To: AAO’s, Principals, Supervisors and Managers The Procedure Manual for Processing Leaves of Absence has been published to provide instructions for properly processing all leaves of absence of 30 days or more. This manual outlines the Baltimore City Public Schools Board Rules, Federal Guidelines and/or Union Agreements that govern each leave. In addition, the manual outlines the procedures that employees, supervisors and the Division of Benefits Management must follow in order to process leave requests. Any request for a leave of absence for up to 29 days, other than Family Medical Leave (FMLA) will continue to be processed and maintained at the site/office of the employee. The Division of Benefits Management will only handle requests for leaves of absence if they are for 30 days or more. Adherence to these instructions will assure compliance with policies and procedures. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Division of Benefits Management at 410-396-8885. Respectfully, Office of Human Capital Procedure for Submitting Leave Request Under 30 Days Requests for Family Medical Leave and Leaves of Absence of 30 days or more should be submitted to the Office of Human Capital – Division of Benefits Management, Room #110. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 410-396-8885. The Division of Benefits Management processes the following types of leave requests: Family & Medical Leave Sick Leave Maternity Leave Child Care Leave Sabbatical Leave Personal Business Leave Military Leave beyond 15 days in a calendar year Any other leave of absence lasting 30 days or more Leave requests for less than 30 days should be maintained in employees’ personnel file at their work location. Premium Billing for Health & Welfare Benefits Employees on an approved leave of absence may fall out of pay status because their approved leave time has been exhausted. If you are on an approved leave of absence and no longer receive a paycheck, the Premium Arrears Process will collect missed health deductions for up to three pay periods if you return to work within 45 work days. If you are on an approved unpaid leave of absence, you will receive an invoice from the Finance Department for the full premium payment for your health and welfare benefits. BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Division of Benefits Management Procedures for Processing a Request for Family & Medical Leave Act The Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA) is legislation signed into law and affects the amount of unpaid leave employees may take for family and medical reasons and reasons of exigency of family members called to active duty status. Generally, the law allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave per year for reasons related to family and medical illness and 26 weeks to care for a family member who is recovering from a serious illness or injury sustained in the line of duty on active duty. This leave can be requested once within a single 12 month period. Eligibility Requirements Employed with CITY SCHOOLS for 12 months or longer, 20 hours per week or more (0.5 or more) and 1,250 hours of work prior to request for leave Compensation & Benefits An employee will be required to use accrued leave time while on leave. If the employee has accrued leave time to cover the period he or she will be on leave, his or her benefits premium deductions (if applicable) will be taken from the employee’s biweekly paycheck. However, if the employee does not have accrued leave time to cover the period of leave requested, the leave will be designated FMLA. City Schools will continue to contribute the employer's portion of the various benefit premiums for the duration of the leave. If the employee’s FMLA is unpaid, the employee is sent an invoice for his/her portion of the benefits premium deductions that would normally be deducted from a paycheck (if applicable). Application and Processing 1. Employee receives a “Family and Medical Leave Act” packet from the supervisor or Division of Benefits Management. 2. The employee completes page one of the Request for Family and Medical Leave Act form with the requested information (name, employee identification number, location, reason for leave and signature). 3. The supervisor signs the form as an acknowledgement of the request for leave. The supervisor does not approve the Family and Medical Leave Act request. The responsibility of approval is that of the Division of Benefits Management. 4. The employee takes the Physician or Practitioner Certification form to the physician or practitioner for completion. 5. The employee returns the completed Family and Medical Leave packet (Request for Family and Medical Leave Act form and Physician or Practitioner Certification form) to the Division of Benefits Management. 6. The Division of Benefits Management reviews the packet for completion: Family and Medical Leave Act Request form, Physician or Practitioner Certification form and other related documentation (i.e. Birth Certificate for care of newborn) must be submitted together. The Division of Benefits Management ensures that an employee’s name, location and social security number listed on the form, ensures start and end date, reason for leave, the appropriate signatures are provided and the Physician’s Certification is completed. 