State law and DDS policy establish very strict standards regarding the care and treatment of individuals DDS serves. Each individual who receives funding or services from DDS has the right to be free from neglect, emotional abuse, physical abuse, financial exploitation, or mistreatment. Any DDS employee shall attempt to safely intervene if they observe instances of abuse or neglect. Employees must immediately report suspected or known cases of abuse or neglect to the DDS AID Central Intake at 1-844-878-8923.
Staff also are required to report any situations where individuals are not treated with respect and dignity or any situations that compromise the health and safety of the individuals. Employees are required at all times to act in ways that protect the health and safety of individuals and to treat them with respect and dignity.
DDS is also responsible for maintaining the DDS Registry as established by state law. The Registry lists the names of former employees, from both the public and private sectors, who have been separated from employment as a result of substantiated abuse or neglect as confirmed through an administrative hearing process. Former employees listed on the Registry are prohibited from further employment in the field of intellectual disability services within Connecticut.
VIOLENCE IN THE WORKPLACE POLICY
The State of Connecticut has adopted a statewide zero tolerance policy for workplace violence. Therefore, except as may be required as a condition of employment: no employee shall bring into any state worksite any weapon or dangerous instrument; no employee shall use, attempt to use, or threaten to use any such weapon or dangerous instrument in a state worksite; and, no employee shall cause or threaten to cause death or physical injury to any individual in a state worksite. Any weapon or dangerous instrument at the worksite will be confiscated and there is no reasonable expectation of privacy with respect to such items in the workplace.
A copy of the State of Connecticut Violence in the Workplace Policy is provided to all employees. Contact your local Human Resources office if you need another copy of this policy. More information regarding this important issue is available on line at Violence in the Workplace Policy and Procedures Manual.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY
This Department has very strict policies against the possession, use, transportation, or distribution of drugs or alcoholic beverages while on the job and also against operating state vehicles or equipment while intoxicated, under the influence, impaired or otherwise unfit for duty. Violations of these policies will result in very severe disciplinary action being taken, which may include lengthy suspensions or dismissal.
A copy of the State of Connecticut Drug-Free Workplace Policy (rev. 7/98) is provided to all employees. If you need another copy of this policy you may contact your local Human Resources office or access the policy on line at Connecticut's Drug-Free Workplace Policy.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Department of Developmental Services realizes that at some point in their career a number of employees may have personal or health concerns that can cause problems in their lives at home or at work. These concerns can involve a wide range of problems including emotional issues such as stress, depression and anxiety; family issues like marital problems, divorce parenting and eldercare; alcohol and other drug dependencies; bereavement and loss; or budget and debt. Recognizing the value of supporting the health and well being of its employees and their families, the Department provides and strongly supports the Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The goal of the program is to provide easy access to professional help so that employees can address their problems in the early stages before they become more difficult to manage.
The EAP is strictly confidential. Your name is not reported to DDS unless you authorize it in writing. The program is free and available to employees and their family members. If you think you or a family member might need help in dealing with a personal problem you can contact EAP at their toll free number 1-800-526-3485. You can also get information on the program at www.solutions-eap.com.
ELECTRONIC MONITORING NOTICE
State Of Connecticut Electronic Monitoring Notice
Employees' work activities and communications may be subject to electronic monitoring. Activities involving State computer equipment and computer and/or electronic documents, data, and communications, including e- mail and internet usage, are subject to being monitored, recorded and reviewed. The fact that a document, data, or communication has been "deleted" does not mean that the item cannot be monitored or retrieved and reviewed.
ACCEPTABLE USE OF STATE SYSTEMS POLICY
Acceptable Use of State Systems Policy
State systems, including e-mail, electronic mail, internet, intranet, computers, laptops, and related technologies and equipment is to be used for state business only. All information contained therein is State property; information created, sent, received, accessed, or stored using State systems is the property of the State. All activities involving the use of State systems are not personal or private; therefore, users should have no expectation of privacy in the use of these resources. All users must identify themselves clearly and accurately in all electronic communications.
Acceptable activities for use of Email: Use email in accordance with your job duties and responsibilities only. Sending/receiving correspondence for job-related purposes; communicating with local governments, vendors, other state agencies and/or employees, etc. on work-related issues; collaborating with other organizations, states and federal government about initiatives and projects of interest to Connecticut.
