The Board shall provide for an Employee Assistance Program which shall guarantee the anonymity of the employee. This program shall include but not be limited to counseling drug abuse, alcohol abuse, family counseling, financial counseling and psychological difficulties.

I. Employees are responsible for maintaining an acceptable level of satisfactory job performance and attendance, whether or not they are participating in the Employee Assistance Program.

II. Any employee or permanent members of an employee’s immediate household who needs help in order to resolve a problem is encouraged to voluntarily seek assistance on a confidential basis, through the Employee Assistance Program.

III. When an employee’s problems result in a noticeable decline in the employee’s work performance that is not correctable through usual supervisory procedures, the confidential services of the Employee Assistance Program will be recommended by the supervisor to assist the employee in resolving those problems, in a manner consistent with good management practice, without altering or amending any of the rights or responsibilities of the employee or of the Board. If an employee is referred by a supervisor, the supervisor will be informed by the Employee Assistance Program whether or not the employee has contacted them and is participating in the program. No other information will be given to the supervisor, whose responsibility continues to be monitoring job performance. Work performance which does not improve within reasonable time periods established by the supervisor will be handled in accordance with standard personnel policy.

IV. In instances where it is necessary, time off may be granted for treatment or rehabilitation, consistent with applicable school board policies and procedures.