All employees assigned to a Headquarters organization, including Stafford Act, NDMS, etc., are covered under the contract administered by the Human Resources Division. Regional employees are covered under the contract administered by their respective Administration and Resource Planning Division.

The Federal Occupational Health EAP call service center is always staffed by professionals. It is available 24/7 to provide consultation to employees and supervisors on ways to deal with the psychological impact of the disaster, as well as to provide access to counseling. The EAP is a voluntary program and use of the service is strictly confidential.

EAP Features

Objectives: The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is designed to help empower employees in their efforts to resolve personal and/or work-related problems that impact performance and/or conduct on the job. The EAP also assists supervisors and managers in addressing employee workplace issues. The goal of the EAP is to address such problems in the quickest, least restrictive, most convenient, and least costly manner possible, while strictly respecting client confidentiality. Such problems include stress, attendance, alcohol and drug abuse, family and personal relationships, elder care, parenting, threatening behavior/violence at home or on the job, loss of a family member or loved one, medical issues, financial and legal problems, and other concerns.

Cost: The EAP is a prepaid benefit. Appointments are made through self-referral, supervisory referral, or other sources. Up to six visits are offered, including assessment, short-term problem solving, and follow-up services. If more intensive, long-term counseling is warranted, the employee may be referred to community resources for treatment and rehabilitative care. Any cost incurred as a result of a referral is the responsibility of the employee or the cost may be covered by the employee’s health insurance.

Confidentiality: This is critical to the effectiveness and credibility of the EAP. All information and records are considered privileged and under the protection of laws, including the Privacy Act of 1974 and the Confidentiality Regulations (42 CFR). Counselors do not inform supervisors or others that an employee has called or met with a Counselor. Conversations between the Counselor and employee are strictly confidential. Information can only be released with the employee’s written consent. In certain situations, however, Counselors may be required by law to report threats of harm to the employee or others (including child and elder abuse).

Convenience: Every effort is made to provide assistance at times and places convenient for the employee. While most face-to-face counseling is provided during normal work hours, early morning, lunch time or evening hours may be available. For emergencies, a Counselor can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Competence: All Counselors have a minimum of a master’s degree in a mental health area, such as clinical social work, mental health counseling, psychiatric nursing, clinical psychology, and certification in alcohol/drug counseling.

“When all doors seem to be closed, the EAP is always open.”