7. A letter is sent to the employee and supervisor to confirm the status of the request. The Division of Benefits Management maintains a leave file for the employee and documents all information received from the employee. Return to Duty When the employee is released from the physician to return to work, the employee should provide the Division of Benefits Management with a written release from the physician, clearing them to return to work. Division of Benefits Management Database/HRMS Update The Division of Benefits Management maintains and tracks the leave of absence in HRMS. Monthly reports are generated and analyzed to ensure compliance. If there is a need for a leave to be extended, the “Request for Leave” form is sent to the employee. BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Division of Benefits Management Procedures for Processing a Maternity Leave According to CITY SCHOOLS Board Rules and all Union agreements, with the exception of the BTU Paraprofessional agreement, employees are allowed to request a leave of absence for a maximum of 10 weeks (4 weeks before and 6 weeks after expected due date), for a disability due to pregnancy or childbirth. According to the BTU Paraprofessional agreement, employees are allowed to request a leave of absence for a maximum of 12 weeks, for a disability due to pregnancy or childbirth. Compensation & Benefits An employee may use any paid time options (accrued leave time) in order to receive compensation while on leave. If the employee has accrued leave time to cover the period he or she will be on leave, his or her benefits premium deductions (if applicable) will be taken from the employee’s biweekly paycheck. However, if the employee does not have accrued leave time to cover the period of leave requested, the leave is without pay. CITY SCHOOLS will continue to contribute the employer's portion of the premiums for the various benefits for 2 pay periods. The employee is sent an invoice for his/her portion of the benefits premium that would normally be deducted from a paycheck (if applicable). After the two periods, the employee is responsible for paying the total premium for the various benefits (health, prescription, dental, optional life and vision). Employees may elect to terminate coverage while on an approved leave of absence. If your coverage is terminated, the employee may apply for enrollment within 30 days of returning from an approved leave of absence or during the next Open Enrollment. Application and Processing_ 1. Employee receives a "Request for Leave" form from supervisor or Division of Benefits Management. 2. The following information is completed by the employee on the "Request for Leave" form: a) Mark "Personal Illness" block. b) Complete employee information section c) Physician completes form with diagnosis, expected duration of disability and signature. d) Employee signs and dates the form. 3. The supervisor/principal signs and approves or disapproves the request. 4. The form is returned to the employee and submitted to the Division of Benefits Management for processing. 5. The Request for Leave is reviewed for approval. Once approved, an "Approval Letter" is generated containing pertinent information (maintenance of health benefits, information regarding childcare leave of absence and family medical leave of absence, sick leave bank and return to duty). 6. The "Approval Letter" is sent to the employee and supervisor. Included in the packet to the employee will be a Benefits Selection form (for adding a newborn to the health insurance), a "Qualifying Leave of Absence" form for the State Retirement Agency and the necessary forms to request an extension of leave due to personal illness or childcare. 7. The Division of Benefits Management maintains a leave file for the employee and documents all information received from the employee. Return to Duty When the employee is released from the physician to return to work, the employee must provide supervisor and the Division of Benefits Management with a physician's certificate to return to work. The employee is released to return to work upon receipt of physician's certificate. Division of Benefits Management The Division of Benefits Management maintains and tracks the leave of absence in HRMS. Monthly reports are generated and analyzed to ensure compliance. If there is a need for a leave to be extended, the “Request for Leave” form is sent to the employee. BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Division of Benefits Management Procedures for Processing a Childcare Leave of Absence BTU Teacher's and Paraprofessional's Agreement: "An employee, at their request, may be granted a leave of absence without pay for the purpose of child-bearing or child-rearing for such period of time they specify, but not to exceed one year. Upon application, said leave maybe extended up to, but not beyond, the beginning of the school year following the child's third birthday. " No other Union affiliation ascribes to a Childcare Leave of Absence Policy outside of the Family and Medical Leave Act. Compensation & Benefits Childcare Leave of Absence is a leave without pay (according to CITY SCHOOLS Board Rules and all Union agreements). CITY SCHOOLS will continue to contribute the employer's portion of the premiums for the various benefits for 2 pay periods. The employee is sent an invoice for his/her portion of the benefits premium that would normally be deducted from a paycheck (if applicable). After the two periods, the employee is responsible for paying the total premium for the various benefits (health, prescription, dental, optional life and vision). Employees may elect to terminate coverage while on an approved leave of absence. If your coverage is terminated, the employee may apply for enrollment within 30 days of returning from an approved leave of absence or during the next Open Enrollment. Application and Processing 1. Employee receives a "Request for Leave" form from supervisor or the Division of Benefits Management. 