To assist employees in understanding and avoiding the perils of drug and alcohol abuse, employees should contact the City substance abuse professional, who can answer questions concerning this substance abuse policy and procedures, the effects of alcohol and drug abuse and rehabilitation opportunities. The City encourages employees who believe they have a drug or alcohol problem to seek the assistance of the City’s substance abuse professional. The substance abuse professional can refer the employee to a rehabilitation program at the employee’s expense.
Employees who voluntarily request the substance abuse professional’s assistance in dealing with an alcohol or drug abuse problem prior to having been caught in violation of this policy may do so without the knowledge of the City and without suffering any disciplinary action. However, voluntary requests for assistance will not prevent disciplinary action for subsequent violations of this policy, as employees who undergo treatment for substance abuse must meet all established standards of conduct and job performance. Violators shall have 30 calendar days to enroll in a recognized treatment program.
While the City encourages voluntary drug and alcohol abuse treatment, it will take strong action against employees who do not seek treatment on their own and who violate this policy. In addition to any disciplinary action described in this policy, the City will refer any active duty employee to a substance abuse professional for assessment and treatment for alcohol and/or drug abuse. Employees referred to the substance abuse professional as a result of a violation of this policy and who were not terminated must comply with all other conditions of treatment as established by the treatment program as a condition of continued employment. The City will terminate any employee who tests positive for alcohol or drugs while undergoing the required treatment or thereafter. The employee must bear the cost of the treatment program over and above the costs paid by the employee’s health insurance plan.
(Ord. 2002-35. Passed 9-3-02.)