Mount of Olives Rescue and Recovery Ministry, Inc.

Employee & Volunteer Code of Conduct​

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Effective Date: [TODAY]
Approved By: Board of Directors
Applies To: All employees, contractors, interns, and volunteers of Mount of Olives Rescue and Recovery Ministry, Inc. and affiliated activities under The Olives Group

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1. Purpose

 

This Code of Conduct establishes clear expectations for ethical behavior, professionalism, and accountability for all individuals serving with Mount of Olives Rescue and Recovery Ministry, Inc. ("Mount of Olives").

The purpose of this document is to:

• Protect program participants and staff

• Maintain legal and ethical compliance

• Preserve public trust and organizational integrity

• Support a safe, respectful, and recovery-centered environment

 

2. Core Principles

All employees and volunteers are expected to uphold the following principles:

• Integrity: Act honestly, ethically, and transparently at all times

• Respect: Treat all individuals with dignity regardless of background or belief

• Accountability: Accept responsibility for actions and decisions

• Service: Place participant well-being above personal interest

• Professional Boundaries: Maintain appropriate relationships at all times

 

3. Legal and Policy Compliance

All personnel must comply with:

• This Code of Conduct

• The Mount of Olives Compliance Policy Manual

• All applicable federal, state, and local laws

• Licensing, safety, and confidentiality requirements

Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment or volunteer service.

 

4. Participant Rights and Protection

Employees and volunteers shall:

• Respect participant rights, privacy, and autonomy

• Never exploit participants financially, emotionally, spiritually, or physically

• Never coerce or pressure participants into labor, donations, or religious activity

• Report suspected abuse, neglect, or misconduct immediately

Any form of harassment, intimidation, or retaliation is strictly prohibited.

 

5. Professional Boundaries and Relationships

To protect recovery integrity:

• Romantic or sexual relationships with current participants are strictly prohibited

• Financial relationships with participants are prohibited

• Personal favors, gifts, or loans involving participants are not permitted

• Dual relationships that impair judgment or create conflicts of interest must be avoided

Former participants may only engage in staff or volunteer roles following appropriate clearance and time separation, in accordance with organizational policy.

 

6. Faith-Based Conduct

Mount of Olives is a faith-based organization rooted in Christian values.

• Participation in religious activities must remain voluntary for participants

• No individual may be pressured or coerced into faith-based practices

• Staff and volunteers must respect diverse beliefs and backgrounds

Faith shall be expressed through service, integrity, and compassion, not coercion.

 

7. Confidentiality and Privacy

All personnel must protect confidential information, including:

• Participant records and personal data

• Health, treatment, and recovery information

• Internal organizational information

Information may only be disclosed in accordance with law, policy, and authorized procedures.

 

8. Workplace Safety and Conduct

Employees and volunteers must:

• Maintain a safe, drug-free, and violence-free environment

• Follow all safety protocols and instructions

• Immediately report hazards, injuries, or unsafe conditions

• Never be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while on duty

Weapons are prohibited on organizational premises unless explicitly authorized by law and policy.

 

9. Use of Authority and Power

Personnel must never misuse authority.

Prohibited conduct includes:

• Threats or intimidation

• Retaliation against participants or coworkers

• Conditioning services, housing, or benefits on compliance unrelated to recovery

Authority exists solely to support safety, recovery, and organizational mission.

 

10. Conflicts of Interest

All personnel must disclose any actual or potential conflicts of interest.

Conflicts include:

• Financial interests in vendors or partners

• Personal relationships that affect judgment

• Outside activities that interfere with duties

Failure to disclose conflicts may result in disciplinary action.

 

11. Reporting Concerns and Whistleblower Protection

Employees and volunteers are encouraged to report:

• Policy violations

• Unsafe or unethical behavior

• Abuse, neglect, or exploitation

Reports may be made without fear of retaliation. Retaliation is strictly prohibited.

 

12. Disciplinary Action

Violations of this Code may result in:

• Verbal or written warnings

• Suspension or reassignment

• Termination of employment or volunteer service

Discipline will be proportionate, documented, and consistent with law and policy.

 

13. Acknowledgment

All employees and volunteers must sign an acknowledgment confirming that they:

• Have received and read this Code of Conduct

• Understand their responsibilities

• Agree to comply with all provisions

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