2. The following information is completed by the employee on the "Request for Leave" form: a) Mark "Other Leaves of Absence" block. b) Complete employee information section. c) Employee completes Section B with expected duration of leave, reason for leave. A copy of the birth certificate must be attached to the form to complete the request. d) Employee signs and dates the form. 3. The supervisor/principal signs and approves or disapproves the request. 4. The "Request for Leave" form and a copy of the birth certificate are returned to the employee and submitted to the Division of Benefits Management for processing. 5. The Request for Leave is reviewed for approval. If all eligibility requirements are fulfilled, the Division of Benefits Management approves the request to be sent to the School Board for final approval/disapproval. 6. Once approved, an "Approval Letter" is generated containing pertinent information (maintenance of health benefits and return to duty). If disapproved, a letter is sent to the employee and supervisor stating the reason for disapproval. 7. If approved, the "Approval Letter" is sent to the employee and supervisor. Included in the packet to the employee will be the necessary forms to request an extension of leave (if applicable). 8. The Division of Benefits Management maintains a leave file for the employee and documents all information received from the employee. Payroll Procedures The Division of Benefits Management completes the process to transfer the employee from the current location to 2026 (Special Leaves Paid/Unpaid). 1. "Request for Transfer" form is completed with the employee information and transfer information. 2. "Request for Transfer" is given to the Compensation Office for processing. 3. The Division of Benefits Management adds the employee's information to 2026 and records attendance until the employee returns from the leave of absence. Return to Duty When the employee is ready to return to work, the employee must notify the Division of Benefits Management in writing. The Division of Benefits Management submits a “Request for Placement of Employee” to the Human Resource Generalist responsible for the employee's placement. Division of Benefits Management Database Update The Division of Benefits Management keeps an Access Database of all employees on leave. This database is be updated each time a request for leave is processed. BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Division of Benefits Management Procedures for Processing a Military Leave of Absence School Board Policy: "Maryland State Board Bylaws provide that all public school system employees who are members of the organized militia or the Army, Navy, Air or Marine Reserve, shall be entitled to a leave of absence from their respective duties, without loss of pay, time or efficiency rating, on all days during which they shall be engaged infield or coast defense or other training ordered or authorized under the provisions of Article 65, Annotated Code of Maryland, or under any law of the United States, during such time as they are on inactive duty, not to exceed 15 days annually. " According to CITY SCHOOLS Board Rules, employees are allowed to request a leave of absence to serve in an organized military unit. The duration of military leave is granted in accordance with official military orders. Compensation & Benefits The employee is entitled to receive regular earnings during the first 15 calendar days of the requested leave. On the 16th calendar day, the leave becomes a leave without pay (according to CITY SCHOOLS Board Rules and all Union agreements). CITY SCHOOLS will continue to contribute the employer's portion of the premiums for the various benefits. The employee is sent an invoice for his/her portion of the benefits premiums that would normally be deducted from a paycheck (if applicable). The Division of Benefits Managements will advise the employee to request termination of coverage if other health benefits are available (to avoid premium arrearage, if applicable). Employees may elect to terminate coverage while on an approved leave of absence. If your coverage is terminated, the employee may apply for enrollment within 30 days of returning from an approved leave of absence or during the next Open Enrollment. Application and Processing 1. Employee receives a "Request for Leave" form from supervisor or Division of Benefits Management. 2. The following information is completed by the employee on the "Request for Leave" form: a) Mark "Other Leaves of Absence" block. b) Complete employee information section. c) Employee completes Section B with expected duration of leave, reason for leave. A copy of the military orders must be attached to the form to complete the request. d) Employee signs and dates the form. 3. The supervisor/principal signs and approves or disapproves the request. 4. The Request for Leave form and military orders are returned to the employee and submitted to the Division of Benefits Management for processing. 5. The Request for Leave is reviewed for approval. If all eligibility requirements are fulfilled, the Division of Benefits Management approves the request to be sent to the School Board for final approval/disapproval. 6. Once approved, an "Approval Letter" is generated containing pertinent information (maintenance of health benefits and return to duty). If disapproved, a letter is sent to the employee and supervisor stating the reason for disapproval. 7. If approved, the "Approval Letter" is sent to the employee and supervisor. Included in the packet to the employee will be the necessary forms to request an extension of leave (if applicable). 