3012 Drugs And Alcohol

Question 1

How many times can an employee voluntary enroll in formal treatment programs for drugs and alcohol requiring a leave of absence?

Answer 1

One time during employment

With additional instances in accordance with the Americans with disabilities act, Washington law against discrimination

Question 2

Is a request for assistance through the EAP confidential?

Answer 2

Yes

Question 3

Where can employees seek assistance with drug and alcohol problems?

Answer 3

The city’s employee assistance program

Question 4

If an employee voluntarily seeks Assistance, can they be disciplined?

Answer 4

No

Question 5

When can the department submit a request for drug/alcohol testing?

Answer 5

When there is reasonable suspicion

Question 6

What is reasonable suspicion?

Answer 6

Suspicion based on specific personal observations, that a supervisor can describe concerning the appearance, behavior, speech, and or breath odor of an employee

Must be a first-hand observation

Question 7

What happens if an employee refuses to test?

Answer 7

It is the same as the test reporting positive

Question 8

What happens if the test is negative?

Answer 8

Employee is payed for last time and no discipline is brought forth

Question 9

What happens if the test is positive?

Answer 9

The fire chief can impose 30 day suspension in lieu of discharge, employee must sign a last chance agreement, accept referral to EAP, successfully complete rehab

Question 10

What are grounds for discharge?

Answer 10

Failure to comply with last chance agreement, seek/receive EAP, failure to abide by treatment plan

Question 11

Can an employee be subject to unannounced testing? How many? If positive what can happen?

Answer 11

Yes, upon return from EAP

At least 6 tests in 12 months

Cause for immediate discharge