HomeMy Public PortalAboutADM-118_Employee Assistance Program Policy_Effective 03-19-1999
City of Lebanon
New Hampshire
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES & PROCEDURES
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Policy Number Effective Date Last Revision Page No.
ADM-118
Previous 99-01-A 03/19/1999 Page 1 of 2
Approved by: James A. McSweeney, City Manager
Section 1.0: Purpose
The City of Lebanon recognizes that a significant number of people experience
serious personal problems that may become so severe that their job performance
suffers. If left unattended, these problems may lead to absenteeism, illness, and
tardiness and in far too many cases, loss of job. Because personal problems have a
direct impact on employment, it is the City of Lebanon's decision to provide an
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
The City established, with the New Hampshire Municipal Association Health
Insurance Trust, an Employee Assistant Program (EAP). This program provides
confidential assistance to employees in dealing with drugs/alcohol, emotional, legal,
family, and financial issues, or marital problems that may affect the employees' job
performance. Current programs are available to all City employees through our
insurance carrier.
Section 2.0: Scope
This policy applies to all employees who the City Manager has the authority to hire
or terminate.
Section 3.0: Definitions
Self-Referral – An employee or their dependent who contacts the EAP office directly
and confidentially to arrange a telephone conference.
Informal Process – A supervisor/manager who suspects or becomes aware that an
employee may have a personal problem informs the employee of the benefits
available through EAP
Formal Process – A supervisor/manager who notices a significant decline in an
employee’s job performance may formally refer an employee to EAP. The
supervisor/manager will evaluate job performance only, and will not attempt to
diagnose or counsel employees with problems.
Section 4.0: Policy Detail
The primary objective of this policy is to retain employees who are having problems
that may have otherwise led to their dismissal. The City and EAP will support the
efforts to the employee to get personal help toward the resolution of their
problem(s). Within the guidelines of this policy, it is understood that the City of
Lebanon is providing this confidential counseling resource to its employees and
immediate family for assistance in dealing with personal problems. When an
employee is referred, it becomes their responsibility to accept help and
City of Lebanon
New Hampshire
ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES & PROCEDURES
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
Policy Number Effective Date Last Revision Page No.
ADM-118
Previous 99-01-A 03/19/1999 Page 2 of 2
Approved by: James A. McSweeney, City Manager
recommendations of the EAP office. The EAP will not participate in any decision
regarding an employee's job continuation or dismissal.
Section 5.0: Procedures
It is the City of Lebanon's policy that:
1. The employee's personal problem is limited to its impact on job performance;
2. No one will be discriminated against in regards to their job security or for
future promotion based only on his or her supervisory referral to EAP or to
subsequent counseling assistance or treatment;
3. Confidentially will be maintained by the EAP office;
4. EAP records will not be placed in the official personnel folders;
5. No one will be required to utilize the EAP involuntarily. If however job
performance does not return to acceptable standards, usual disciplinary
action may be implemented;
6. Any employee who seeks assistance independently of the EAP will be
responsible for all financial cost associated with the appointments and any
recommendations for on-going care or treatment as a result of the visit;
7. Determination of improvement in work performance will be made by the
supervisor/manager visa-vis job performance evaluation, if applicable;
8. When deemed appropriate, an employee will be allowed a reasonable amount
of time (to be determined by the supervisor/manager) at work to make the
telephone call to EAP or if the EAP professional deems it necessary to make a
personal appointment, the employee will be given a reasonable amount of
time from work to make the personal appointment;
9. An employee's participation in the EAP does not prevent discipline for
performance deficiencies or rule infractions;
10.The EAP does not alter in any way contract stipulations between the City of
Lebanon collective bargaining units and management.
Section 6.0: References (Charter/Code/State Statues)
Section 7.0: Policy & Procedure Revision History
Section Revisions Date
Original Adoption 3/19/99
Amendment
Amendment
Amendment