Illness + Injury Leave
Eligibility for paid illness and injury leave programs varies by staff group and appointment.
If you feel unwell, stay home. By taking care of yourself today, you’ll be in better shape to accomplish your goals tomorrow. Advise your supervisor that you'll be away; keep them informed.
Work-related Injury + Illness
If you've had a work-related injury or illness, visit our work-related injury page for information and forms.
Health Issue Affecting Work
If a health issue is affecting your work, visit our recovery and returning to work page for advice and services.
Mental Health Support
Review our staff resources and contact our Employee and Family Assistance Program at 780-428-7587.
Short-Term Illness
If you’re a support staff member who is sick or injured for more than three consecutive work days and are unable to work, you are required to provide a doctor’s note to your supervisor. As per the collective agreement, the note must state:
- that the employee is unable to attend work and perform their regular duties due to illness.
- the duration of illness.
Extended Illness
If you’ve used more than 10 casual illness days this calendar year, you must provide a medical certificate (Medical to Support General Illness Benefits) to Homewood Health, Inc., for every absence due to illness or injury.
Medical Certificates may be required for any absence due to illness immediately preceding or following a vacation period or a paid holiday.
If you anticipate being absent for more than 10 working days due to illness or injury, please initiate an illness leave by following the steps below.
Starting an illness leave
- Notify your supervisor of your absence from work and the anticipated duration. Your supervisor will complete a referral form to notify Homewood Health, the University Disability Provider, of your absence.
- Provide your doctor with a copy of the Medical to Support General Illness Benefits form to complete. Either you or your doctor will provide this form to Homewood Health. The university will cover the fee to complete this form. Have your doctor fax their invoice directly to Homewood Health at 780-429-1747.
- It is your responsibility to ensure medical information is provided to Homewood Health as required. If you consent to Homewood Health communicating directly with your physician, fill out the Support Staff Consent for Release of Health Information form and bring it to your doctor’s office.
- You or your doctor are to fax your completed medical certificate to Homewood Health at 780-429-1747 (email is not recommended).
- Maintain regular communication with your Supervisor and Health Support Consultant for the duration of your leave by phone or email. A Health Support Consultant from Homewood Health will contact you within 24–48 hours of receiving notification of your absence. The Consultant will work with you through your medical treatment and recovery.
Returning from a Leave
If modifications are needed for your return to work, Homewood Health will refer you to a U of A Return to Work Consultant, who will collaborate with you and your supervisor to identify suitable work within your restrictions. Return to work planning begins once your medical provider deems it appropriate.
If no workplace modifications are needed, Homewood Health will notify your supervisor of your return date. You are encouraged to contact your supervisor directly to discuss your return.
If you're an academic staff member or management and professional staff member who is sick or injured and unable to work, advise your Department Chair/Manager (or designate) about your absence.
If you will be away for more than 20 consecutive work days, start an illness leave following the steps below.
Starting an illness leave
- Notify your supervisor of your absence from work and the anticipated duration. Your supervisor will complete a referral to notify Homewood Health, the University Disability Provider, of your absence.
- Provide your doctor with a copy of the Medical Certificate form to complete. Either you or your doctor will provide this form to Homewood Health.
- It is your responsibility to ensure medical information is provided to Homewood Health as required. If you consent to Homewood Health communicating directly with your physician, fill out the Academic Staff Consent for Release of Health Information form and bring it to your doctor’s office.
- You or your doctor are to fax your completed medical certificate form to Homewood Health at 780-429-1747 (we do not recommend email). The university will cover the fee to complete this form - have your doctor fax their invoice directly to Homewood Health at 780-429-1747.
- Maintain regular communication with your Supervisor and Health Support Consultant for the duration of your leave by phone or email. A Health Support Consultant from Homewood Health will contact you within 24–48 hours of receiving notification of your absence. The Consultant will work with you through your medical treatment and recovery.
Returning from a Leave
If modifications are needed for your return to work, Homewood Health will refer you to a U of A Return to Work Consultant, who will collaborate with you and your supervisor to identify suitable work within your restrictions. Return to work planning begins once your medical provider deems it appropriate.
If no workplace modifications are needed, Homewood Health will notify your supervisor of your return date. You are encouraged to contact your supervisor directly to discuss your return.