What is the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)?
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a resource provided by the University of Iowa to assist employees and their immediate family members, or significant others, who are finding it difficult to successfully cope with personal or work related issues and concerns.
Who is eligible to use the Employee Assistance Program?
Employee Assistance services are available to all permanent faculty and staff with a 50% or greater appointment, and their immediate family members or significant others. Please call 335-2085 to determine eligibility.
Why do people use the Employee Assistance Program?
Most people who come to the Employee Assistance Program have had difficulty solving a problem situation in their personal or work life and are looking for additional options or resources. This situation might include marital disagreements, job stress, parent-child concerns or substance abuse.
What are the qualifications of the EAP staff?
All of our EAP counselors are licensed in one or more of the counseling fields: social work, marriage and family therapy, or mental health counseling.
What about Confidentiality?
Contact with the staff of the Employee Assistance Program is confidential within limits as governed by Federal and State regulations. This information is reviewed with service recipients at the time of their initial appointment.
Can my supervisor make me go to the EAP?
No. Supervisors are encouraged to recommend the EAP as a resource to employees. Our service is a BENEFIT provided to employees, and is purely voluntary. As always, all conversations are confidential and the EAP may not disclose any information to the supervisor unless the client signs a written release of information.
Where are the sessions held?
Through a partnership with University of Iowa Behavioral Health and Faculty and Staff Services, EAP sessions are offered at the University Services Building, Plaza Center One Building, and at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
What happens at the Employee Assistance Program?
At the time of their initial visit, individuals are given the Employee Assistance Program Statement of Confidentiality to review and a brief intake form to complete. They then meet with a licensed professional who reviews their situation, works to clarify their issues/concerns, and to help identify options and possible resources. The initial consultation usually lasts approximately 50 minutes. If needed, up to three follow-up visits are offered.
How are Employee Assistance Program services accessed?
Employee Assistance Program services are accessed by calling 335-2085 during regular office hours (M-F, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
Can Employee Assistance Program services be utilized on work time?
Employees may request release time from work for the initial appointment. For subsequent appointments, employees may request from their department use of available sick leave or vacation time as provided for in the Operations Manual (sections III-22.3 and III-23.2.) Employees scheduled to work the third shift must schedule appointments during FSS office hours (8 a.m. - 5 p.m., M-F) and are not eligible to receive overtime pay for FSS consultations.
How much do EAP services cost?
There are no fees for the first four sessions with the EAP. The employee is responsible for any costs that result from referrals outside the EAP service. The counselor will work with the employee or family member to determine if insurance benefits will cover referrals.