Stay/Return to Work Policy

Purpose
State Technical College of Missouri strives to help employees stay at work after a work-related injury or illness. A stay at work/return to work program benefits the employer and employees by minimizing time lost from work.

This policy does not supersede or modify procedures applicable to employees eligible for reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or leave benefits under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Eligibility
This policy applies to full-time and part-time employees who experience injuries or work-related illness that are covered under the Missouri Workers’ compensation law and are eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits as a result.

Transitional Work Assignment
State Tech defines “transitional work assignment” as temporarily modified work assignments within the worker’s physical abilities, knowledge and skills. Transitional work assignments are not to exceed 90 days unless exceptional circumstances exist and will be addressed on a case by case basis. Temporary work assignments may be reviewed on a periodic basis.

When possible and practical, transitional work assignments will be made available to eligible employees to minimize or eliminate time lost from work. Employees performing transitional work assignments receive their normal pay rate and accrue benefits as usual. Employees are expected to return to their regular duties as soon as medically able. State Tech does not guarantee transitional work assignments under all circumstances nor bears responsibility to do so.

In the event an employee refuses a transitional work assignment, and the assignment offered satisfies the employees restrictions and ability to perform the transitional position, State Tech bears no obligation to provide an alternative position. In such cases, State Tech will notify the insurance carrier of the employee’s refusal of the transitional work.

LINE OF AUTHORITY
Responsible Office: Human Resources
Contact person in that office: Vice President of Operations
EFFECTIVE DATE: June 20, 2025
Approved by President: June 20, 2025