About Kadima

Ethical Code of Conduct

In matters of our mission/philosophy, ethical standards, vision, approach, business practice, marketing, service delivery, professional responsibilities and human resources, board members, staff and volunteers are expected to demonstrate their ongoing commitment to Kadima’s Ethical Code of Conduct.

Mission/Philosophy

• Kadima’s mission statement guides the professional and personal philosophy of the organization, the board of directors and the staff; the agency is uniquely challenged on a daily basis to create solutions for children and adults who struggle with psychiatric disabilities.

Ethical Standards

• Kadima abides by the highest professional standards with the highest degree of honesty, integrity, accountability, confidentiality and diversity.
• Exercise the powers invested for the good of all members of the organization rather than for his/her personal gain.

Vision

• Incorporate standards of best practice to the persons we serve. Kadima means “moving forward” which drives our philosophy in how we serve clients, provide access to service, promote inclusion, advance staff and develop programs that enhance the dignity and well-being of persons served.

Approach

• Kadima values transparency, independence, autonomy, growth and development through internal and external cooperation and collaboration.
• Strive for excellence in quality of care.
• Outreach in professionally creative and caring ways to meet community needs.

Business Practices/Responsible Stewardship

• Comply with legal requirements related to nonprofit management, reporting and governance.
• Be responsible stewards of financial resources.
• Fiscal responsibility and due diligence through board financial oversight, transparency and wise utilization of resources.
• Adhere to sound accounting principles that ensure fiscal responsibility and build public trust.
• Maintain an effective, efficient manner to monitor revenue and expenses.
• Spend a reasonable percentage of the annual budget on programs in pursuance of our mission.
• Spend an adequate amount on administrative expenses to ensure effective accounting systems, internal controls, competent staff and other expenditures critical to professional management.
• Compensate staff and any others who may receive compensation, reasonably and appropriately.
• Responsible use of fundraising, donor, foundation, grant and public revenue for purposes that ensure adherence to Kadima’s mission.
• Prudently draw from endowment funds consistent with donor intent.
• Ensure that spending practices and policies are fair, reasonable and appropriate.
• Review financial reports to ensure they are factually accurate and complete in all material respects.

Marketing

• Maintain designated staff responsible for communications, marketing and media relations.
• Marketing materials designed to raise public awareness, understanding and commitment to Kadima’s mission.
• Uniformity of marketing materials that define Kadima to the general public.
• Practice as stewards of society to create, facilitate and execute our mission.
• Embrace the highest professional ethical norms and values toward multiple stakeholders, e.g., persons served, family members, professionals, staff, donors and funders.
• Materials accurately represent Kadima’s policies and practices and reflect the dignity of persons served.
• General communication that is thoughtful and intentional and focused on raising public consciousness and understanding Kadima’s mission.

Service Delivery

• Ensure non-discriminatory practices with delivery of services to persons served and to staff.
• Follow NASW Code of Ethics in delivery of services to persons served.
• Hire qualified staff and provide ongoing trainings.
• Uphold collaboration, advocacy and strategic alliances within Kadima and with the community.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain a professional level of courtesy, dignity, kindness, respect, integrity and objectivity in all activities and delivery of services.
• Abide by NASW Code of Ethics, HIPAA/Confidentiality, Kadima’s Code of Ethics, Kadima By-Laws, Kadima Personnel Practices Employee Handbook and all local, state and federal legal requirements of a 501 ©(3).
• Engage in public policy and advocacy activities to promote persons served and reduce stigma related to mental illness.
• Board governance that provides overall leadership and strategic direction.
• Set policy and ensure resources to carry out Kadima’s mission.
• Provide direct oversight to the executive director.
• Exercise fair and equitable practices to attract and retain qualified board members.
• Annual input from persons served, family members of persons served, board members, staff and stakeholders.

Human Resources

• Exercise fair and equitable human resource practices to attract and retain qualified staff.
• Adhere to all legal employment requirements including but not limited to EOE.
• Provide a healthy and safe staff work environment.
• Maintain human resources policies and procedures that promote mutual cooperation.
• Update Personnel Practices Employee Handbook as needed and distribute to staff.