Values & Ethics

Code of Ethics

PWI Staff

PWI staff members will recognize that they represent PWI. Staff members will perform all functions of their job according to the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity, lawfulness and responsibility. PWI’s Code includes, but is not limited to the following.

PWI staff members ...

are encouraged to access PWI’s open door policy if they wish to discuss concerns, comments, or suggestions.
are encouraged to respect appropriate channels and approach their direct supervisor first.
will at all times deal fairly, respectfully and professionally with all other PWI staff, clients, and members of the community.
will responsibly and properly use PWI property and will not use or take property of PWI or of another PWI staff member without prior proper written authorization.
will not use or take property of a PWI client.
will abide by all PWI Policies, Procedures, written and verbal communications.
will not possess or work under the influence of alcoholic beverages or illegal non-prescription drugs during work hours or on PWI’s or any employer's premises.
will not knowingly falsify any records related to business/financial practices, or performance of their job duties at PWI and/or knowingly withhold information from PWI. Honesty and the highest level of professional integrity is expected at all times.

Governance Authority

PWI is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. Board members commit to the highest standards of professional ethics, integrity, lawfulness and responsibility.

Business and Financial Practices

PWI shall maintain confidentiality, promote sound and informative financial reporting, and maintain the highest standards of personal and professional conduct. The community deserves and shall receive practices and services from PWI that maintain and promote standards of technical competence, morality, and integrity.

Marketing

PWI staff members will seek business only on a fair and competitive basis. It will not engage in unfair competition in selling or marketing its services. PWI will conduct marketing that is client oriented, innovative, and mission-directed. PWI's promotion of its services will be ethical, honest, and positive.

Persons Receiving Services

Clients will be treated with respect, dignity and professionalism. Staff members will be expected to understand and abide by the information shared in the client handbook.

Treatment of Community Members

PWI representatives will conduct themselves professionally when interacting with any member of the community. Ethical conduct is expected of all staff members whenever representing PWI with the community.

Other issues identified by PWI and/or stakeholders

PWI will respond to any issues identified by PWI or its stakeholders. Everyone is encouraged to share their concerns with PWI. Methods for sharing issues include - suggestion boxes, PWI's web site, surveys that seek input from all stakeholders.

Allegations & Procedure

If anyone chooses to make an allegation with respect to a violation of ethics and/or conduct, they must put their allegations/concerns in writing and forward the allegation to the Executive Director (ED). The ED will take the necessary and appropriate steps to address the concern(s).

PWI Values

Advocacy: Support the rights of persons with disabilities to have meaningful and gainful employment within their communities.
Choice: Clients are aware of, and responsible for, all decisions.
Clients: Persons with disabilities are ‘people first’. We believe in the potential, uniqueness, and value inherent in each person.
Community: Making meaningful contributions to the communities in which we live, serve, and work.
Excellence: Always pursuing the best in everything we do.
Focused: Proactively shaping and evolving our services to respond to our clients' and stakeholders’ needs.
Improvement: Continuous improvement means initiating thoughtful change that improves our processes, practices, and services.
Integrity: Creating a climate of mutual trust and respect that drives open, honest, and proactive communication and ethical conduct.
Opportunity: Persons with disabilities deserve to have the opportunity to plan their vocational future.
Outcomes: Measurable progress toward critical results
Ownership: Encouraging a sense of ownership, accountability and responsibility for our own and clients' successes.
Passion: Enthusiasm for our work - reflected in our attitudes, actions and achievements. We enjoy our work and it shows.
Risk: There is tremendous dignity in taking informed risks. We never know how we will do ... until we try
Staff: Skilled, competent, and caring staff members.
Support: The confidence, commitment and support of our many and varied stakeholders.
Teamwork: We can achieve far more together than alone.