program systems, etc.

Ethical Behavior Standard Description Documentation must be complete and accurate Confidentiality Inaccuracy compromises client and staff safety Missed opportunity to assist client in need Information you come by is specific to your work and you must not reveal information to anyone else, including conversations with co- workers and outside of work

Ethical Behavior Standard Description NO use of drugs/alcohol with clients Avoid Medical Issues Including stories of use Jeopardizes safety of clients and staff Not qualified to diagnose Not qualified to give medical or psychiatric advise Not qualified to recommend medications or treatment

Ethical Guidelines Clear, firm and professional boundaries in relationships with clients Avoid compromising relationships Agency staff shall not display favoritism or preferential treatment Maintain the confidentiality of private information

Unethical Behavior Undermines the mission to provide a program that is safe and secure for clients and staff

Unethical Behavior Includes, but not limited to: Abuse of Clients Physical Sexual Emotional / psychological not limited to targeting or ingnoring

Unethical Behavior Includes, but not limited to: Inappropriate relationships Bribery Conflicts of interest Solicitation of gifts or favors or services from clients clients’ relationships Offering gifts or favors Improper contact Failure to report awareness of improper contact Appearance of inappropriate relationships

Unethical Behavior Includes, but not limited to: Introduction of contraband Unauthorized materials introduced by staff – typically in exchange for receiving something of value, not limited to: Food or Clothing Publications Cosmetics Weapons Money Drugs or Alcohol

Unethical Behavior Includes, but not limited to: Fiscal Improprieties Falsification of hours worked or services produced Theft Misuse of funds or personal property of others

Unethical Behavior Includes, but not limited to: Misconduct on-duty Insubordination Inattention Failure to respond Falsification of documentation Loss of temper Favoritism Inappropriate supervision of clients

Unethical Behavior Includes, but not limited to: Misconduct off-duty Investigative violations Arrest and /or conviction Misuse of credentials Illicit or immoral behavioral that directly relate to population served Attempts to conceal Intimidate clients or co- workers or manipulate into complicity

Boundaries Involve “good judgment” based upon our expectations of the job and our own personal values and choices Protects clients from possible conflicts of interest on our part “Objectivity” is necessary when making decisions for clients Allows us to meet the needs of the client in appropriate balance with our own needs

When Boundaries are too close: Do you: Have difficulty saying “no”? Give too much? Get involved too quickly? Trust too easily? Intrude on others? Stay in relationships too long?

When Boundaries are too distant? Do you: Have difficulty saying “yes”? Isolate? Distrust too easily? Feel lonely? Stay in relationships too briefly?

Healthy Boundaries are: FLEXIBLE Adapting to situations in terms of closeness or distance Able to let go of destructive relationships Able to connect with nurturing relationship

Healthy Boundaries are: CONNECTED Able to engage in balanced relationships with others Able to maintain relationships over time Able to work out conflicts BALANCE IS THE KEY!

Learning to Say NO Helps prevent exploitation of yourself and others May protect from violating ethical guidelines What types of things might you have to say “NO” to in your job?

Learning to Say YES Allows you to rely on others Let’s yourself be known to others Helps you feel supported Gets you through tough times What types of things might you have to say “YES” to in your job?

IN REVIEW DO: Be law abiding Be honest and trustworthy Be responsible and reliable; Be truthful and accurate; Be fair and cooperative; Be economical in utilizing resources; Treat one another fairly and with dignity and respect.