- Misuse of Email: Creating or forwarding jokes, chain messages, or any non-work-related messages, checking personal e-mail/responding to; sending or forwarding messages referring to political causes/activities; sending/responding to messages concerning sport pools, baby pools or other gambling activities, etc.
Acceptable activities for using the Internet: Use the internet to research state and federal legislation/ regulations as they pertain to the user’s State position; obtain information useful to users in their official capacity.
- Misuse of Internet: Pirating software; stealing passwords; hacking other machines on the Internet; participating in viewing or exchange pornography or obscene materials; engaging in illegal or inappropriate activities using the Internet; personal job searches; shopping on-line for non-work-related items; checking/viewing stocks or conducting any personal financial planning activities.
TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT POLICY
Telecommunications Equipment Policy
All telecommunications equipment and services, including telephones, telephone calling cards, PDA type devices, facsimile machines, and cellular telephones and similar devices issued to state agencies or state employees are to be used for state business only.
Individuals who are assigned telecommunications equipment are responsible for safeguarding such equipment and controlling its use.Violation of this policy can include discipline up to and including dismissal from State service.
CODE OF ETHICS/CONFLICT OF INTEREST
All State officials and employees (except judges) are subject to a Code of Ethics. The ethical rules are contained in Connecticut General Statutes 1-84 through 1-86. Basically, these rules are designed to prevent individuals from using public position or authority, or confidential information gained in state service, for personal financial benefit. Public officials and state employees are prohibited from:
- accepting outside employment which will impair independence of judgment as to official duties or require or induce disclosure of confidential information gained in state service;
- using public position or confidential information gained in state service for financial benefit of oneself, one's family, or an associated business;
- representing another for compensation, or being a member of a business that represents a client for compensation before certain State agencies;
- soliciting or accepting anything of value based on an understanding that doing so will influence official action;
- entering into contracts with the State unless the contract has been awarded through an open and public process;
- accepting any gift or gifts during the calendar year, knowing the aggregate value to be $50 or more, from one known to be or to represent a registered lobbyist.
In some cases, the above prohibitions also apply to the immediate families of state officials and employees.
If you feel there may be a conflict of interest, you must contact the State Ethics Commission for guidance. Employees who do not do so and are subsequently found to have violated the Code of Ethics may be subject to sanctions and disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.
More detailed information on the ethics standards can be accessed from the State Ethics Commission at www.ct.gov/ethics/.
POLITICAL ACTIVITY
As a State employee State Statute governs your involvement in various political activities, such as campaigning and running for elective office. Also, if you are working on projects or programs financed in whole or in part by federal funds, you are subject to the provisions of the Federal Hatch Act that is generally more restrictive than State Statute. The purpose of these laws is to avoid a Conflict of Interest between your State job and such political activities. More detailed information regarding political activity may be found in DAS General Letter 214D, accessible online at https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DAS/Statewide-HR/A---Z-Listing-Task-PDFs/Political-Activity-of-State-Employees--DAS-General-Letter-214D--August-21-2014.pdf.
If you currently hold an elective position or are planning to run for elective office, you should contact your local Human Resources office for information and guidance.
PREVENTION AND REPORTING OF FRAUD, WASTE AND ABUSE
Employees are advised that State and Federal law prohibits any employee, contractor or agent of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) from participating in fraud, waste or abuse of state or federal resources, including the submission of false claims for payment. Any person, company or entity that acts in deliberate ignorance of or with reckless disregard of the truth of such information is considered to have acted knowingly. The DDS procedure, I.F.PR.012 Prevention and Reporting of Fraud, Waste and Abuse, outlines the process and the employee's responsibility to report any instances of fraud, waste or abuse of a state or federal program
EMPLOYMENT OF RELATIVES AND UNMARRIED PARTNERS
In accordance with DDS Policy II.D.PO 019, Relatives and unmarried partners of current employees may be considered for permanent employment within the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) under the following conditions and restrictions: the applicant shall not be under the direct supervision of the employed relative or unmarried partner and/or the employed relative or unmarried partner shall not be in a position to influence the applicant’s salary, benefits, working conditions, or personnel activities such as disciplinary actions. DDS reserves the right to restrict the employment of relatives or unmarried partners when such appointment would place the applicant within the same physical work location.
Employees wishing to review this policy may do so by using the link provided.