Making a formal management referral

A formal management referral allows an employee to address a significant job performance issue while assuring the organization that the issue is being addressed appropriately. Depending on your internal policy, a formal management referral may be appropriate to address the following issues: 

  • Poor job performance 

  • Excessive absenteeism 

  • Positive drug or alcohol test 

  • Violation of a company policy (Drug-Free Workplace, harassment, etc.) 

  • Unprofessional conduct 

To make a Formal Management Referral, the referral contact should follow the steps below: 

  1. Consult with HR/Management or Legal Department to confirm the Formal Management Referral is appropriate and in accordance with the internal policy if needed. 

2. Contact SupportLinc at 1-888-881-5462 before meeting with the employee for a consultation and to review the process and discuss expectations. Be prepared to provide the following information: 

  • Employee name 

  • Referral contact name, phone number, and email/fax 

  • Reason for the referral 

  • Results of drug/alcohol tests (if applicable) 

  • Prior disciplinary action 

  • Current employment status 

  • Deadline for employee to contact the EAP 

  • Preferred contact method (for compliance updates) 

3. The Case Manager will provide the Referral Contact with a case number that the employee should reference when calling the EAP. 

4. The Case Manager will send the Authorization for Disclosure of Records and Information (ROI) Form. The form must be signed by the employee and a witness and returned to the Case Manager. 

5. The employee should be instructed to contact the EAP (typically within 24 hours) and reference their case number. 

The Case Manager will provide compliance updates to the Referral Contact at the agreed-upon frequency and per the agreed-upon method of communication. If the employee is compliant and completes all recommended services, a completion letter will be sent to the Referral Contact.  

The Referral Contact will also be notified if the employee is not compliant. It is the role of the EAP to report compliance and completion of the recommended services. It is the role of the employer to make all employment-related decisions.  

The Case Manager is available to provide additional consultation to the Referral Contact throughout the course of every Formal Management Referral. 

If you would like to discuss formally referring an employee to the EAP, please call SupportLinc at 1-888-881-LINC (5462) for a consultation.