324 Employee Assistance Program.pdf

Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District Policy & Procedures Handbook 324 Employee Assistance Program Effective Date: 7/12/2010 Revision Date: The District provides a counseling program called the "Employee Assistance Program" (EAP) for access by all District employees. The EAP will provide a...

Bonita Springs Fire Control and Rescue District Policy & Procedures Handbook 324 Employee Assistance Program Effective Date: 7/12/2010 Revision Date: The District provides a counseling program called the "Employee Assistance Program" (EAP) for access by all District employees. The EAP will provide assistance to any employee suffering from alcoholism, drug abuse, or emotional/behavioral problems which do, or possibly could, affect work performance or conduct. This program will also be available to the Employee's immediate family members as outlined in this policy. Immediate family shall include spouse, children, parents, brothers, sisters, grandchildren, and grandparents of both the Employee and the Spouse. The District realizes that employee problems such as alcoholism, drug abuse, or emotional/behavioral problems ultimately affect job performance. It is believed that the interests of the individual and the District are best served when such problems are recognized and treated in their early stages. The primary goal of the EAP is to make help available to District employees who develop alcoholism, drug abuse, or emotional/behavioral problems. This program provides consultation and referral for treatment to prevent those conditions from affecting job performance or conduct. The EAP is a free service made available to all employees filling a regular position. The District assumes no obligation to recommend or require that an employee participate in this program prior to taking any corrective action, including dismissal. No EAP services, or similar services provided by the District, will disclose the identity or any information on an employee enrolled in an EAP program unless required by law or unless the employee authorizes disclosure by completing a waiver. The Fire Chief or his designee will serve as the District's liaison with EAP providers. Location of these providers, telephone numbers, hours of operation, and emergency services will be prominently displayed and communicated throughout the District. Employees should contact a provider directly for an appointment. The Employee must make the initial contact with the referral and treatment resource center for an eligible family member to use this service. Expenses for further treatment under this program will be the Employee's responsibility. The Employee should contact his/her health insurance provider to determine eligibility for coverage under the insurance program. The Resource Center will assist the Employee in understanding the benefit coverage of the Insurance Provider. Supervisors shall not attempt to diagnose, counsel, or judge the nature of an employee's health problems. Supervisors shall be knowledgeable about the EAP benefits and how to access them. Page 46 of 145