13.10 Conflict of Interest

It is the policy of this organization to prohibit all staff from soliciting any advantage from any persons having business dealings with the organization (e.g. clients, suppliers, contractors).

A conflict of interest situation arises when the "private interests" of the staff compete or conflict with the interests of the organization. "Private interests" means both the financial and personal interests of the staff or those of their connections including:

• family and other relations;

• personal friends;

• the clubs and societies to which they belong;

• and any person to whom they owe a favor or are obligated in any way.

Staff should avoid using their official position or any information made available to them in the course of their duties to benefit themselves, their relations or any other persons with whom they have personal or social ties. They should avoid putting themselves in a position that may lead to an actual or perceived conflict of interest with the organization. Failure to avoid or declare any conflict of interest may give rise to criticism of favoritism, abuse of authority or even allegations of corruption.

When called upon to deal with matters of the organization for which there is an actual or perceived conflict of interest, the staff member should make a declaration in writing to their supervisor. They should then abstain from dealing with the matter in question or follow the instruction of their supervisor who may reassign the task to other Recovery Works staff. Non-compliance with this rule is work-related misconduct and will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.

Gifts

Staff who wish to accept any gifts from such persons should seek special permission from Management prior to the acceptance. Any gifts of substantial monetary value offered voluntarily to the staff in their official capacity are regarded as gifts to the organization and they should not be accepted without permission. Staff should decline the offer if the acceptance could affect their objectivity in conducting the organization's business, or induce them to act against the interest of the organization, or lead to complaints of bias or impropriety. In case of doubt, the staff should refer to their designated supervisor.

Relationships Outside Therapeutic Setting

All employees, volunteers, and interns are not permitted to enter into a business, personal relationship, or provide services outside of Recovery Works duties with current or former client/participants whom they have seen in a professional capacity for a period of two (2) years after services cease. A client/participant is any individual receiving services through Recovery Works; or any individual who has utilized Recovery Works services in the past and who is eligible for follow-up services.

Licensed staff and staff who hold restrictive certifications are held to the rules and regulations on dual relationships set forth by their licensing board. Establishing and maintaining appropriate boundaries is a requirement in providing services. Supervisors can provide additional guidance regarding appropriate boundaries.

Professionals who wish to provide services to current or former clients outside of Recovery Works must request permission to do so from the Board Of Directors prior to providing services to the client. Seeing clients in both the facility setting and on an individual basis represents a dual relationship that puts the therapeutic alliance between the counselor, the facility , the client, and the client’s family at risk.