Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
EAPs have experienced phenomenal growth for a number
of reasons. They help save jobs and money by reducing employee turnover.
EAPs have been shown to increase moral since they focus on helping employees
become productive again. Because they deal with a wide variety of personal
issues, EAPs help both employees and their family members resolve issues
before they become overwhelming or impact work performance. EAPs are an
effective tool in assisting supervisors to better manage the workplace and
troubled employees. EAPs are a proactive way to extend a caring, helping
hand while building a more productive workforce.
Key features of services include:
All Advocate plan participants can access the EAP any time. Advocate’s
clinical staff will respond to crisis needs on a 24-hour basis.
A broad range of personal issues can be addressed through EAP such as workplace-related
issues; emotional problems; stress; alcohol and drug abuse; marriage, family,
and relationship problems; and legal assistance.
Advocate’s EAP clinicians have expertise in conducting accurate assessments,
paying close attention to underlying problems such as abuse, violence and
substance abuse, which are often the root of other personal problems.
Many problems of daily living presented to EAP, such as workplace-related
issues, family or marital issues, grief, adjustment disorders, and mood
disorders can be resolved through brief therapy without the need for further
clinical assistance.
When a participant requires assistance beyond the scope of the EAP, we can
help in obtaining needed services. Advocate will coordinate with the customer’s
medical plan to aid clients in accessing health benefits as well as community
resources. Clinicians are well versed in the free/low-cost programs available
in their respective communities. Such programs may include support groups,
12-step programs, and community mental health centers.
Advocate follows up on all referrals to ensure a satisfactory link between
participant and referral resource.
Advocate staff clinicians assist our customers’ management and supervisory
staff in recognizing performance problems that are rooted in personal problems.
We also provide guidance on how to make an effective EAP referral, including
information on how to proceed in a manner consistent with program confidentiality
requirements.
CISM consultation is a standard component to EAP. Advocate understands that
a timely response to traumatic incidents is imperative to our customers.
We have a systematic process by which we coordinate with counselors to provide
on-site support to our customers when needed.
Advocate offers assistance with developing and implementing drug free workplace
programs, including policy development, training for supervisors and employees,
and SAP assessments as required by DOT.
Participants have access to interactive programs that offer a dialogue to
help create a personalized path to self-improvement. Advocate Online has
more than 300 programs that address a wide range of topics focusing on mental
health, personal development and work/life matters.
Advocate believes strongly in program promotion and outreach. To ensure
that all eligible employees and family members understand the kind of support
available through Advocate, we provide a variety of communications describing
our programs and how to access services.
Advocate provides live employee trainings to orient employees to services.
Formal supervisor training seminars focus on how to use EAP to address job
performance and workplace-related problems. Training also provides guidance
on how to make an effective referral into the EAP.
With confidentiality being the highest priority, Advocate communicates program
utilization to the employer on a quarterly basis using demographic data
only.
