Fitness-For-Duty Evaluations and Case Management
Fitness-for-duty evaluations require prior consultation with Employee Relations, at 515-6575.
For a variety of reasons, individuals who have been declared fit for duty during their initial selection and hiring may later present behaviors that require examination for fitness. Performance can become impaired due to job related crises, shift adjustment problems, ineffective coping strategies, health concerns, personal conflicts or other reasons. These stressors can impair the level of performance required of the employees, thereby placing themselves and others at risk.
Deer Oaks provides referrals to qualified professional resources for fitness-for-duty evaluations required by management, and facilitates the entire evaluation process from beginning to end. Departments are responsible for the cost of the referral, although there are often cost savings of up to 30% through the Deer Oaks Resource Network.
The process may begin with management's initial contact with Employee Relations, followed by a telephone assessment with a Deer Oaks care coordinator, the supervisor and the employee. Deer Oaks then coordinates and makes a referral to the most appropriate fitness-for-duty evaluation expert. Referrals are provided within 24 hours from the time of the request. Deer Oaks ensures timely appointment and completion of the evaluation, and conducts a quality assurance review of the evaluation to ensure all pertinent areas have been included.
Deer Oaks provides a plan of follow-up case management for employees who are determined to be fit to return to duty, to ensure no risk factors are present.
Contact Employee Relations, (919)515-6575 for more information.
