N.J. Admin. Code § 4A:6-4.10

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 24, December 18, 2024

Section 4A:6-4.10 - Employee Advisory Service: State service

(a) The Civil Service Commission shall establish an Employee Advisory Service (EAS) to assist State employees in achieving and maintaining the highest level of job performance of which they are capable. EAS shall provide access to counseling, rehabilitative, and/or community services for a State employee who:

1. Has received an annual performance rating at the lowest level. See N.J.A.C. 4A:6-5.1 et seq.

2. Has received a performance rating which is below the mid-point on the multi-level scale and an improvement plan has not been effective;

3. Is experiencing personal problems which affect job performance; or

4. Has a family member who is experiencing personal problems which affect the employee's job performance.

(b) Employees may voluntarily contact EAS or may be referred to EAS by the appointing authority. If the employee consents, he or she may be referred by a union or association representative. An employee should be referred to EAS as soon as problems are manifested which may affect job performance.

(c) Except as conditioned below or where there is an overriding health or safety need, all EAS information regarding an employee is confidential.

1. An employee may authorize in writing the release of all or part of such information.

2. In appointing authority referrals, the appointing authority may be informed:

i. Whether an individual has been accepted for a program;

ii. Whether or not an employee has kept his or her appointments;

iii. The dates and times of future appointments with either EAS or an outside agency; and

iv. The estimated amount of time needed to complete the program if reasonably ascertainable.

(d) Appointments for appointing authority referred employees shall be scheduled through the personnel office.

1. An employee shall be given time off with pay for the intake and evaluation visits. For other situations and visits, arrangements shall be set by the employee and appointing authority, which may include use of available sick or other leave.

2. When an appointing authority referred employee fails to keep a scheduled appointment or does not accept a referral from EAS, the appointing authority shall be notified of the matter by EAS.

(e) EAS shall monitor the progress of all employees. To maintain active client status, an employee must follow the prescribed EAS program.

(f) An appointing authority that is informed that an employee is receiving services through EAS, should consult with the EAS prior to seeking removal of the employee.

(g) State health or other benefit programs may be utilized where applicable.

N.J. Admin. Code § 4A:6-4.10

Amended by 48 N.J.R. 2775(b), effective 12/19/2016

Amended by 51 N.J.R. 1115(a), effective 7/1/2019