Competency Series: 1 - Professional Responsibility
Adhere to professional code of conduct
Career Development Professionals (CDPs) provide services within their scope of practice to meet legal and professional obligations. In situations where clients present with complex physical, mental, and cognitive issues, CDPs refer clients to qualified professionals for treatment and care.
Career Development Professionals (CDPs) maintain professional boundaries with clients to protect the client from potential harm. CDPs have a relationship of trust with their clients, who may feel vulnerable under certain circumstances, such as when they are disclosing personal history and personal needs. This relationship may create a power imbalance, or a sense that the CDP has influence on the level of services or support the client will be offered.CDPs must use professional judgement to prevent boundary issues from arising and to establish and manage boundaries in a variety of circumstances, including the prevention and management of possible conflicts of interest. Managing boundaries relates to client’s personal dignity, privacy and self-agency.Professional boundaries extend beyond the client relationship, such as when CDPs assume supervisory responsibilities and have influence over workplace colleagues.
Career Development Professionals (CDPs) provide clients (or a legally authorized representative) comprehensive information that will allow them to make informed decisions on the services to be provided. Prior to engaging with any services, CDPs must provide a written statement of consent and review it with the client and answer all questions. Where needed, CDPs arrange for an interpreter or translation of documents to ensure the client understands the information being shared. When ready, clients sign the agreement.
Career Development Professionals (CDPs) obtain clients’ consent to gather, store and share personal information. CDPs maintain and secure confidentiality of information collected. CDPs adhere to relevant legislation regarding storage of personal information.
Career Development Professionals (CDPs) make accurate statements regarding their qualifications (professional training and credentials) and professional affiliations to protect the integrity of the practice.