FILE:  GAMFE

Cf:  GAK

EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE AND HEALTH PROMOTION PROGRAM

The Lafayette Parish School Board recognizes that employees may have personal problems that could affect their overall job performance.  Some of these problems are excessive absences, behavior that is causing a disruption at the work site, safety violations, alcohol or drug abuse, and financial problems, all of which may contribute to the employee's poor job performance, high medical claims or even death.

In order to promote a healthy work environment, the School Board shall establish and maintain an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).  The purpose of the EAP is to help employees cope with stress and other health-related issues by providing assessment, stress-reducing activities, workplace consultation, crisis intervention, referral and follow-up services.  The School Board considers seeking assistance and support for a myriad of health-related issues should be seen as a positive approach to be encouraged and dealt with without jeopardy, and not to be viewed in any sense as an admission of weakness.

EAP Services and Conditions

The Employee Assistance Program shall provide health awareness and education programs designed to inform supervisors and employees about such issues as the harmful effects of alcohol and other drugs, the effects of poor job performance, and other negative conditions that are not conducive in a healthy workplace.

Assessments and/or evaluations of employee health issues, direct counseling of employees or referrals to other professional counseling and assessment services shall also be provided through the EAP.  Assessment may include drug screening, physical and/or psychological testing and referral.

Voluntary Use of the EAP

Employees may voluntarily use the EAP and shall not have their employment or job security jeopardized because of participation in any EAP activity including assessment, counseling or treatment.  EAP participation, however, does not preclude disciplinary action for behavior or conduct that is unacceptable or in violation of School Board policy.  In cases where an employee is seeking assistance for alcohol and drug abuse concerns, the provisions of policy GAME, Employee Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy, shall prevail.  In this instance, employees should be aware of the consequences for subsequent positive test results.  An employee's request for counseling or treatment shall not serve as a basis for denial of benefits, promotional opportunities or the termination of employment.  Voluntary use of the EAP shall be confidential and this information shall not be reported to any person within the school system, unless mandated by federal and/or state law.

Supervisory Referrals

The supervisor or principal may refer an employee to the EAP when the performance of an employee appears to be a contributing factor causing disruption in the workplace.  The supervisor may use this type of referral for the purpose of helping the employee.

The decision to accept assessment, treatment and/or referral is solely the responsibility of the employee.

Confidentiality

All referrals to the EAP office shall be treated as confidential.  All employees working in the EAP office and other employees within the district having access to confidential referral information shall sign a statement indicating that he/she shall maintain as confidential, the information submitted to the EAP office.  Information may only be shared as necessary to perform the job duties of the individual employee having access to the confidential information.  Failure to maintain the confidence of the information submitted shall result in disciplinary action in accordance with School Board policy.

Adopted:  November 17, 1993 as Policy GBRAC

Revised:  July 7, 2016

Ref:    La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:81

Board minutes, 11-17-93, 7-6-16

Lafayette Parish School Board