8. The Division of Benefits Management maintains a leave file for the employee and documents all information received from the employee. Payroll Procedures Once the PEP report is received and reviewed for the approval of leaves and the military leave of absence is for 6 months or less, the Division of Benefits Management notifies the supervisor of the HR policy that states: "If an employee's military leave of absence is for less than 6 months, the appointing officer may not fill the position with a regular employee; however, a temporary employee may be hired for 90 calendar days or less, if necessary. If the military leave of absence is for more than 6 months, the Division of Benefits Management completes the process to transfer the employee from the current location to 2026 (Special Leaves Paid/Unpaid). 1. "Request for Transfer" form is completed with the employee information and transfer information. 2. "Request for Transfer" is given to the Compensation Office for processing. 3. The Division of Benefits Management adds the employee's information to 2026 and records attendance until the employee returns from the leave of absence. Return to Duty When the employee is released from military duty, the employee must apply for reinstatement in writing to the Division of Benefits Management within 90 calendar days of the date of discharge. A copy of the military release orders (form DD 214) is forwarded by the employee to the Division of Benefits Management. The Division of Benefits Management submits a "Request for Placement of Employee" to the appropriate Human Resource Generalist responsible for the employee's placement. Division of Benefits Management Database Update The Division of Benefits Management keeps an Access Database of all employees on leave. This database is updated each time a request for leave is processed. BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Division of Benefits Management Procedures for Processing a Educational Leave of Absence BTU/Paraprofessional Union Agreement: "Any Paraprofessional who is engaged in an educational program and who may need a leave of absence for student teaching or other reasons to complete requirements for graduation shall be granted such leave without pay, and shall be assured a reassignment to his former position or one comparable at the end of such leave. Paraprofessionals on educational leave for the purpose of student teaching or matriculating in an institution of higher education shall have health care benefits continued by the Board.” Compensation & Benefits This Educational Leave is a leave without pay. Employees on a leave of absence are responsible for paying the premium to continue their elected benefits.The employee will be sent an invoice with due dates for the premiums due for the length of the leave of absence. Employees may elect to terminate coverage while on an approved leave of absence. If your coverage is terminated, the employee may apply for enrollment within 30 days of returning from an approved leave of absence or during the next Open Enrollment. Application and Processing 1. Employee receives a "Request for Leave" form from supervisor or Division of Benefits Management. 2. The following information is completed by the employee on the "Request for Leave" form: a) Mark "Other Leaves of Absence" block. b) Complete employee information section. c) Employee completes Section B with expected duration of leave, reason for leave. A copy of the acceptance letter from the college or university must be attached to the form to complete the request. d) Employee signs and dates the form. 3. The supervisor/principal signs and approves or disapproves the request. 4. The Request for Leave form and school documentation are returned to the employee and submitted to the Division of Benefits Management for processing. 5. The Request for Leave is reviewed for approval. If all eligibility requirements are fulfilled, the Division of Benefits Management approves the request to be sent to the School Board for final approval/disapproval. 6. Once approved, an "Approval Letter" is generated containing pertinent information (maintenance of health benefits and return to duty). If disapproved, a letter is sent to the employee and supervisor stating the reason for disapproval. 7. If approved, the "Approval Letter" is sent to the employee and supervisor. Included in the packet to the employee will be the necessary forms to request an extension of leave (if applicable). 8. The Division of Benefits Management maintains a leave file for the employee and documents all information received from the employee. Payroll Procedures The Division of Benefits Management completes the process to transfer the employee from the current location to 2026 (Special Leaves Paid/Unpaid). 1. "Request for Transfer" form is completed with the employee information and transfer information. 2. "Request for Transfer" is given to the Compensation Office for processing. 3. The Division of Benefits Management adds the employee's information to the 2026 organization and records attendance until the employee returns from the leave of absence. Return to Duty When the employee is ready to return to work, the employee must notify the Division of Benefits Management in writing. The Division of Benefits Management submits a "Request for Placement of Employee” to the appropriate Human Resource Generalist. Division of Benefits Management Database Update The Division of Benefits Management keeps an Access Database of all employees on leave. This database is updated each time a request for leave is processed. BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Division of Benefits Management Procedures for Processing a Sabbatical Leave of Absence According to CITY SCHOOLS Board Rules and the BTU and PSASA Union agreements, certified educational employees may