Fort Detrick
ASAP – Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Community Support Center
Bldg. 1520, Freedman Drive
301-619-1751
Purpose
The purpose of the Army Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is to:
- Help employees in identifying and resolving personal problems that may affect their job performance and well-being.
- Assist management in addressing productivity issues.
- Promote installation work/life/wellness programs.
Objectives
- All new DAC employees are promptly trained on the availability of EAP services.
- All supervisors of civilian employees receive training on the signs and symptoms of substance abuse and how and when to make proper use of EAP services. Annual training to be conducted for 33% of assigned supervisors.
- The purpose and availability of EAP services are actively promoted and publicized throughout the year.
- Annual training on such topics as stress management, EAP services, prevention of violence in the workplace etc, to be conducted for at least 20% of the civilian workforce.
Abstract/Overview
The U.S. Army Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides confidential, appropriate and timely problem-assessment services, as well as referral and follow-up services to health care providers when appropriate. The goal of these services it to help employees achieve a balance between their work, family, and other personal responsibilities. Job effectiveness can be adversely affected when employees are faced with mental or emotional problems, family responsibilities, financial or legal difficulties, or dependent (child/elder) care needs. Participation in the EAP is voluntary and will not jeopardize one's job.
EAP services are available for employees who have a substance abuse problem, who are seeking help or whose drug test has been verified positive. In addition to substance abuse problems, the EAP is available for those seeking help with life management issues, emotional problems, behavioral health issues and job related problems that affect job performance.
Managers and supervisors are urged to become familiar with the EAP referral process and to make referrals and/or recommend to employees that they seek help through the installation EAP.
Public Laws 96-180 and 96-181 authorized Federal agencies to provide short-term counseling services, to the extent feasible, to employees and their family members who have substance abuse problems. Public Law 99-570, The Federal Employee Substance Abuse Education and Treatment Act of 1986, and title 5 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 792, require Federal agencies to establish appropriate prevention, treatment, and rehabilitative programs and services for alcohol and drug abuse problems for Federal civilian employees.
Executive Order 12564 requires Federal agencies to establish drug-free Federal workplace programs, including an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as an essential element in achieving a drug-free workforce. Agencies must refer all employees found to be using illegal drugs to the EAP.
Confidentiality is the corner stone of an effective EAP. Employee confidence in the competence and trustworthiness of the EAP staff plays a key role in program success. EAP staff must be familiar with the provisions of the Privacy Act ( 5 U.S.C. 552a(b)) as well as the Alcohol and Drug Patient Confidentiality Regulation provisions contained in 42 CFR. Part 2.
The promotion of EAP services is crucial. Methods used most frequently to promote the EAP include: e-mail messages to employees; new employee orientation programs; EAP publicity at installation health fairs; supervisory handbooks; lunchtime awareness programs, on-line training and briefings for managers, employees, union stewards and installation leadership.
EAP Services to Employees and Supervisors
- Confidential, appropriate and timely problem-assessment services.
- Referral for treatment and rehabilitation to appropriate community counseling/treatment resources.
- Follow-up services to aid an employee in achieving an effective readjustment to his or her job after treatment.
- Training and education for supervisors and employees about alcohol and drugs.
Services for Supervisors
EAP Services to the Installation Organization
- Training and consultation for supervisors and managers on how and when to make proper use of EAP services for improving employee performance and conduct.
- Consultation to management about trends in employee needs, work groups, and related concerns dealing with work/life/wellness support programs.
- On-line training for supervisors, managers and employees:
- Preventing Workplace Violence
- Resolving Coworker Conflicts
- EAP Employee Orientation
- Alcohol and Other Drugs at Work, What Employees Should Know
Helpful Articles
- "Stress management and Recovery Handout" [PDF]
Featured in this month's DOD Employee Wellness Program as part of Mental Health Awareness month. - Eliminate Pre/Post-Holiday Spending Stress with These Tips
Article from: Financial Social Work Newsletter - Fall 2009
Begin by distinguishing between materialism and consumerism and the true meaning and spirit of the holidays. In addition, try finding new, less expensive ways to demonstrate your feelings for the important people in your life this holiday season.
This year, give yourself the gift of time - time to plan how to spend less and enjoy more of your holidays; time to share the joys of the holidays building new traditions that cost less but mean more and help to reconnect you and those you love with the true spirit of the season. The best gift you can give yourself and others who care about you is a debt-free holiday.
Plan Ahead
- If you haven't saved money to pay for this year's holiday with cash - start an account now for next year's holiday.
- Make purchases throughout the year (particularly when things are on sale - right after major holidays.)
