Return-To-Work Program Policy

Everett Community College is committed to preserving the economic well-being of employees by promoting their return to work after an on-the-job injury at the earliest possible date as outlined in:

Workers' Compensation Return-to-Work: WAC 251-19
Training and Development Programs: WAC 251-24030

Permanent classified employees receiving worker's compensation as a result of a work related injury (under RCW 51.32.090) are eligible to return to work under the terms of this policy. For a minimum of two years from the point of disability, Everett Community College will attempt to place a worker who is unable to return to his/her previous work, but who is capable of carrying out work of a lighter or modified nature as evidenced by a written statement from a physician or licensed mental health professional. This policy also allows employees the opportunity to participate in return to work policies state-wide when appropriate classifications are not available in the agency which was the hiring authority at the time of injury.

Explanation of Job Opportunities Available through Cross-State Agency Placement:

Everett Community College will first try to find work opportunities on-campus for a temporarily disabled employee. In the event EvCC as an agency is unable to identify an appropriate task or responsibility that a temporarily disabled employee can execute safely, the alternative of cross agency placement will be explored as follows:

1. A thorough analysis of the worker's occupational abilities and transferable skills will be conducted by a professional in the field of disability as necessary.
2. Upon completion of the assessment, the Human Resources Office in cooperation with other state agencies will begin to identify appropriate available jobs.
3. When identified, it will then become necessary to meet cooperatively with the other agencies involved in order to establish performance expectations, time frames, evaluation criteria, periodic review dates, and possible date of return to original job.
4. Once all details have been worked out and start dates established, implementation can occur following a signed agreement by all parties involved.

Return-to-Work Program Responsibilities:

Administrative Responsibilities:

1.       Insure compliance with the Return-tow-Work (RTW) Program (RCW 41.06.490)
2.       EvCC appoints the Vice President of Human Resources as the Program Coordinator with overall program   responsibility.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

1.       Make certain that the employee gets emergency care relative to his or her injury.
2.       Make certain that accident forms are completed as soon as possible.
3.       Provide a safe work environment for employees following injury occurrence.
4.       Be a participating and cooperative member of the RTW team.
5.       Keep the agency coordinator informed on the progress of injured workers