Which of the following is NOT an ethical standard an RSS must uphold?

The standard of maintaining personal interactions without boundaries is significant in the context of ethical practices for a Recovery Support Specialist (RSS). Specializing in recovery support requires establishing a professional relationship that is respectful, appropriate, and focused solely on the well-being of participants. Therefore, allowing personal interactions to occur without boundaries could compromise the trust, safety, and professionalism that are essential in such roles.

Establishing and adhering to boundaries helps protect both the participants and the RSS. It allows the RSS to provide effective support while minimizing the risk of bias or impropriety that could arise from more personal associations. Intentional boundary setting helps to ensure that the focus remains on the recovery journey, rather than personal interests or emotions, which can be detrimental to the participants' progress.

Conversely, the other options presented—prohibitions against intimate relationships with participants, adherence to confidentiality, and avoiding financial involvement—are critical ethical standards that reflect the responsible practice required from an RSS. These standards are foundational in creating a safe environment and maintaining the integrity of the recovery process.