Developmental Services of Northwest Kansas, Inc.
CODE OF ETHICS
It is a goal of DSNWK, Inc. to provide exemplary standards of performance, professionalism, and ethical conduct. DSNWK, Inc. fosters an environment of ethical conduct, where no member of the Board of Directors, staff, volunteer, or affiliate will ever feel the need to compromise corporate or individual integrity to help achieve a specific goal of the agency.
The DSNWK, Inc. Code of Ethics sets forth values, ethical principles, and ethical standards to which the DSNWK staff aspire and by which their actions can be judged. While DSNWK's Code of Ethics cannot guarantee ethical behavior, resolve all ethical issue disputes, nor capture the richness and complexity involved in striving to make responsible choices, it does define DSNWK's expectation of behavior within a moral community.
DSNWK's Board of Directors and the staff are committed to making DSNWK one of the most valued agencies in our field. We will accomplish this through a professional approach by saying what we mean, doing what we say, and making a positive difference in the lives of the people we serve .
DSNWK will be accountable to the public by demonstrating the highest standards of integrity, fairness, honesty, and compliance with both the spirit and the letter of the law. DSNWK aims to set the standard for ethical conduct by subscribing to the established Codes of Ethics for the various professions represented by our staff. In addition, DSNWK endorses five basic principles:
HONESTY
To be truthful in all our initiatives, to be honest and forthright with one another and with persons served, those on the waiting list for services, referral sources, and community partners.
RESPECT
To treat one another with dignity and fairness, appreciating the diversity of our workforce, the uniqueness of each employee, and the confidentiality of each stakeholder.
TRUST
To build confidence through teamwork and open, candid communication at all levels of the organization.
RESPONSIBILITY
To speak up without fear of retribution and report concerns in the workplace, including violations of laws, regulations, ethical standards, and DSNWK policies, and seek clarification and guidance when in doubt.
CITIZENSHIP
To obey the laws of the land, work to make our communities more productive, and act with pride and confidence as a representative of DSNWK, Inc.
We promise to apply integrity to all we do as related to: our staff, DSNWK Board of Directors, volunteers, affiliates, financial practices, marketing activities, services provided to individuals, referral/funding source interests, and other stakeholders' issues.
STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES OF ETHICAL BUSINESS CONDUCT
These Standards and Guidelines of Business Conduct are a guide to the ethical and legal responsibilities we share as members of the DSNWK work family. This is not a complete rulebook that addresses every ethical issue that might arise. It is not a summary of all laws and policies that apply to DSNWK’s business. It is not a contract and it does not replace good judgment. Rather, the Standards and Guidelines of Ethical Conduct give us guidance and direct us to resources to help us make the right decisions.
TREAT IN AN ETHICAL MANNER THOSE TO WHOM DSNWK HAS AN OBLIGATION: We are committed to the ethical treatment of those to whom we have an obligation.
For our employees, we are committed to honesty, just management, and fairness, providing a safe and healthy environment, opportunity for career growth, and respecting the dignity due everyone.
For persons served by DSNWK, their families, and guardians, we are committed to treat them with respect, concern, courtesy, and responsiveness, recognizing that service to them is our primary responsibility.
For our customers, we are committed to produce reliable products and consumer-driven services, delivered in a timely manner, at a fair price, and with expected outcomes.
For the communities in which we live and work, we are committed to acting as concerned and responsible neighbors as we seek ways to share DSNWK's mission with others, reflecting all aspects of good citizenship.
For our funding sources and governing authorities, we are committed to pursuing financial stability, sound growth, and to exercising prudence in the use of our assets in a manner that helps promote the improvement of programs and services to persons with disabilities.
OBEY THE LAW: We will conduct our business in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. Compliance with the law does not comprise our entire ethical responsibility. Rather, it is a minimum, absolutely essential condition for performance of our duties.
PROMOTE A POSITIVE AND SAFE WORK ENVIRONMENT: All employees want and deserve a workplace where they feel respected, satisfied, and appreciated. Harassment or discrimination of any kind and especially involving race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, disability, veteran or marital status is unacceptable in our workplace environment.
We are committed to providing a drug-free, safe, and healthy work environment. Each of us is responsible for compliance with environmental, health, and safety laws and regulations.
KEEP ACCURATE AND COMPLETE RECORDS: Transactions between DSNWK and outside individuals and organizations must be promptly and accurately entered in our books in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices and principles. Entries into the case record must be made in a timely manner and reflect the desires and preferences of the persons receiving services, the services provided in response, and the actual outcomes achieved. Financial records and case record information must be treated with strict confidentiality.
STEER CLEAR OF CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: Playing favorites or having conflicts of interest, in practice or in appearance, runs counter to the fair treatment to which we are all entitled. Avoid any relationship, influence, or activity that might impair, or even appear to impair, your ability to make objective and fair decisions when performing your job.
CONDUCT MARKETING AND ADVERTISING ACTIVITIES FAIRLY, HONESTLY AND ACCURATELY: DSNWK is committed to representing its facilities and services fairly, honestly, and accurately. Advertising, marketing, and promotional materials may not contain unfair, inaccurate, or deceptive statements or exaggerated or unwarranted representations. When information or images of persons served are used in marketing this will occur with their informed consent and in a respectful manner.
MECHANISM TO ADDRESS VIOLATIONS OF THE ETHICS: Accountability is one of the cornerstones of ethical organizations. Suspected violations of this Code are to be reported immediately to the DSNWK Corporate Compliance Officer. No staff person will be penalized for making a good-faith report of suspected violations of these Standards or DSNWK's Corporate Compliance Program or other illegal or unethical conduct, nor will DSNWK tolerate retaliation of any kind against anyone who makes a good-faith report. A person who submits a knowingly false report will be subject to disciplinary action. Any allegation of violation of DSNWK's standards of integrity will be taken seriously and thoroughly investigated in accordance with DSNWK's policies.
Rules of Conduct and Ethic Principles for Case Managers
Serving People With Developmental Disabilities
The following link with take you to the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services Rules of Conduct and Ethics for Case Managers.
http://www.srskansas.org/hcp/css/pdf/CodeofEthics.pdf