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how to write work hr about drug rehab

by Prof. Kiera Wiegand II Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Full Answer

How do I talk to my employer about rehab?

Mar 28, 2018 · If you are dealing with a drug or alcohol use issue and you are wondering where to start in seeking support, you can check with your work’s human resources department or read your hiring paperwork to see if your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). 8 EAPs are great ways to get access to screening, treatment referrals, and ...

What should HR do if an employee has a substance abuse problem?

Sep 27, 2020 · Returning to Work After Rehab. For individuals who undergo inpatient rehabilitation, once their treatment is complete, they may be required to meet all the stipulations outlined in a Return-to-Work Agreement (RTWA). The RTWA is a written document that will include all of the employer’s expectations for employees coming back to work after ...

How do I get a job in drug rehab?

Mar 22, 2022 · Preparing for Rehab Treatment. If you are considering entering a substance abuse treatment program, know your rights and talk to your employer or your employer’s human resources department about taking leave under the FMLA, if applicable. While you do not need to tell your employer your actual diagnosis, you do need to provide enough information to show …

What should I include in my resume for a drug rehab program?

Aug 28, 2018 · Human resources expert Johnny C. Taylor Jr. answers your questions: How to handle “Have you applied for a job with us before?; paid time off for rehab

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What happens if you tell your employer you have a drug problem?

In the US, your employer can discipline or fire you if your alcohol or drug use impairs your ability to do your job. However, employers cannot discipline or fire you simply because you tell them you have a substance problem.Aug 28, 2019

Should I tell my boss IM in recovery?

Why Should You Tell Your Employer You're in Recovery? It's not always important to disclose your history of addiction to an employer. If you're strong in recovery and your job doesn't interfere with your success in any way, you probably don't need to mention it.Oct 13, 2021

Does my job have to let me go to rehab?

You can be fired for going to rehab if you don't follow the formal FMLA process for requesting a leave of absence. If you enter a treatment facility first, then tell your employer afterward, you're not protected under this law.May 22, 2017

What is part of a supervisor's responsibility for maintaining a drug free workplace?

Supervisors can promote a drug-free workplace by (1) sharing the supports offered by the employer and the community; and (2) encouraging employees to self-refer for treatment.Aug 4, 2020

Is alcoholism considered a medical condition?

Alcohol use disorder (sometimes called alcoholism) is a medical condition. It involves heavy or frequent alcohol drinking even when it causes problems, emotional distress or physical harm. A combination of medications, behavioral therapy and support can help you or a loved one recover.Jun 2, 2021

Can you be fired for being an alcoholic in Canada?

Human rights laws prohibit discrimination on the grounds of disability. Addiction is considered to be a disability and, as such, an employee cannot be fired for being addicted to substances such as drugs or alcohol.

What is a last chance agreement?

Last Chance Agreements (LCA) are agree- ments between an employer and an employee and/or a union that gives the employee who has committed serious mis- conduct one last chance to keep the employee's job.

How does substance abuse affect the workplace?

Substance abuse in the workplace can lead to decreased productivity and increased physical injuries and fatalities. Approximately 16% of emergency room patients injured at work have alcohol in their system. The likelihood for workplace accidents skyrockets when employees are under the influence.Mar 9, 2022

Can you get someone fired?

If you feel like you need to get someone fired, schedule a meeting with your manager or supervisor. If you can, bring along written evidence of the other person's wrongdoings, as well as statements from any other coworkers who might feel the same way.

How do you promote a drug free workplace?

How to Enforce a Drug Free Workplace ProgramDraft a Written Policy. ... Train Supervisors. ... Educate Employees. ... Provide Information for Employees to Get Help. ... Perform Drug Tests. ... Provide Feedback on the Status of the Program. ... Inform Prospective Employees About Drug-Free Policies Right Away.Mar 6, 2020

Why is a drug free workplace important?

Reasons they may suggest might include improved productivity, lower absenteeism, prevention of theft, improved safety and improved morale. An effective drug-free program will also help prevent work-related injuries and illnesses. This can help employers achieve long-term safety and cost-savings benefits.

How do you create a drug free workplace?

Here are six steps to setting up a successful program:Planning. It's important to have clearly defined goals — perhaps improving safety, attracting a better caliber of worker, or improving productivity. ... Assessing needs. ... Developing a policy. ... Educating employees. ... Training supervisors. ... Developing EAPs.Apr 13, 2000

How to take time off for addiction treatment?

