Article 33
Employee Assistance Program

Section 33.01

The Employer agrees to continue its employee assistance program (i.e., for those employees experiencing difficulties in the areas of alcoholism, drug abuse, or emotional problems) as required and defined in applicable regulations. An employee may request counseling with an individual with whom he/she believes counseling will be effective. Information concerning this program will be posted on all DOE Headquarters bulletin boards, with fully detailed booklets in holders for employees to take, at all times.

Section 33.02

The Employer will take action to encourage an employee to enroll in this program as soon as it is reasonably apparent that the employee is experiencing a difficulty in this area. It is understood that employees undergoing a prescribed program of treatments will be granted sick leave or leave without pay for this purpose on the same basis as any other illness when absence from work is necessary. If an employee is participating in the program, the responsible supervisor must take this fact into consideration before taking any formal corrective measures for poor performance.

Section 33.03

The Employer will continue to afford reasonable accommodation to employees who are qualified disabled employees before any action for continuing performance problems relating to their disabling conditions is taken.