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*MS 0015 (1) Volume 1 – General Administration *MS 0015 – 3/9/15 – OMTL-483 Ethics Policy for Family Support Employees The Department for Community Based Services (DCBS) and its employees must recognize the vulnerability of their clients and the serious responsibilities associated with the provision of public assistance. The behavior of human service professionals shall reflect an emphasis on integrity, professional trustworthiness, and on the values of respect for persons, competence, loyalty, diligence, honesty, and confidentiality. DCBS professionals have a duty to be familiar with their responsibilities under this manual section and to consider which ethical principles apply in a particular situation. If there is a conflict between two or more ethical principles and/or responsibilities in a particular case, staff should consult with his or her supervisor in choosing a proper course of action. Family Support employees: A. Adhere to standards of ethics, confidentiality, and security agreements; B. Execute their responsibilities on behalf of the citizens of the Commonwealth. As such, they do not use their positions for personal gain or influence; C. Strive to improve the quality and efficiency of services rendered by Kentucky state government; D. Are honest, objective, and diligent in the performance of their duties and responsibilities; E. Avoid leading or coaching program applicants or recipients into making statements or taking any other action in order to gain benefits to which the individual or household is not entitled; F. Avoid participation in any activity they know to be illegal or improper; G. Are continually aware of the public trust they hold and their obligation to maintain a high standard of integrity, competence, and dignity in the performance of their duties; H. Do not enter into any activity which may be in conflict with the interest of the citizens of Kentucky; I. Refrain from entering into any activity which may prejudice (or give the appearance of such) their ability to objectively perform their duties and responsibilities; J. Do not solicit or accept directly or indirectly, any gift, gratuity, favor, or other economic consideration from any person, group, private business or public agency, or from members of their immediate families, which may affect the impartial performance of the employee’s duties;