DESCRIPTION
The NextSTEP Program was developed in 1993 to improve the State's ability to return disabled employees back to State service. Only employees in specific bargaining units were eligible to participate. The NextSTEP program officially ended as of January 1, 2000. However, the program remains in effect for injuries or illnesses that occurred from January 1, 1993, through December 31, 1999. The program will be phased out as the remaining claims are resolved.
PURPOSE
The goal of the NextSTEP program is to place the injured employee into an alternative position within the State if the employee is unable to return to his/her usual and customary duties as a result of a work-related injury or illness.
ELIGIBILITY
This benefit was negotiated by the exclusive representatives for the employees and was required under specific circumstances. Employees who choose not to participate in the NextSTEP program may waive their rights to other benefits.
Employees who were in Bargaining Units 1, 4, 15, 18 and 20 who experienced a qualifying industrial injury or illness on or after January 1, 1993, through December 31, 1999, and who are permanently unable to perform the duties of their position are eligible.
Also eligible are employees who are State Miscellaneous Members or State Industrial Members whose injury or illness occurred as a result of a violent act by a patient or inmate while performing duties at:
- Patton State Hospital, Atascadero State Hospital, Napa State Hospital, Metropolitan State Hospital, the psychiatric program at the California medical facility at Vacaville, or other forensic facility;
- A State prison or facility of the Department of Corrections, or correctional school or facility of the Youth Authority; or
- Elsewhere while acting in the scope of employment which regularly and substantially involves contact with patients and clients of a forensic facility or inmates or parolees. For State Safety Retirement members, the injury or illness may occur as the result of any employment activity.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR ADMINISTERING THE PROGRAM
State departmental personnel offices are responsible for administering the NextSTEP program in coordination with DPA. The department employing the injured worker at the time of injury (called the originating department) assists the employee in locating an appropriate position as soon as the medical records reflect it is likely that the employee will be unable to return to his/her usual and customary occupation.
The originating department assists the injured employee with a job search for 90 days. However, if the employee is unable to find another position with the State, the program provides an enhanced IDR to qualified employees.
LEGAL AUTHORITY
Government Code Sections 19876.5, 19998.1, 20038.5, 20047, 20048, 21159, 21160, 21162, 21195, 21410, 21417
DPA Rules 599.779, 599.779.1
Memorandums of Understanding
