Welcome to the Seattle Public Schools EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM An Orientation for Employees
Jan 18, 2018
Welcome to theSeattle Public SchoolsEMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
An Orientation for Employees
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Why is an EAP needed?
Personal problems can negatively affect our job performance:– Cause absenteeism or
lateness – Alter behavior or attitude – Cause carelessness – Increase personal risk– Affect decisions,
demeanor, and interactions
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What is an EAP?
• Helps employees and their families identify and resolve personal problems and concerns, including:
– Financial and legal– Interpersonal conflicts– Stress
– Emotional and psychiatric – Alcohol and other drug-related – Marriage and family
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What is an Employee Assistance Professional?• Specially trained and experienced at
– Listening– Asking the right questions– Gathering information– Helping to decide the best
course of action
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You should know that …
• When you meet with an employee assistance professional, he or she will:
– Greet you– Set you at ease– Listen– Help clarify the problem– Discuss options for resolution– Formulate a plan of action
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The Value of EAPs• Access to a free, professional, and confidential
resource can help employees resolve personal problems, reducing:– Absenteeism– Accidents– Low productivity– Injuries– Higher workers
compensation costs– Turnover– Interpersonal conflict on the job– Low morale
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EAPs Help Improve Job Performance• EAPs work with groups of employees
and work teams to:
– Provide education and training on health, wellness, and human relations
– Manage critical incident stress – Develop organizational policies– Help employees improve productivity– Advise the organization
on its behavioral health benefits/insurance plan
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Confidentiality is Key
• Identity is protected by confidentiality laws or provisions and the right to privacy
• Exceptions that permit disclosure:– Where a person's life is threatened – Where the abuse of a child or elderly
person exists• Information will not be
shared without written permission
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Important Information
• The EAP is non-disciplinary. – Not a substitute for disciplinary action– May not be the cause or reason for a
disciplinary action• No interference with
administrative or supervisory practices – It is not a “safe harbor” – You are still responsible for
satisfactory job performance• There are no fees for
EAP services
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Important Information
• The EAP is not a psychotherapy service or a treatment program
• The EAP is voluntary– However, policies or regulations may mandate
that management make a supervisor referral to the EAP
• Seeking help from the EAP cannot adversely affect you– You cannot have your job
security or promotional opportunities jeopardized
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What Kind of Problems, Issues, and Concerns?• The EAP is available to help you or your
family members resolve any personal problem … – Life management issues– Emotional problems and mental health issues– Alcohol and drug-related problems– Job-related problems
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Additional Information
• An important EAP service is follow-up• The EAP won’t compete with other
resources in the organization that are available to help you
• It is not a substitute for the advice and counsel of your personal physician
• It is not a provider of medical care or health services
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Referral to the EAP
• The EAP is accessed primarily by self-referral
– The employee or family member makes a personal decision to contact the EAP
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Types of Referrals
• Supervisors or managers may also refer employees to the EAP when job performance problems exist– The basis of the referral
evidence of problems with performance: conduct, attendance, quality of work, etc.
Thank you for taking the time to learn about EAP.
To contact EAP call206-252-4800
or visit our websitehttp://inside.seattleschools.org/area/eap