be granted sabbatical leaves of absence for the purpose of study and travel or for such other purposes as may be recommended by the CEO and approved by the School Board. Eligibility BTU Agreement - Employee must have completed seven years of consecutive service prior to commencement of leave. All applications are to be submitted by December 15 of the year preceding the commencement of the leave. The employee also agrees, by signing the application, to return to the system for at least one year of service following the expiration of the leave. As an option to this service requirement, the employee may elect to return the salary received during the period of leave. PSASA Agreement - Employee must have completed ten years of consecutive service prior to commencement of leave. All applications are to be submitted by April 1st (for leaves to begin September 1st) or November 1st (for leaves to begin February 1st). The employee also agrees, by signing the application, to return to the system for at least three years of service following the expiration of the leave. As an option to this service requirement, the employee may elect to return the salary received during the period of leave. Compensation & Benefits The employee receives 50 percent of his or her annual salary while on leave. The employee’s benefit status will remain active. Premium deductions for the various benefits will be deducted from the employee’s bi-weekly paycheck (if applicable). If the employee’s bi-weekly earnings do not cover the cost of the benefits, an invoice will be sent to the employee for his/her portion of the benefits premium that would normally be deducted from a paycheck. Application and Processing 1. The employee request and receives the "Request for Sabbatical Leave" form from the Division of Benefits Management. 2. The employee completes the form, attaches the necessary documentation, obtains signature of immediate supervisor and submits the packet to the Division of Benefits Management for review and processing. 3. If all eligibility requirements are fulfilled, the Request for Sabbatical Leave is sent to the School Board for final approval/disapproval. 4. If approved, an "Approval Letter" is generated containing pertinent information (salary information and return to duty). If disapproved, a letter is sent to the employee and supervisor stating the reason for disapproval. The "Approval Letter" is sent to the employee and supervisor. 5. The Division of Benefits Management maintains a leave file for the employee and documents all information received from the employee. Payroll Procedures Because the employee remains in partial pay status, the employee remains on the payroll of his/her current organization. The payroll approver marks the payroll with half time and annotates the payroll to reflect the employee is on Sabbatical Leave of Absence. Return to Duty The Division of Benefits Management submits a "Request for Placement of Employee" to the appropriate Human Resource Generalist responsible for the employee's placement. Division of Benefits Management Database Update The Division of Benefits Management keeps an Access Database of all employees on leave. This database is updated each time a request for leave is processed. BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Division of Benefits Management Procedures for Processing a Personal/Other Leaves of Absence School Board Rule: "Upon recommendation by the Chief Executive Officer, the New Board may grant a personal business leave of absence without pay to tenured educational staff members who have performed satisfactorily for the previous two years. Each request will be reviewed on an individual basis, subject to the following conditions: 1. No personal business leave will be approved beyond June 30th of any school year. Persons granted a personal business leave of absence may request an extension; however, leaves will generally not be approved beyond one calendar year, including extensions; 2. Staff requesting leave must state the specific nature and duration of the request. Failure to provide any requested supporting documentation will preclude further consideration; and 3. In general, requests to relocate will not be honored. Leaves included under PLOA: Union Leave, Political Leave and employees "on loan" to outside agencies. Compensation and Benefits This leave is without pay (according to CITY SCHOOLS Board Rule). Employees on a leave of absence are responsible for paying the premium to continue their elected benefits.The employee will be sent an invoice with due dates for the premiums due for the length of the leave of absence. Employees may elect to terminate coverage while on an approved leave of absence. If your coverage is terminated, the employee may apply for enrollment within 30 days of returning from an approved leave of absence or during the next Open Enrollment. Application and Processing 1. Employee receives a "Request for Leave" form from supervisor or Division of Benefits Management. 2. The following information is completed by the employee on the "Request for Leave" form: a) Mark "Other Leaves of Absence" block. b) Complete employee information section. c) Employee completes Section B with expected duration of leave, reason for leave. Supporting documentation must be attached to the form to complete the request. d) Employee signs and dates the form. 3. The supervisor/principal signs and approves or disapproves the request. 4. The "Request for Leave" form and all supporting documentation are returned to the employee and submitted to the Division of Benefits Management for processing. 