narpaa e-class module 11 - professionalism

8/6/2019 NARPAA E-Class Module 11 - Professionalism

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National Association ofResidential Providers for Adults

with AutismNARPAA ECLASS

Autism Education for Direct

Care Staffwww.narpaa.org


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MODULE ELEVEN

PROFESSIONALISM

www.narpaa.org


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MODULE ELEVEN

As a result of completion of this module, the participant

will be able to:

Explain what is meant by professionalism.

Identify the responsibilities of the Support Personregarding professionalism.


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PROFESSIONALISM

If you talk to different people, you'll find that the wordprofessionalism is interpreted in many different ways.Whether your job is supporting people with disabilities,mowing lawns, managing a store, or running a largecompany; there are common aspects that define anyworking person as a true professional. In other words, the

job doesn't make you a professional, but your attitudedoes.


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PROFESSIONALISM

Even though everyone recognizes a true professional inaction, there are many misconceptions about whatconstitutes professionalism. The way you conductyourself, dress, speak to and show respect for people,keep time on the job or any other behavior associatedwith the job you do all determine your standard ofprofessionalism.


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APPEARANCE

The respect we have for others is reflected in the way wedress when supporting them. To be professional, weshould also appear professional. We do not have todress in the latest fashions or most expensive clothes toappear professional. It is important, however, to ensureour clothes are clean and in good order.

Clothes should be free from rips, holes and stains. Wecannot expect the people we work with to support, learnand adopt a good standard of dress and appearance ifwe do not act as role models for them.


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APPEARANCE

It is also unacceptable to wear gang related insignia anddress, including bandanas and the like. This shouldinclude other forms of clothing, such as T-shirts thatcontain inappropriate advertising logos and slogans. Weshould think carefully about the message on any other

printed clothing and ensure there is nothing potentiallypersonal or offensive to another person.

Clothes are not the only measure of good appearance. A

good standard of personal hygiene and grooming is alsorequired if we are to achieve an acceptable level ofprofessionalism. Clean teeth, brushed hair and cleannails are all aspects of appearance we should consider.


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CONFIDENTIALITY

We are all legally mandated to show respectfor the rights of the people we work to

support. Confidentiality is a right thatclients and our organizations alike shouldexpect, if not insist. In light of this, clientnames and other information that can

identify them must be kept confidential.


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CONFIDENTIALITY

The following requirements regardingconfidentiality should always be

considered: Clients names should not be used outside

of the program or be made public;

All records associated with the client andorganization must be kept secure in a

locked cabinet; and


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CONFIDENTIALITY

Records should only be accessible to thefollowing people:

Program staff; The client;

Legal parent, guardian or conservator;

People who have written permission from theclients or their legal conservator or parent; and

The courts when legally requested.


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CONFIDENTIALITY

Confidentiality does not only refer to security of documentsand other information. The records themselves thatcontain information regarding a client must be written in

such a way that second and third parties are alsoprotected. For example, when writing an incident reportdescribing an altercation between two individuals,incident reports should be completed for both parties andshould not explicitly identify any person other than the

one the report relates to. These records must be writtenin an objective and respectful manner and not reflectopinions or anxieties.


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CONFIDENTIALITY

When outside the work place, it is not acceptable to tellstories about clients or the organization. Even when a

name is not used, it is not acceptable for a number of

reasons. Doing this can perpetuate a distorted publicperception of people with disabilities. Clients can also befurther excluded, ostracized and treated without thedignity they deserve.


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REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Abuse

Staff working in services are required by law to report any

actual or suspected form of abuse against a client. Thismight include something as serious as physical or sexualabuse or something like disrespect and bullying.


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REPORTING REQUIREMENTS

Abuse

Most organizations have their own systems for reporting

such events. You should familiarize yourself with yourown organizations systems. If you are not sure where or

how to report abuse issues, ask your supervisor ormanager for assistance. Remember, if you have

knowledge of any actual or suspected abuse occurringand you dont report it, you can be held responsible fornot doing so.


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INCIDENT REPORTING

All organizations delivering support services to clients withdisabilities are required to have a system for recordingincidents occurring in the service. What constitutes an

incident can vary within organizations; however, there arebasic requirements across all organizations. Theseinclude incidents resulting in injury, public disturbance,and aggression. You should familiarize yourself with theincident reporting requirements and system for your

organization. If you are not sure, ask your supervisor ormanager for assistance.


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INCIDENT REPORTING

When completing an incident report, there are a few keyrules you should always use as a guide:

If not electronic, write clearly and legibly. Only report verifiable facts.

Use respectful non judging language.

Uphold the dignity of those involved at all times.

Be objective. You are reporting an incident, not providingan opinion.


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WORK ETHIC

Work ethic is a cultural norm that advocates beingpersonally accountable and responsible for the work thatyou do. Consider the following measures of work ethic

and ask yourself how you measure up.

Are you reliable and dependable?

Do you follow organizational policy/rules/regulations?

Do you work efficiently? Are you conscientious?


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WORK ETHIC

Are you patient?

Are you punctual?

Are you cooperative?

Do you have enthusiasm?

Are you courteous?

Are you well groomed?

Are you loyal?

How did you measure up?


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MAINTAINING APPROPRIATEBOUNDARIES

It is your responsibility, not your client's, to maintainappropriate boundaries in your professional relationship.We need to be especially careful regarding any conduct

that could impair your objectivity and professionaljudgment in serving your client.

A key to maintaining boundaries is recognizing and avoiding

the dangers of dual relationships. Dual relationshipsrefer to situations during which you relate to clients inmore than one context. These might include professional,social, or commercial relationships. Dual relationshipscan occur simultaneously or consecutively.


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MAINTAINING APPROPRIATEBOUNDARIES

They include, but are not limited to: Working with a client with whom you have had a prior

sexual relationship;

Forming a sexual relationship with a current client or

someone who has been your client; Working with clients to whom you are related by blood or

legal ties;

Entering into legal agreements with clients for the

provision of services; Entering into financial relationships with clients; or

Continuing friendships outside of you professionalrelationship with a client


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ALWAYS REMEMBER

Remember, you are employed to provide supportfor the clients and help them to gain the skillsand competencies that will increase theirindependence and opportunities. While all

relationships are interdependent to a degree, ourgoal is to ensure our clients do not becomedependent on us. To whatever degree isachievable, our goal is to fade our support andencourage people to build a life of independence

and dignity.

narpaa e-class module 11 - professionalism

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