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ARTICLE 9 - OHIO EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

9.01 - Joint Promotion

The Employer and the Union recognize the value of counseling and assistance programs to those employees who have personal problems which interfere with their job duties and responsibilities. Therefore, in all agencies covered by this Agreement, the Union and the Employer agree to continue the existing Ohio Employee Assistance Program, including its referral and counseling services for employees and members of the employee's immediate family, and to work jointly to promote the program.

9.02 - Ohio EAP Advisory Committee

The parties agree that there will be a committee composed of nine (9) union representatives that will meet with and advise the Director of the Ohio EAP. This committee will review the program and discuss specific strategies for improving access for employees. Additional meetings will be held to follow up and evaluate the strategies. The Ohio EAP shall also be an appropriate topic for Labor-Management Committees.

9.03 - Ohio EAP Steward Training

The Employer agrees to provide orientation and training about the Ohio EAP to union stewards. To the extent practical, the Ohio EAP shall conduct such training in all agencies at least once every twenty-four (24) months, and the training will be conducted jointly with exempt employees. All new stewards shall receive Ohio EAP training within a reasonable time of their designation. Such training shall deal with the central office operation and community referral procedures. Such training will be held during regular working hours. Whenever possible, training will be held for stewards working second and third shifts during their working time.

9.04 - Employee Participation in Ohio EAP

A.     Records regarding treatment and participation in the Ohio EAP shall be confidential. No records shall be maintained in the employee's personnel file except those that relate to the job or are provided for in Article 23. In cases where the employee and the Employer have entered into a voluntary EAP Participation Agreement in which the Employer agrees to defer discipline as a result of employee participation in the Ohio EAP treatment program, the employee shall be required to sign appropriate releases of information to the extent required to enable the Ohio EAP staff to provide the Employer with reports regarding compliance or non-compliance with the Ohio EAP treatment program.

B.     If an employee has exhausted all available leave and requests time off to have an initial appointment with a community agency, the Agency shall provide such time off without pay.

C.     The Employer or its representative shall not direct an employee to participate in the Ohio EAP. Such participation shall be strictly voluntary.

D.     Seeking and/or accepting assistance to alleviate an alcohol, other drug, behavioral or emotional problem will not in and of itself jeopardize an employee's job security or consideration for advancement.