3170.01 - EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

Fremont City School District

Bylaws & Policies

3170.01 - EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP)

The Fremont City Board of Education shall establish an Employee Assistance Program (AEP) for staff whose personal problems are directly affecting their ability to perform on the job or in the position assigned.

The Board recognizes chemical dependency as a treatable illness. District employees diagnosed by qualified professionals shall qualify for benefits and insurance coverages provided under group health and/or other programs as may be offered by the Fremont City Schools to the extent permitted under these programs.

Implementation of this policy will not jeopardize an employee's job security.

This policy is voided by refusal of an employee to accept professional assessment and treatment, if needed, or failure to respond to diagnosis and treatment, if needed, when job performance is affected, and shall not be interpreted as a waiver of the Board's responsibility to follow proper disciplinary procedure.

All information regarding an employee's participation in this program will be confidential.

In accordance with this policy and concern for the individual well-being of the employee, the Board affirms the following:

	A.	The Board believes that an employee is responsible for correcting identified unsatisfactory work performance or behavior.
	B.	The Board believes that identification and treatment of personal problems will benefit the employees, their families, and the School District.
	C.	The Board expects any employee with EAP-related problems to be directed to seek and accept diagnosis and treatment to the extent permitted under the Employee Assistance Program.
	D.	The Board does not expect employees to become experts in the diagnosis of these problems. Everyone should receive inservice training to assist in goals of the EAP.
	E.	The Board recognizes that personal problems with another member of the immediate family can create stress for the employee which may affect the employee's job performance. For this reason, employees confronted with such problems are required to seek assistance.
	F.	The Board accepts that in cases involving professional treatment, sick leave will be granted for treatment or rehabilitation on the same basis as is granted for other health purposes. Unpaid leave shall be recommended when treatment or rehabilitation is needed, and no paid leave is available. The directed employee will be required to be medically certified as capable of returning to work before being readmitted to his/her work site.
	G.	The Board shall provide, at no cost to the employee, initial consultation and/or assessment service as defined within the program.
	H.	The Board shall designate an EAP officer for the Fremont City Schools to be responsible for coordination of services which shall include, but not be limited to, promotional and educational information, liaison between the employees, agencies, and school system, and/or other assistance as is needed.
	I.	The Board shall establish a committee charged with the responsibility of overseeing the Employee Assistance Program and making recommendations and reports. Membership on this committee shall include: the Superintendent/designee, a Board member, two (2) administrative members, union president(s), and two (2) unit members appointed by the president(s). Representation on the committee (appointments) will be made for one (1) and two (2) year terms as negotiated in the Master Agreements.