PERSONNEL
60.86
Revised 7-07
Human Resource Services
335-4521
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OVERVIEW
The University's Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides confidential counseling and referral services. The program assists employees in identifying and resolving or managing personal issues, such as:
- Home and family issues
- Stress/depression
- Health concerns
- Changes in the workplace
- Drug/alcohol abuse
- Personal and interpersonal concerns
- Other issues affecting life and job performance
The Employee Assistance Program is intended to:
- Assist employees with clarifying issues,
- Provide short-term counseling, and
- Make referrals to appropriate external resources for longer-term assistance as needed.
The Employee Assistance Program is not intended to provide long-term assistance, but does provide various types of short-term assistance as well as referrals for long-term assistance.
EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AT WSU
Washington State University, in collaboration with the Washington Department of Personnel and other assistance providers, furnishes services to all employees regardless of their location.
NOTE: For purposes of this section, civil service and collective bargaining unit employees are referred to collectively as classified employees.
Pullman Employees
All Pullman faculty, administrative professional, and classified employees are eligible for assistance by the University's Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The Division of Student Affairs provides counseling services to graduate students through WSU Counseling Services.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) reports to the Office of the Vice President for Business and Finance. The EAP may make referrals to appropriate University service units, such as:
- Human Resource Services,
- Faculty Status Committee,
- Women's Resource Center,
- Ombudsman,
- Organizational Effectiveness/Conflict Management, and
- ADA Compliance Officer.
Other technical experts may be contacted as appropriate with the permission of the employee.
For short-term assistance, counseling by a licensed psychologist is available. For longer-term assistance, EAP provides referrals to counseling resources in the community.
Contacting EAP Personnel
To make an appointment with an EAP psychologist or counselor, telephone 335-1744.
EAP assistance may also be accessed from the EAP website, at:
Emergency Assistance
For emergencies during nonbusiness hours, contact Palouse River Counseling at (509) 334-1133.
Referrals
A supervisor may refer an employee to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) office or seek guidance from the EAP regarding an employee issue. A supervisor or an employee may elect to contact the EAP office directly. EAP office personnel are permitted disclose to the employee that the supervisor consulted with the EAP.
The EAP office provides information or appointments as soon as possible.
Non-Pullman Employees
All non-Pullman faculty, administrative professional employees, classified employees, and graduate assistants are eligible for assistance from the Washington Department of Personnel Employee Assistance Program. Services are available to employees located in every county in Washington.
Contacting the State EAP
Employees may contact the state EAP directly. A supervisor may refer an employee to the EAP.
For more information about specific services provided to non-Pullman employees by state EAP, contact one of the regional offices listed below or go to the state EAP website at:
Select Employee Assistance.
In the case of an emergency during nonbusiness hours, contact the local area crisis line.
WORK TIME AND COST
Appointments with the Pullman or State EAP
Mandatory Release Time
Departments are to provide employees with release time to consult with the either the state or University EAP. Appointments with the EAP are considered to be time worked.
An employee must have the approval of the supervisor for time away from the workstation. Employees and supervisors should agree upon appointment times in advance. The employee is not required to provide the reason for the visit to the supervisor.
Cost
The EAP provides consulting services to employees free of charge.
Appointments with External Service Providers
Employee Leave
If referral is made to an external organization for services not related to conditions or stuations for which sick leave is available, employees must use annual leave, compensatory time, or leave without pay for the visit. NOTE: The employee is not required to use sick leave for the visit, even if applicable.
If referral is made to medical or psychological services, employees may use sick leave, annual leave, compensatory time, or leave without pay.
For visits to other types of agencies, employees use annual leave, compensatory time, leave without pay, or sick leave if appropriate.
Cost
Employees are responsible for the cost of visiting any external service provider.
In many cases, an employee's medical insurance benefits may cover some of the costs involved. Contact Human Resource Services or the individual insurance carrier to determine whether employee medical insurance covers the cost of the assistance service.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Confidentiality is maintained regarding all contacts with the EAP to the extent allowed by law.
If a supervisor refers an employee to the EAP, the program confirms for the supervisor, upon his or her request:
- Whether or not the employee directly contacted the EAP, and
- Dates meetings took place.
The EAP releases no other information to the supervisor or others without the consent of the employee.