AIRS - Alliance of Information and Referral Systems Professional Ethics and Standards Questions and Answers

Question 1

An I&R specialist receives a call from an individual who is frustrated with the eligibility process for a local food assistance program.
The caller states they were denied but believes they qualify.
According to AIRS Standards, which of the following is the most appropriate action for the specialist to take?

Accepted Answer

Offer to contact the agency on the caller's behalf to clarify the eligibility criteria and advocate for a review of the application, with the caller's permission.

Answer

Advise the caller to give up as the agency's decision is final.

Answer

Provide the caller with the phone number for a different food bank without addressing the issue with the first agency.

Answer

Tell the caller to file a formal lawsuit against the agency.

Question 2

According to the AIRS Code of Ethics, what is the primary principle regarding the information provided to inquirers?

Accepted Answer

Providing information that is accurate, unbiased, and non-judgmental.

Answer

Providing only information about government-funded programs.

Answer

Prioritizing referrals to the specialist's own organization.

Answer

Sharing only information that the specialist personally agrees with.

Question 3

A client you assisted with housing resources a month ago calls you on your personal cell phone after hours to ask for a small loan, explaining they are a few dollars short for a bus pass to get to a job interview. How should a professional I&R specialist handle this request?

Accepted Answer

Ignore the call as it is outside of business hours.

Answer

Agree to the loan to ensure the client gets to the interview.

Answer

Gently decline the request, explain that you cannot provide personal financial assistance, and offer to explore emergency transportation resources with them during business hours.

Answer

Report the client to their housing case manager for inappropriate contact.

Question 4

Which of the following is a key requirement for maintaining the integrity and accuracy of a resource database according to AIRS Standards?

Accepted Answer

Having a documented inclusion/exclusion policy that is applied consistently.

Answer

Updating all agency records at least once every five years.

Answer

Including only agencies that provide services free of charge.

Answer

Allowing any staff member to add or delete agency records without oversight.

Question 5

An I&R specialist is conducting a follow-up call with a client who was referred to a mental health clinic. The client states they have not yet received services. What is the specialist's ethical responsibility in this situation?

Accepted Answer

To engage in further problem-solving, which may include making new or additional referrals.

Answer

To document that the referral was unsuccessful and close the case.

Answer

To tell the client there are no other options available.

Answer

To advise the client to wait longer for the original clinic to respond.

Question 6

Under what circumstances is it ethically permissible for an I&R professional to breach client confidentiality without the client's consent?

Accepted Answer

When there is a substantive risk to the client's or someone else's life, or when required by law.

Answer

When a partner agency requests the client's information for their mailing list.

Answer

When the specialist believes sharing the story would be a good case study for training.

Answer

When the client's family member calls and asks for an update on their situation.