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Personnel |
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EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
A.
Purpose and Scope
To
establish guidelines and procedures for appropriate referral to the Employee
Assistance Program
B.
General
Any life
problems - chemical abuse and dependency, marital and family problems,
financial, emotional and legal problems - are debilitating conditions which may
affect job performance and productivity.
Insurance
carriers providing health care under district-approved group insurance plans
will be strongly encouraged to provide any person having a chemical dependency
problem or any stress disorders related to emotional problems the same careful
consideration and offer of treatment as is provided for any other disease or
need under these plans.
The overall
goals of an Employee Assistance Program are: (1) to reduce problems in the work
force, and (2) to retain valued employees.
C.
Forms Used and Additional References
1.
Board
Policy
2.
Master
Certificated Employment Agreement
3.
Master
Classified Employment Agreement
D.
Procedure
1.
Background - Referral
1)
The
program is not designed to provide treatment but rather to provide an
opportunity to the employee for early identification, motivation, and referral
to appropriate care in order to enhance the treatment process.
2)
A
person who suspects that he/she may have a chemical dependency problem, or
stress disorders related to emotional problems, even in early stages, is
encouraged to seek diagnosis of the problem and to follow through with the
treatment that may be prescribed by qualified professionals in order to arrest
the disorder as early as possible.
3)
This
program is of a strictly confidential nature, and is designed to assure that no
person seeking assistance will have job security or promotional opportunity
jeopardized because of a request for diagnosis or treatment.
4)
All
records and discussions of problems are property of the Employee Assistance
Program and are not available to any district staff. Confidentiality will be
observed according to the policies of the Employee Assistance Program.
5)
There
is no charge for the initial assessment services to the Employee Assistance
Program. The ability to pay will be considered when referral for assistance is
made. However, if costs are incurred for rehabilitation services that are not
covered by insurance or other benefits, that cost will be the responsibility of
the employee.
6)
The
decision to request diagnosis and accept treatment for chemical dependency or
stress disorders related to emotional problems is the personal responsibility
of the individual employee; however,
7)
This
policy does not alter or replace existing administrative policies or
contractual agreements.
2.
District Employee Assistance Program Committee Structure
1)
A
district committee of six members consisting of two central administrative
representatives, two members from each employee bargaining unit will be formed
for the purposes of governing and monitoring the program. One member of the
psychological services staff and one school counselor will serve as ex officio
members. The superintendent will appoint a program coordinator for the
district. The committee will meet on a regular basis to discuss the progress
and effectiveness of the program. The committee will issue an annual report of
its recommendations to the Board of Education and employee groups.
2)
The
functions of the committee may include the following:
3)
To
assist in the development of the specific procedures to be followed by all
district employees in order to implement the agreed-upon written policy
4)
To
specify and assure the development of a training program (including the use of
films, written materials, manuals, and other audio-visual presentations) that
will be used in the training of all supervisorial
personnel
5)
To
develop a time schedule for initiating the program within the district
6)
To
recommend the personnel, materials, equipment, and budget needed to initiate
local programs and to provide guidance and consultation with respect to policy,
procedures, training, treatment resources and other matters relevant to the
local programs
7)
To
assist in solving problems related to the Employee Assistance Program which may
arise in the district program
8)
To
monitor all aspects of program progress and effectiveness
9)
To
develop ideas or activities which might increase program effectiveness,
particularly in the areas of prevention and education
10) To keep abreast of new developments,
techniques, resources, and referral agencies
11) To assist in developing a list of
and evaluating a variety of counseling and treatment facilities and other
services in the area (e.g., county, city, etc.)
12) To assure that the group health
benefits include coverage currently in effect by present health coverage plans
for alcoholism/chemical dependency, or emotional disorders for persons who
accept treatment
13) To assist in evaluating health benefit
coverage which includes payments for treatment and rehabilitation in
specialized alcoholism/chemical dependency facilities, and for stress disorders
related to emotional problems
E.
Reports Required
None
F.
Record Retention
None
G.
Responsible Administrative Unit
Personnel
Services
H.
Approved by:
|
Nicholas
A. Siokos |
|
Keith
T. Larick |
|
|
Responsible
Division Head |
Date |
Superintendent |
Date |