COTS Ethics Agreement:
COTS strives to honor the dignity of those we serve by conducting ourselves to the ethical standard as outlined in this document. This policy includes expectations regarding volunteer’s behavior towards guests, staff, and overall organization.
The list of ethics is not to be considered exhaustive should a scenario not explicitly outlined in this document arise. COTS volunteers should seek council from a staff member or the Community Outreach and Volunteer Specialist with any questions regarding an ethical or unethical behavior.
COTS volunteers are encouraged to use this document as well as appropriate applicable laws and regulations when making decisions on how to respond to ethical scenarios.
Responsibility to Participants:
A participant is defined by a child or adult who is currently engaged in a COTS program. COTS volunteers advance the welfare of people experiencing homelessness in Chittenden County. COTS Volunteers respect the rights, boundaries and dignity of every person.
COTS is firmly committed to prohibiting discrimination against employees, clients, and volunteers on the basis of race, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, ability, gender, health status, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation. COTS volunteers agree to provide assistance equally and without discrimination.
COTS prohibits sexual and other forms of harassment to its employees, clients, and volunteers.
COTS volunteers shall not be allowed on COTS premises while under the influence of alcohol or other illegal drugs.
Guest confidentiality shall be protected at all times except when done in accordance with mandated reporting and abuse reporting requirements as designated by State or Federal Law.
Abuse, neglect or exploitation of any participant by a COTS volunteer is strictly prohibited. All COTS volunteers must report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation which comes to their attention to a staff member or proper authorities.
COTS volunteers agree to not misrepresent COTS in their personal or business affairs. All political activities must be done privately and in no way associated with COTS.
All COTS staff and volunteers are expected to dress and groom themselves in accordance with accepted business standards. Proper attire reflects our belief that clients should be served with dignity and respect.
COTS volunteers may not give, solicit, or accept any gift, gratuity, favor, entertainment, loan, or any other item of monetary value from any person or organization within or outside of COTS employment as well as participants. Volunteers are strongly encouraged to donate any in-kind gift to COTS within accordance of COTS in-kind donation policies through the Community Outreach and Volunteer Specialist.
COTS volunteers may not purchase from or sell merchandise to clients in COTS programs.
COTS volunteers shall not under any circumstance leave COTS property with a guest under the age of 18 without accompaniment with a COTS employee or a parent/guardian.
Smoking is prohibited inside all buildings occupied by COTS programs, staff, clients, and guests. Smoking may only be permitted in designated areas outside the building.
COTS volunteers shall refrain from engaging in any dual or multiple relationships with current or former clients. It is the responsibility of the volunteer to set clear, appropriate, and culturally sensitive boundaries.
COTS volunteers have an obligation to report in accordance with the Whistleblower Policy any practice or activity they believe is in violation of a law or regulation. This policy protects the whistleblower from retaliation.
