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Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) What is an EAP? Do we offer EAP Services? Who offers EAP services and how do I find them? Do we certify or License EAP providers? What is the purpose of an EAP? What types of services does an EAP offer? Who can use an EAP? What happens when I call an EAP? What happens with an EAP referral and who knows about it? What makes an EAP successful? What things should I look for when contracting/hiring an EAP provider? What is an EAP?
An EAP, or employee assistance program, is a confidential, short term, counselling service for employees with personal problems that affect their work performance. EAPs grew out of industrial alcoholism programs of the 1940's. EAPs should be part of a larger company plan to promote wellness that involves written policies, supervisor and employee training, and, where appropriate, an approved drug testing program. Do we offer EAP Services?
No. CCOHS does not offer EAP services. EAPs are usually a program purchased or funded by your employer and provided by an external organization or occasionally by a department within your company. You can find out if your employer offers an EAP service by asking your manager, Human Resources Department, Union or Health and Safety Representative. Who offers EAP services and how do I find them?
The private sector is a prime source of external EAP services. To locate service providers in your area: 1) Go to the Yellow Pages search engine at: http://www.canada411.ca/ 2) In the search box under Find a Business use the keyword option and type in EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS 3) Narrow your search by Location 4) Hit the search button Find to get your results Do we certify or License EAP providers?
No. If you wish to start your own EAP company and offer EAP services we recommend you contact the: Canadian Employee Assistance Program Association (CEAPA) What is the purpose of an EAP?
The EAP offers help with the resolution of problems that are affecting work. These problems, however, do not have to be caused by workplace issues. Employee Assistance Programs are designed to help people understand or overcome their personal problems. While most EAPs offer a wide range of services, they often refer to other professionals or agencies who can offer more or extended care in particular areas. What types of services does an EAP offer? The range of areas typically managed by an EAP provider include:
Some EAP providers are also able to offer other services including retirement or lay-off assistance, and wellness/health promotion and fitness (such as weight control, nutrition, exercise, or smoking). Others may offer advice on long-term illnesses, disability issues, counselling for crisis situations (e.g., death at work), or advice specifically for managers/supervisors in dealing with difficult situations. Who can use an EAP? EAPs are open to all employees and members of their immediate family. What happens when I call an EAP? In most cases, an EAP phone number is posted or otherwise distributed to staff members. This number is often to what is known as a referral agent. A referral agent could be a someone from within the organization such as a health professional in the medical department, a union counsellor or an employee who has received EAP training. If there is no internal referral agent, the employee could be referred to an external EAP resource. Referral agents must be familiar with available community resources which could include social, financial and mental health services, professional counsellors, or ministers. A referral agent defines the specific nature of the problem and refers the person to the appropriate resource for assistance. The actual referral depends on the type of problem, the preference of the person, and the ability of the person to pay for the service (if costs are not otherwise covered by the EAP or insurance program). When an employee voluntarily contacts an EAP provider, a confidential record is opened. The EAP provider will collect any necessary information and, depending on the severity of the problem and the capabilities of the EAP personnel, will decide if the problem can be handled by the provider or if a referral is needed to an outside resource (such as a particular substance abuse program). Interviews are typically offered to the employee within a set period of time (e.g., interviews will be conducted within 24 or 48 hours) unless the situation is judged to be an emergency. What happens with an EAP referral and who knows about it? In an EAP, there are three types of referrals:
What makes an EAP successful? Several factors make an EAP successful:
In addition, the EAP must be monitored and evaluated to ensure continued quality of the referral/assistance and to correct potential trouble situations. An appropriate assessment, referral and follow-up of progress are important for continued success of the EAP. What things should I look for when contracting/hiring an EAP provider? Hiring professional services, no matter what the service may be, requires some investigation. It is the client's responsibility to find a competent consultant who is qualified by education, knowledge, and experience. The following questions are not meant to be the only questions you may ask, but rather they are a start to your checklist.
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