If you choose to take time off work for addiction treatment, communication is key. The employee struggling with addiction will have to contact their employer about their specific treatment plan if they do intend to take the necessary time off and enter an inpatient rehabilitation facility or treatment center. There is a bit more wiggle room with outpatient treatment, but there is a need to communicate honestly if the outpatient treatment will interfere with work schedules. Even if the individual is able to create an optimal schedule around their outpatient appointments, ongoing withdrawal symptoms could and most likely will impair their ability to focus and function like their normal selves in their active addiction. Some employers and coworkers could notice a drastic change in behavior and become suspicious.

What happens if an employer comes to the employee first about a downturn in their work performance?

If an employer comes to the employee first about a downturn in their work performance, the employee can protect themselves by telling the truth about their addiction disorder. More often than not, employers will be legally required to let their employees attempt treatment and recovery before firing them. On the other hand, if an individual goes to their employer first, it is essential that they are already aware of their rights, the company’s policies on substance use, their insurance policy, and medical leave criteria.

Can you get disability if you are out of work?

The solution for these individuals, if they are not able to receive payment for the time they are out of work for addiction treatment, is to apply for disability benefits until treatment is successfully finished and they can go back to their job. It is important to note that obtaining disability for this circumstance can be a tedious, complicated, and difficult process, especially when an individual is already overwhelmed with their lifestyle change. In order to qualify for this disability, the addict must prove that:

What is a return to work agreement?

This is a written document containing all of the employer’s expectations for employees coming back to work after completing a treatment program for an addiction disorder. This is typically used in the case that the employer approached the addicted individual for failure to meet work responsibilities or inappropriate behavior related to substance abuse. If the employee then invokes the right to attempt treatment before being fired, it’s likely that a Return-to-Work Agreement will be arranged.

What is FMLA for addiction?

Both the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) protect addicted individuals from discrimination and help them get the treatment they need without losing the jobs they need to survive. Once you enter a rehabilitation program, you’re protected by the ADA and cannot be fired for reasons related to your addiction or the treatment process, even if it causes you to miss work. If you are fired, you can file a charge of discrimination against your employer. This applies to all state and local government employers and private companies with 15 or more employees. Under the FMLA, qualified employees can take 12 weeks of medical leave for issues that include addiction disorders each year. Unfortunately, this leave is generally unpaid unless the employer chooses to provide paid leave. This may not be an option for part-time or contract employees or for those who cannot afford to go several weeks without pay.

How much does drug abuse cost the US?

After all, drug and alcohol abuse costs the US over $700 billion each year, mostly from workplace accidents, crime, healthcare, and loss of productivity.

What is a medical professional?

A medical professional may be able to provide more information on state disability benefits and guide individuals through the application process. It’s also important to know that employers are required to maintain confidentiality regarding their employees’ medical issues.

How many people in the US were addicted to drugs in 2009?

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, there were 23.5 million people in the US aged 12 or older who needed addiction treatment in 2009, but only 2.6 million of them received any treatment. Knowing your rights in terms of addiction treatment while employed can be the first step toward getting needed help.

Is addiction a mental illness?

However, there are laws that protect people with addiction disorders from workplace discrimination and particularly from being fired for addiction, which is considered to be a legitimate mental illness.

Can you be fired for addiction?

Once you enter a rehabilitation program, you’re protected by the ADA and cannot be fired for reasons related to your addiction or the treatment process, even if it causes you to miss work. If you are fired, you can file a charge of discrimination against your employer.

What to do if an employee admits to substance abuse?

If an employee admits substance abuse, you may request: A substance abuse assessment (SAP) of the employee.

What is the role of HR?

Your role as an HR professional starts when you first learn of an employee’s substance abuse concern, or of an employee’s impairment in the workplace. If you suspect an employee of being impaired on the job: Take immediate action to remove the employee from any safety-sensitive work and begin gathering evidence of the incident.

What are the consequences of substance abuse?

An employee’s momentary lapse of attention can result in significant consequences, from reduced productivity to personal injury, property damage or even death. The National Institute on Drug Abuse estimates abuse of alcohol ...

How long does marijuana stay in your system?

Marijuana can remain in a person’s body for days, even weeks after use, so a positive drug test for marijuana does not necessarily point to impairment during work hours. Responding to an employee with a substance abuse issue is not restricted to people who ask for help with an addiction, which is covered under ADA.

What is the goal of a substance abuse counselor?

Your goal is to help the employee get the help they need to overcome their substance abuse issues, but you are limited to conduct in the workplace. Focus on an employee’s performance and behavior, and don’t jump to conclusions based on rumors and your perceptions.

What is the ADA?

The ADA is just one of many laws that govern how employers must react to certain situations.

What is SAP in a job?

