Code of ethics
In order to deliver on its mission, the Ontario Personal Support Worker Association wants to elevate the profession and protect the vulnerable members of the public we serve by ensuring that members are competent and act in an ethical manner.
4 Principles of OPSWA
Providing Guidance to PSWs
The OPSWA’s Code of Ethics is founded on four principles to provide guidance to PSWs. These principals designate what is acceptable professional conduct, and establish and encourage the acceptance and maintenance of province-wide standards of knowledge and ethics for all PSWs. The Code of Ethics sets out the principles that guide member conduct.
01
Working with Skill and Competence
- Members must provide high-quality services to the individuals under their care.
- Members must employ appropriate health and safety measures in the work environment in which they are practicing.
- Members must ensure that their work activities are within the limits of their knowledge, experience and skill, and aligned with the defined professional responsibilities of PSWs.
- Members must strive to balance the needs of the individuals under their care with the interests of the individuals’ families/guardians and/or the member’s employer, acting in good faith towards all parties at all times.
02
Working with Integrity and Respect for the Law
- Members must work with integrity, in a manner that supports and advances the PSW profession.
- Members must provide services in an honest and diligent manner.
- Members must not knowingly assist in or encourage dishonesty or illegal conduct.
- A member who discovers that dishonesty or illegal activity has been occurring in an organization or in the workplace should take every appropriate and reasonable step to stop the activity.
- Members must not allow personal interests to cloud their judgment or to cause them to act in an unprofessional manner.
- Members must hold in strict confidence all confidential information acquired in the course of the performance of their duties, unless required by law and/or where serious harm is imminent.
- Members must refrain from using such information with a view to obtaining a direct or indirect benefit for him/herself or for another person.
03
A Commitment to Respect and Dignity
- Members must respect the rights and dignity of all individuals for whom they provide care and support.
- Members must, as far as they are able, protect the physical and mental health of all individuals for whom they provide care and support.
- Under no circumstances should a member, in the course of their work, engage in or condone any of the following acts directed against the individuals for whom they provide care and support:
- Any acts of physical or psychological violence;
- Any acts of harassment or intimidation, Any acts of discrimination on the grounds of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, gender, sexual orientation, age, record of offences, marital status, family status or disability;
- Any sexual impropriety.
- Under no circumstances should a member engage in or condone any of those same acts directed against their fellow PSWs.
04
A Commitment to Professional Growth and Support of Other PSWs
- Members must make every effort to keep their knowledge and skills up to date.
- Members must, as far as they are able, take part in activities and professional development sessions organized for the members of the Association.
- Members must, as far as they are able, contribute to the development of PSWs by sharing their knowledge and experience with other members of the Association and students.