Personal Leave of Absence

If team members are ineligible for any other organization leave of absence, Southwest Care Center, under certain circumstances, may grant a personal leave of absence without pay. A written request for a personal leave should be presented to the human resources department a minimum of two (2) weeks before the anticipated start of the leave. 

 

If the leave is requested for medical reasons and team members are not eligible for leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or any state leave law, medical certification also must be submitted. The request will be considered on the basis of staffing requirements and the reasons for the requested leave, as well as performance and attendance records.

 

Normally, a leave of absence will be granted for a period of no more than six (6) weeks. However, a personal leave may be extended if, prior to the end of leave, team members submit a written request for an extension to the human resources department and the request is granted.

 

During the leave, team members will not earn vacation, personal days, or sick days. Southwest Care Center will continue health insurance coverage during the leave if team members submit their share of the monthly premium payments to the Organization in a timely manner, subject to the terms of the plan documents.

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When the team members anticipate returning to work, they should notify management of the expected return date. This notification should be made at least one (1) week before the end of the leave. If the leave was medical related, the team member must provide a fitness for duty letter from their treating provider. 

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Upon completion of the personal leave of absence, the Organization will attempt to return team members to their original job or a similar position, subject to prevailing business  considerations. Reinstatement, however, is not guaranteed.

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Failure to advise management of availability to return to work, failure to return to work when notified  or a continued absence from work beyond the time approved by the Organization will be considered a voluntary resignation of employment. 

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Personal leave runs concurrently with any Organization-provided Disability Leave of Absence.