5. The Request for Leave is reviewed for approval. If all eligibility requirements are fulfilled, the Division of Benefits Management approves the request to be sent to the School Board for final approval/disapproval. 6. Once approved, an "Approval Letter" is generated containing pertinent information (maintenance of health benefits and return to duty). If disapproved, a letter is sent to the employee and supervisor stating the reason for disapproval. 7. If approved, the "Approval Letter" is sent to the employee and supervisor. Included in the packet to the employee will be the necessary forms to request an extension of leave (if applicable). 8. The Division of Benefits Management maintains a leave file for the employee and documents all information received from the employee. Payroll Procedures The Division of Benefits Management completes the process to transfer the employee from the current location to 2026 (Special Leaves Paid/Unpaid). 1. "Request for Transfer" form is completed with the employee information and transfer information. 2. "Request for Transfer" is given to the Compensation Office for processing. 3. The Division of Benefits Management adds the employee's information to 2026 and records attendance until the employee returns from the leave of absence. Return to Duty When the employee is ready to return to work, the employee must notify the Division of Benefits Management in writing. The Division of Benefits Management submits a “Request for Placement of Employee” to the Human Resource Generalist responsible for the employee's placement. Division of Benefits Management Database Update The Division of Benefits Management keeps an Access Database of all employees on leave. This database is updated each time a request for leave is processed. BALTIMORE CITY PUBLIC SCHOOLS Division of Benefits Management Procedures for a Transfer to Special Leaves – Paid/Unpaid According to City Schools Board Rules and all Union agreements, employees are allowed to request a leave of absence for personal illness due to natural causes, on the job injury or accident. Employees absent for personal illness for longer than 60 work days for the current school year may be placed on an inactive payroll so the vacancy may be filled. The 2026 payroll organization (formerly 996/999) is used for employees who will be out on an extended leave for illness or other extended leaves of absence. Application and Processing_ This process is initiated by the supervisor or principal: 1. The supervisor or principal submits the “Request for Transfer” form to the Division of Benefits Management with all documentation (attendance records, leave slips, etc). that validates the request according to the aforementioned policy. 2. The Division of Benefits Management reviews the information received and determines if the employee is eligible to be moved to the inactive payroll. 3. The “Approval Letter” is sent to the employee and supervisor. Included in the packet to the employee will be the necessary forms to request an extension of leave due to the continuation of personal illness. 4. The Division of Benefits Management maintains a leave file for the employee and documents all information received from the employee. Payroll Procedures 1. The “Request for Transfer” form is completed with the employee information and transfer information and submitted to the Division of Benefits Management by the supervisor or principal. 2. Upon approval by the Division of Benefits Management, the request is submitted to the Human Capital Information System Office for processing, with a copy to the appropriate HC Staffing Specialist. 3. The employee is added to the 2026 organization. The Division of Benefits Management becomes responsible for maintaining attendance and processing payroll for the employee until he or she submits a request to end the leave of absence. Return to Duty When the employee is ready to return to work, the employee must notify the Division of Benefits Management in writing The Division of Benefits Management submits a “Request for Placement of Employee” to the Human Resource Generalist responsible for the employee's placement. Division of Benefits Management The Division of Benefits Management keeps an Access Database of all employees on leave. Monthly, this database is reviewed to ensure leaves are still valid. If there is need for a leave to be validated, the "Request for Leave” form is sent to the employee along with a notice requesting information to extend the leave. This database is updated each time a request for leave is processed. Return to Work Procedures If the employee's personal illness requires an absence from work for more than 10 days but less than 30 days, the employee must: • Contact his/her Supervisor to coordinate a return to work date. If an employee requires an absence from work for more than 30 days, the employee must: • Contact the Division of Benefits Management at 410-396-8885 to schedule a "Return-to-Work Evaluation". • Provide the Division of Benefits Management with the return-to-work documentation. • The Benefits Specialist will schedule the appointment with Mercy Medical Clinic and notify the employee and supervisor/manager in writing with the appointment date and time. The employee can return to work when released by Mercy Medical Clinic. • If a change in work location is required, the Benefits Specialist will provide the necessary documentation to the appropriate Office of Human Capital Staffing Specialist for placement. If the employee's work-related injury requires an absence from work or an accommodation, the employee must: • Provide the Supervisor with a medical release form provided by Mercy Medical Center Clinic. • Key Risk will coordinate with the Supervisor, Office of Human Capital and the employee a return to work date.