This document discusses ethics and maintaining professionalism for community assistants. It defines ethics as concepts that govern human conduct at work and in interactions. Confidentiality and appropriate social media use are discussed. Assistants should maintain professionalism through honest and consistent behavior, responsible relationships with residents and coworkers, and appropriate use of authority, funds, and resources. Two scenarios are presented involving discovering a staff member lied about time off and seeing underage residents at a party. Assistants are advised to consider their options, who to inform, and how to maintain positive relationships in handling such situations.

1. Community
Assistant Ethics
Cassie Erler, SCA
Fred Carter, Jr., ED

2. What are ethics?
 Basic concepts and fundamental principles of
decent human conduct
 Can govern the way we:
 Work
 Interact with others
 Behave
 Shared values of the group

3. Confidentiality

4. Social Media
 Appropriate use
 Inappropriate use
 Posting about residents
 Positive or negative
 Posting about incidents
 Post photos/videos that depict policy violations
 Use private page
 Friending, following, accepting requests from
residnets

5. Maintain Professionalism
 Appropriate use of authority and access
 Master keys
 Departments funds and materials
 School resources
 Consistency
 Honesty
 Ownership
 Of the position
 Of your mistakes

6. Maintain Professionalism (cont.)
 Responsible Relationships
 Appropriate relationships vs. inappropriate
relationships
 With residents
 With co-workers

7. Scenario 1
 You go onto Facebook and discover that a fellow
staff member has posted about going to Pumpkin
Fest with his SO. This troubles you because he
asked that someone switch duty with him in order
to allow him to get home for a family emergency.
 What are your options for handling this situation?
 Who should you tell and why?
 How can you maintain the staff relationships you’ve
worked so hard to gain?

8. Scenario 2
 You are at a registered social gathering with your
friends who are of age. A few hours into the party
you spot a group of your residents whom you
know to be underage.
 What are your options for handling this situation?
 How would you follow up with your residents after
the situation?
 How would you maintain the positive relationships
you have worked hard to build?