If an employee admits substance abuse, you may request: A substance abuse assessment (SAP) of the employee. Compliance with SAP recommendations relating to abstinence, education, counseling, rehabilitation, treatment or aftercare. If legally permitted, you can require return-to-duty or follow-up testing.

What happens if you refuse to cooperate in a drug test?

Employees who refuse to cooperate immediately in required tests or who use, possess, buy, sell, manufacture, or dispense an illegal drug in violation of this policy will be terminated.

What drugs are tested for a drug test?

Candidates will be tested for their use of commonly abused controlled substances, including amphetamines, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, opiates, cannabinoids, cocaine, methadone, methaqualone, phencyclidine (PCP), propoxyphene and chemical derivatives of these substances

What is MRO in medical?

Information and records relating to positive test results, drug and alcohol dependencies and legitimate medical explanations provided to the medical review officer (MRO) shall be kept confidential to the extent required by law and maintained in secure files separate from normal personnel files.

Why do people avoid rehab?

Many people avoid rehab for substance abuse because they fear losing their job or experiencing social stigma at work. Today, federal laws and workplace policies are in place to protect people who want to recover from addiction. Understanding your rights as an employee and having a plan can help you keep your job during treatment.

What is the best treatment for addiction?

People with a less severe addiction may consider outpatient rehab or telehealth counseling as alternatives to inpatient care. These types of programs are more flexible, potentially with minimal interruptions to your work schedule.

How long is FMLA?

Several federal laws protect your right to work in recovery. The most important of these is the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which provides 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave per year for serious health conditions, including addiction.

What to do if you are on FMLA?

Your employer may ask you to fill out paperwork regarding your unpaid time off if you’re using FMLA. They may also ask you to sign a Return-to-Work Agreement, explaining what’s expected of your return. These agreements may include: Complying with all treatment recommendations from your rehab provider.

How many hours do you need to work to qualify for unemployment?

To qualify, the employee must: Work for their employer for at least 12 months and at least 1,250 hours over the past 12 month period. Work at a location where the company employs at least 50 people within 75 miles or is a public agency, elementary or secondary school.

Does the ADA protect you from discrimination?

This will largely depend on your employer and the company culture where you work. The ADA protects individuals from discrimination based on a disability, including being in recovery after drug or alcohol use. However, people in recovery should be prepared for others to treat them differently after rehab.

Can you be fired for taking FMLA?

So, while you cannot be fired for taking FMLA, you can still be fired for the underlying substance abuse issue, depending on your employer’s specific policies.

Overview

How to Keep Your Job Before, During and After Rehab. In an Employer Brief the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) notes that 76 percent of people with substance abuse problems are employed.

Before Rehab

Understand your addiction and how it affects your job performance. As this article from HelpGuide.org explains, there are certain signs and symptoms of drug abuse that indicate it’s time to seek help.

During Rehab

Ask boss for confidentiality. In its “Are You In Recovery from Alcohol or Drug Problems? Know Your Rights” SAMHSA explains that employers must maintain confidentiality regarding any information they receive about your addiction or treatment.

After Rehab

Know your rights when you return to work. In its “Are You In Recovery from Alcohol or Drug Problems? Know Your Rights” SAMHSA explains the on-the-job rights employees have.

How to get a job in rehab?

1. Look for jobs in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and counseling clinics. If you want to work in rehabilitation, look for job postings at local hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and counseling clinics. Look for jobs related to working with those recovering from addiction that match your skill set.

What is the relapse rate for addiction?

Relapse rates for addiction are between 40 or 60%, so a client relapse is not a reflection of your work. It also does not mean the situation is hopeless. Many clients need repeated stays at rehabilitation to eventually get clean long term. Addiction treatment is an ongoing process.

What is the job of a substance abuse counselor?

A substance abuse counselor is one of the most common jobs in drug rehabilitation. While requirements vary, some centers only require a baseline degree with a special certification. If you're interested in the medical side of drug rehabilitation, a nursing aid or psychiatrist aid usually only requires a certificate.

How long does it take to get an associates degree in nursing?

Associate's degrees can usually be obtained in two years or less and are required for certain jobs in a drug rehabilitation center. If you're interested in becoming a nurse, an associate's degree in nursing is usually required.

How long does it take to get a drug trial?

Since drug rehabilitation centers are often understaffed, you may also be given a trial period of 30 to 60 days.

Who is Tiffany Douglass?

Tiffany Douglass is the Founder of Wellness Retreat Recovery Center, a JCAHO (Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations) accredited drug and alcohol treatment program based in San Jose, California.

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