Employee Assistance Program

        Notice of Privacy Practices- EAP          

  Community Resource Guide

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a confidential and free benefit program that utilizes a policy of support and assistance to a troubled employee, whether or not job performance is being adversely affected.  The EAP operates in both a preventive and corrective mode as we work toward the total wellness of all School Board employees and their families.  The philosophy underlying the function of the EAP is that even the most effective employees may encounter obstacles that may, or do, impede efficiency and productivity.  Employees are the District’s most valuable resource, and the District offers assistance to the troubled employee to promote an optimum sense of well-being and productivity.  

The Employee Assistance Program offers assistance to permanent employees and their dependent family members.  The assistance is beneficial for people that are directly or indirectly suffering from behavioral/medical problems that tend to jeopardize their physical or mental health, work satisfaction, and continued employment.  Behavioral/medical problems include but are not limited to:  

·  physical illness

·  marital/family distress and conflicts

·  emotional problems, e.g. depression, stress and anxiety

·  bereavement/grief and loss

·  eating disorders

·  parenting issues

·  interpersonal problems

·  work related problems

·  medical/pain management/coping with illness

·  relationship problems

·  alcohol and/or substance abuse or dependency

·  financial problems  

The School Board recognizes behavioral/medical problems as conditions that may usually be successfully treated or resolved, especially when they are dealt with in the early developmental stages.  The goal is to help individuals who develop such problems to gain a better understanding of the problem, learn about the services available, and choose a plan of action. 

After providing an extensive intake assessment (a requirement of the insurance company), referral(s) to a psychotherapist and/or other appropriate community resources are made.  The EAP will obtain the necessary authorization numbers so that the insurance carrier will pay for the ongoing therapy.  Extensive case management is conducted to monitor and ensure that the required service has been received.  

Employee Assistance Program files are treated as medical/psychological files and as such are governed by the Federal Regulations on Confidentiality as described in 42 CFR Part 2.  Information can only be released when clients give written consent or when the law requires (e.g. issues of abuse, threats to harm self and others, criminal investigation).  The issue of confidentiality is of the highest importance to the EAP staff as it allows them to be most effective in providing essential services.  By calling the EAP office at 754-322-9900 you can access the services of the Employee Assistance Program and schedule an appointment.