Family and Medical Leave Act / Accommodations

 

Request a leave of absence


About the Family and Medical Leave Act


Under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), if you have worked at least one year and at least 1,250 hours in the past 12 months you are eligible for up to 12 weeks unpaid leave for the following circumstances:

  • Birth of a child; adoption of a child or the placement of a foster child
  • To care for a spouse, child or parent with a serious health condition
  • Serious health condition which makes the employee unable to perform the functions of the position
  • Active Duty Family Leave
  • Injured Service Member Leave

If you have a spouse, parent, or child who has been called to or in on active duty in the Armed Forces, you may be eligible for up to 12 weeks of FMLA in certain circumstances. If you are the spouse, parent, child or next of kin of a service member who was injured in the line of duty, you may be eligible for up to 26 weeks of FMLA leave.

While on FMLA, you are entitled to receive health benefits as if you were still working. Please contact Cathy Hendricks or Ashley King with any questions regarding leave of absence.  If you have questions about your benefits, please contact Joy Triplett.



About Returning to Work


When returning to work, a physician release statement is required. You must be reinstated to the same or an equivalent position. Equivalent position is defined as a position having the same pay, benefits, working conditions, and substantially similar duties and responsibilities and entails substantially equivalent skill, effort, responsibility and authority. Note: If you go into unpaid status, your salary will be adjusted upon your return.

If you do not return to work following FMLA leave (for a reason other than the same condition, recurrence, or onset of a serious health condition that would entitle you to FMLA leave or other circumstances beyond your control), you may be required to reimburse HCDE for its share of health insurance premiums paid on your behalf during your FMLA leave.

FMLA FAQs and Return to Work Form


Americans with Disabilities Statement


Hamilton County Schools (HCS) values all of our employees including those who are experiencing disabilities. In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HCS does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices and strives to provide reasonable accommodations and services for employees.

Sara Garmon, Coordinator Human Capital, will provide assistance and/or services for persons with disabilities. Please contact her at: 423-498-7054 or [email protected] should you need to request accommodations.