516 Employee Assistance Program

Question 1

Employees may utilize EAP services on-duty up to ……………….. (not to exceed 12 hours total per year), workload permitting. The employee must notify his supervisor in advance and provide a written statement to his supervisor from the EAP verifying attendance. Supervisors must forward the attendance statement to the JSO Occupational Health Manager.

Answer 1

six hours during a quarter

Question 2

It is the responsibility of all supervisors and managers to [CALEA 22.1.7]:

a. Take action where there is a documented pattern of deteriorating job performance;
b. Depending upon the seriousness of the situation, there are three avenues involving the EAP that supervisors may use:

Answer 2

(1) Informal Suggestion – Whenever employees receive counseling for job performance problems, supervisors should promote the use of the EAP by reminding the employee of the program’s availability;
(2) Supervisory Written Encouragement to Use EAP – If performance problems exist to the extent that the supervisor feels an oral or written disciplinary action is indicated, the supervisor should follow normal disciplinary procedures. The employee may then be encouraged in writing to use the EAP. This written encouragement will be provided as part of the disciplinary action and/or plan for improvement; and
(3) Supervisory Formal Referral to EAP;
(a) If an employee is involved in a circumstance or incident that could lead to their suspension, termination, or which may involve extended plans for improvement, JSO may initiate a formal referral to the EAP.
(b) The supervisor shall call the EAP provider to notify them of the referral, as well as provide information on the situation(s) which precipitated the referral. The EAP provider does not contact the employee to schedule an appointment between EAP and the employee. If the employee chooses to participate in the EAP program, it is the employee’s responsibility to contact the EAP provider directly to schedule an appointment.

Question 3

Confidentiality
a. EAP will not discuss with designated supervisors and/or JSO management an employee’s specific personal, emotional, or health problems. If the employee gives written permission, the only information released is whether or not the employee complied with the referral and/or the recommended treatment plan. A notable exception is found in Florida State Statute (F.S.S.) 490.0147, which relates to the confidentiality of communication with individuals providing psychological services. Confidentiality is waived if there is a…………………………………………………..” [CALEA 22.1.7]

Answer 3

“clear and immediate probability of physical harm to the patient or client to other individuals, or to society.

Question 4

When information concerning an employee’s mental or physical health is relevant, the supervisor shall request this information from the …………………, not the EAP.

Answer 4

Human Resources Division