This policy addresses use of communication devices while at work, the personal use of business and/or personal communication devices, and the policy regarding the safe use of communication devices by employees.

Personal Cellular Phones, Tablets, or other Communication Device

  • While at work, employees are expected to exercise discretion in using personal communication devices. Personal calls during work hours may interfere with employee productivity, safety, and may be distracting to others. Employees are encouraged to make personal calls during breaks. Employees are prohibited from using their communication device in any illegal, illicit, or offensive manner.
  • Employees whose job responsibilities include driving should refrain from using their communication device while operating a vehicle. Drivers shall comply with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding the use of technology devices
  • Employees should not use any communication devices during meetings or trainings. In the event of an emergency, employee may inform facilitator of need to step out quickly, for up to 5 minutes. If personnel miss key information due to stepping out, facilitator may determine if they need to repeat the training or set up an additional meeting time.

Direct Care Staff Professional (DSP) Employees:

  • Employees are not allowed to use cell phone, tablets, or other electronic communication devices while providing direct care to consumers; unless specified for usage for the Individual and services provided.
  • During an investigation of Abuse and Neglect, an employee will be asked to leave their communication devices in their car, home, or with the front desk. Communication devices are not allowed while gathering statements for an investigation.
  • CCL is not responsible to reimburse employees for any data used on personal devices if an employee utilizes their own personal device for work. CCL provides a computer, internet, and a tablet at each site.
  • In the event an employee needs to make or take an important phone call or message while providing direct care, they need to follow protocol outlined for the consumers’ level of oversight.
  • If a consumer is under line of sight supervision or arms’ length supervision, the staff assigned for that consumer may need to wait until they are relieved to use their personal communication device.
  • In cases where it is appropriate for staff to briefly use their personal communication device while providing direct care, they are to inform the individuals they are supporting that they need to take a call.
  • Calls are only to be made in an emergency and are limited to five minutes in duration.
    • Employees should remove themselves from the main part of the home while on the call unless providing one on one supports.
  • Employees are not permitted to use cell phones, tablets, or any other electronic device while driving with a consumer either in their vehicle or in a CCL van. While providing transportation services, employees are required to have a communication device available in case of an emergency. In the event of an emergency, personnel must pull over and cease vehicle operation prior to using communication device.

On-Call Employees:

  • All On-Call employees will abide by the same rules as the direct care employee when working in shift directly with a consumer except during emergencies.
  • CCL understands that being On-Call means a phone call may have to be taken more often but the On-Call staff needs to not only try to limit the calls received, but also the duration whenever possible.