The Diocese of West Missouri is committed to protecting the safety, health and well-being of all employees and other individuals in the diocese’s workplace and, toward that end, the diocese is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace. The diocese encourages employees to voluntarily seek help with drug and alcohol problems. For purposes of this policy, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
Terms
1. “Diocesan Work or Activities” means:
- Work for the diocese at any location;
- At any time on diocesan premises;
- At any diocesan function or sponsored event;
- At any function or event attended by employees as representatives of the diocese or any other Episcopal or professional organization;
- At any time traveling to and from any diocesan location, event, or work; and
- At any time in diocesan vehicles (whether owned, leased or rented).
2. “Illegal drug” means:
Drugs and controlled substances, the possession or use of which is unlawful, pursuant to any applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations in the United States. Drugs and controlled substances that are not legally obtainable, or that are legally obtainable but have not been legally obtained, are considered to be illegal drugs. Examples include drugs such as cocaine, heroin, and other controlled substances such as stimulants, depressants, and hallucinogenic products.
- All employees must comply with the diocese’s alcohol and drugs policy. As a condition of continued employment with the diocese, each employee must abide by this policy.
- Clergy shall be subject to the same policies and consequences as employees.
Prohibited Behavior
- Illegal drugs are strictly prohibited from the diocese (whether during or before or after working hours) including the manufacture, distribution, dispensation, use, sale, possession, purchase, trade, transfer, and/or offer for sale of illegal drugs by employees.
- Prescription & Over-the-Counter drugs are not prohibited when taken in standard dosage and/or according to a physician’s prescription. Any employee taking prescribed or over-the-counter medications will be responsible for consulting with the prescribing physician and/or pharmacist to ascertain whether the medication may interfere with the safe performance of his/her job. If the use of a medication could compromise the safety of the employee, fellow employees, or the public, it is the employee’s responsibility to use appropriate personnel procedures (e.g., call in sick, use leave, request change of duty, notify supervisor) to avoid unsafe workplace practices. The illegal or unauthorized use of prescription drugs is prohibited. It is a violation of the diocese’s alcohol and drugs policy to intentionally misuse and/or abuse prescription medications.
- Use of marijuana while at work for the diocese without a prior doctor’s written notification of its medical use and approval by the Bishop.
- Being impaired for any reason while working for the diocese, on diocesan property, or in diocesan-owned, leased, or rented vehicles.
Alcohol
During Diocesan Work or Activities, all employees shall refrain from using alcohol except for sacramental wine used as part of a religious service. The diocese may, however, permit the responsible use of alcohol at social events regardless of the location. For purposes of this policy, “responsible use of alcohol” shall mean that, at all times, the employee:
- Remains legally sober;
- Does not operate a vehicle or other machinery while under the influence of any alcohol;
- Conducts themself professionally, in accordance with general standards of decency and, as applicable, diocesan policies; and
- Makes certain that they do not become impaired, and their behavior does not compromise their ability to perform their job.
If an employee has any doubts about whether they can comply with these requirements if they drink socially, the employee must refrain from using alcohol.
Notification of Convictions
Any employee who is convicted of a criminal drug or alcohol violation occurring in connection with Diocesan Work or Activities must notify the Bishop in writing within five (5) calendar days of the conviction.
Consequences
One of the goals of the diocese’s alcohol and drugs policy is to encourage employees to voluntarily seek help with alcohol and/or drug problems. If, however, an employee violates the policy, the consequences are serious. If an employee violates the policy, they may be subject to disciplinary action in a manner consistent with applicable law, up to and including immediate termination from employment. This provision in no way limits the diocese’s right to discipline an employee under the other provisions of the Employee Handbook.
Assistance
The diocese recognizes that early intervention and support improve the success of rehabilitation for alcohol and drug abuse and addiction. Whenever feasible, and subject to the limitations described in this policy, the diocese will assist employees in overcoming alcohol and drug abuse and addiction. To support its employees, the diocese:
- Encourages employees to seek help if they are concerned that they or their family members may have a drug and/or alcohol problem.
- Offers all employees assistance with alcohol and drug problems. To the extent possible, assistance is provided on a confidential basis. In certain circumstances, certain information may need to be shared with the diocese, such as, for example, as required to process benefits or leaves. The diocese is not provided with, nor does it request, any notification of a voluntary request for assistance or treatment by any employee. However, the employee may need to provide such information to qualify for a leave of absence or other accommodation.
- May cover treatment for alcoholism and/or other drug use disorders through diocesan-provided health insurance. However, the ultimate financial responsibility for recommended treatment belongs to the employee.
Confidentiality
The diocese will treat and maintain as confidential all information received by the organization through the drug-free workplace program. Access to this information is limited to those who have a legitimate need to know in compliance with relevant laws and diocesan policies.
Employee’s Responsibility
All employees are prohibited from reporting to work or duty while their ability to perform job duties is impaired due to on- or off-duty use of alcohol, illegal drugs, or other prescription or over-the-counter drugs. In addition, employees are encouraged to:
- Be concerned about working in a safe environment;
- Support fellow employees in seeking help;
- Report dangerous or unsafe behavior to the Bishop.
