Professional Ethics and Standards Flashcards

An I&R specialist receives a call from an individual who is frustrated with the eligibility process for a local food assistance program. The caller states they were denied but believes they qualify. According to AIRS Standards, which of the following is the most appropriate action for the specialist to take?

Answer: Offer to contact the agency on the caller's behalf to clarify the eligibility criteria and advocate for a review of the application, with the caller's permission.

AIRS Standards support the role of advocacy for I&R specialists. When an inquirer faces barriers to service, the specialist, with the inquirer's consent, can intervene to help them obtain the services for which they are eligible. This can include contacting the agency to clarify information or negotiate on the inquirer's behalf.

According to the AIRS Code of Ethics, what is the primary principle regarding the information provided to inquirers?

Answer: Providing information that is accurate, unbiased, and non-judgmental.

The AIRS (now Inform USA) Ethical Principles state that specialists must maintain and provide information that is accurate and unbiased in a nonjudgmental way. The service should be impartial, empowering the client to make an informed choice from all available nonprofit, government, and for-profit services.

A client you assisted with housing resources a month ago calls you on your personal cell phone after hours to ask for a small loan, explaining they are a few dollars short for a bus pass to get to a job interview. How should a professional I&R specialist handle this request?

Answer: Ignore the call as it is outside of business hours.

Maintaining professional boundaries is a critical ethical standard. This includes not engaging in personal, financial, or emotional relationships with clients. Providing a loan would cross this boundary. The correct action is to politely refuse while reinforcing the professional relationship and offering to assist through appropriate channels.

Which of the following is a key requirement for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of a resource database according to AIRS Standards?

Answer: Having a documented inclusion/exclusion policy that is applied consistently.

AIRS Standard 7 specifically addresses the need for a documented inclusion/exclusion policy. This policy defines what will and will not be included in the resource database and must be applied consistently to ensure the database is a reliable, unbiased, and comprehensive source of information.

An I&R specialist is conducting a follow-up call with a client who was referred to a mental health clinic. The client states they have not yet received services. What is the specialist's ethical responsibility in this situation?

Answer: To engage in further problem-solving, which may include making new or additional referrals.

According to AIRS Standards, if a follow-up reveals that an individual's need has not been met, the service should engage in problem-solving and attempt new or additional appropriate referrals to support the client in obtaining the needed services.

Under what circumstances is it ethically permissible for an I&R professional to breach client confidentiality without the client's consent?

Answer: When there is a substantive risk to the client's or someone else's life, or when required by law.

The AIRS Code of Ethics emphasizes safeguarding client privacy and confidentiality. However, it makes an exception in specific circumstances where there is a substantive risk of harm to the client or another person (imminent danger), or when a disclosure is mandated by law or court order (e.g., reporting suspected child abuse).