SECTION 9.25 SUPERVISOR REFERRALS TO EAP
Last Update: 2/06
Supervisors
are encouraged to recommend the use of EAP services to employees early in the
process of coaching and counseling regarding work-related problems or declining
work performance.
Remind
employees early and often of this resource that is available to them to assist
in problem resolution.
When
work performance or behavior problems have progressed beyond the coaching and
counseling stage, and disciplinary action is indicated, EAP may still be a
useful method to assist in resolving the problem. Supervisors may NOT mandate attendance
at EAP, but may utilize a supervisory referral process.
Per
the EAP policy, discipline and the EAP are separate tools. However, in attempting to solve work-related
problems, at management’s discretion, discipline may be held in abeyance
pending the outcome of an EAP evaluation.
The appropriate discipline for the offense needs to be decided, and at
management’s discretion may be held or set aside until the employee has an
opportunity to resolve the problem. The
discipline then may be modified by a successful outcome and subsequent return
to satisfactory job performance.
Individual
circumstances will determine whether the EAP can be of assistance in solving
the problem. Your personnel officer can assist in making that determination and
in outlining timeframes, etc. The EAP
consultation services may also be used to help in deciding how best to assist an
employee in solving work-related problems.
1. Determine
the work performance or behavior problem.
Document information about the problem (see Section 9.15).
2. Consult with
your personnel officer. Call the EAP for
a supervisory consultation.
3. Decide
the appropriate discipline. Consider if the
EAP is appropriate to the situation.
4. Meet with
the employee regarding work performance issues.
If a referral to the EAP is an appropriate option, discuss the
discipline for the offense (have the disciplinary letter ready) and the
alternative of holding the discipline in abeyance while the employee seeks help
from the EAP in solving the problem.
Remind the employee of the need to sign a “Release of Information” form
so that attendance records can be obtained.
Additional information may also be released if necessary and agreed to
by the employee.
Be sure to include time limits regarding when the employee is to contact the EAP and when you will review the work situation.
5. Call the EAP
and give them the name of the person being referred. Give them background information and discuss
your expectations and what you want from the EAP.
6. At the
previously agreed upon time, meet again with the employee to review the work
situation. Depending on the situation
and the employee’s progress, at this point you may:
If the employee has refused to seek assistance and/or work performance has not improved, you should proceed with the discipline for the original offense. If things have improved, there may be no need for discipline. If the offense was of such a serious nature that, even though things have improved, discipline is still necessary, you may consider reducing the discipline. Consult with your personnel officer for assistance in making this determination.