The Service Coordinator is a quality enhancement professional dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with disabilities through the utilization of listening, consultation, advocacy, teaching, and comprehensive and demanding standards.

It is the responsibility of the Service Coordinator to provide high quality supports and services to people.  The professional has a commitment to excellence and accountability to all concerned.  The Service Coordinator respects and affirms people with disabilities' rights to experience life to the fullest.  The professional recognizes that the basis for quality in the delivery of services goes beyond simply meeting standards of practice, to the perceived value of the service as judged by the person served.

The ethical behavior of the Service Coordinator results not from edict, but from a personal commitment.  This code is offered to affirm that Service Coordinators will act ethically.  In itself, this code does not represent a set of rules that will dictate all the behaviors of the Service Coordinator in all the complexities of professional life.  Rather, it offers general principles to guide conduct, and the judicious appraisal of conduct in situations that have ethical implications.

1. The primary obligation of the Service Coordinator is to the person being served.  In all relationships, the Service Coordinator will protect the person's welfare and dignity and will diligently seek to assist the person to realize his/her goals.  Part of this obligation is to ensure the person is informed of his/her rights and has the information to make choices.


2. The Service Coordinator's view of confidentiality goes beyond legalism.  It indicates an explicit promise or contract to reveal nothing about a person except under conditions agreed to by the source of the subject.


3. The Service Coordinator will respect the family as an important part of the person's life.  The Service Coordinator will attempt to enlist the understanding and involvement of the family as a positive resource in promoting plans and enhancing the person's independence.


4. The Service Coordinator expresses loyalty to his/her organization and persons served by speaking, writing, and acting in such a way as to bring credit to the organization.


5. The Service Coordinator respects and supports his/her colleagues to facilitate their ongoing effectiveness.


6. The Service Coordinator advocates for the person by facilitating the contribution of all disciplines involved in providing supports and services.


7. The Service Coordinator regards his/her professional status as an obligation to relate to the community at a level of responsibility and morality that is higher than that required.  He/she uses knowledge, abilities and leadership to promote the welfare of people with disabilities.


8. The Service Coordinator promotes relationships with other organizations to provide optimum services and supports.


9. The SouthWest Society of Service Coordinators is an inclusive organization that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual preference or disability.