Employment | Code of Ethics
To create a nation, a commonwealth and a community which achieve their highest economic and social potentials by each individual having the opportunity to reach the full extent of his/her capabilities, and to participate in the
American way of life.
"A society in which everyone has the opportunity for education and training,
the opportunity to work, and the opportunity to live in decency and dignity."
Preamble to the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964
Mission
To encourage self-reliance and self-determination by strengthening and empowering individuals, families and communities. To expand access to existing opportunities, create new opportunities, and mobilize the community's goodwill and resources.
Organizational Values
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Respect for others, their talents and potentials
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Advocacy for the oppressed, the disadvantaged, and the disenfranchised
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The passion to make a difference
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Investment in people's lives
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Responsiveness to the needs of the community
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Results orientation
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Fiscal and programmatic accountability
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Teamwork, collaboration with others, and partnership-building
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Excellence in performance
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Innovation
Overview of Standards
This overview is intended to help you become familiar with TAP's standards as contained in the code of
business conduct – not to provide their specific requirements. Please refer to the specific
details of these standards contained in the Code of Ethics for guidance. In all cases, TAP is required to complywith applicable laws, regulations and related policies and procedures.
Connecting with Each Other
We will conduct ourselves in a manner that reflects positively on the agency and treat others with whom
we interact on behalf of the agency, our workplace, and the environment with respect and dignity.
Non-Discrimination, Equal Opportunity and Diversity – We will not discriminate against others as
specified in the code of business conduct and will provide equal opportunity in employment
(selection, hires, promotions and transfers) and continue to support a workplace that values and respects
diversity where each employee can achieve his/her full personal and professional potential.
Harassment – We will not tolerate or engage in any behaviors that are harassing, including sexual harassment and offensive comments or jokes, and will address and/or immediately report any instances of harassment.
Employee Privacy – We will respect others’ privacy, but recognize that our privacy at work is limited
and subject to business needs.
Alcohol and Drug Use – We will abide by TAP's alcohol and drug-free workforce standards, including
not working or reporting to work under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs or controlled substances.
Health & Safety – We will follow healthy and safe business practices at work by recognizing that
workplace violence, threat of violence or carrying weapons is not tolerated. We will use care when
handling hazardous substances.
Conflicts of Interests
We will ensure that our personal and financial interests do not create, or appear to create, conflicts
with our TAP responsibilities.
Acceptance of Gifts - We will not accept gifts, monies or gratuities from persons receiving benefits or services under any program financially assisted by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Gifts – We may exchange non-monetary and generally modestly-valued gifts that promote
goodwill with our business partners and do not improperly influence others.
Gratuities - We will never encourage, accept or exchange gratuities for providing specific services.
Personal Relationships – We will ensure our relations with family and friends do not interfere with
our business responsibilities, such as conducting business with these parties or inappropriate
reporting relationships.
Company Benefits – We will only use company benefits plans for ourselves and other covered
persons and provide accurate information as required. We will not misrepresent reasons for absence
from work.
Company Information – We will work appropriately with information belonging to TAP, our clients,
business partners, or others, especially nonpublic (such as confidential or proprietary)
information.
Integrity of Records – We will prepare, protect, correct and approve records so that they are accurate,
truthful, complete and meet applicable standards, including records regarding work time and
expenses.
Company Time – We will properly use and record company time and ensure others do likewise,
including time worked.
Employment Outside of TAP - We are required to notify our supervisor if we accept or engage in any employment in addition to employment with TAP. Such employment shall not constitute a conflict of interest with, nor interfere with our duties and responsibilities at TAP. We shall not use TAP tools or equipment in completing outside jobs responsibilities.
Agency Identity and Reputation – We will protect TAP's identity and reputation, such as
through use of its brand name and logo and in external communications.
Overview of Standards
We should always consult the detailed standards contained in the code of business conduct for more specific guidance.