Clerical Services ESP — 
Building a Quality Workforce

The Challenge of the Privacy Issue

Collecting, recording, maintaining and providing information confidentially, appropriately, ethically, and legally requires knowledge, attention and skill. Clerical Services ESP make important and sensitive decisions on a daily basis. They interact with students, staff, parents, and the public and must know what information is "public" and available, and what information is "private" and unavailable. Areas of information that are in constant flux regarding confidentiality include medical, sexual, criminal, nationality, and security.

Often their duties do not stop at information. In many school buildings, surveillance equipment must now be maintained by clerical services professionals. This equipment can include video or audio equipment, scanners and metal detectors, identification devices, imaging devices and cameras in offices and open areas of the campus. Once the equipment has been used and information has been obtained, clerical workers must catalogue and maintain these records for use only when appropriate and legal. Knowing to whom and when to release information is an ongoing challenge. Privacy laws and statutes — both state and federal — have exploded in their intent and scope in recent years.

One of the more difficult aspects of information release is the conflict that occurs with others who believe they are entitled to know, such as nurses or medical personnel, guidance counselors, coaches, clubs and associations, the police, etc. In many situations that involve release of information, those inquiring may be able to view the information but have no authority to change it. Appropriate confidentiality guidelines must protect the individual student, staff person, or parent, and also protect the Clerical Services ESP in charge of the information. Clerical Services ESP must be ever diligent in knowing current and accurate statutes and laws regarding private and public information.

To Section 9: Office Politics and Clerical Services ESP