About the Western U.P. Substance Abuse Service

An employe Assistance Program has been set up for your use. The purpose of this program is to give you a place to turn to with personal problems. Serious concerns present problems for both employee and employer. When these issues go untreated, they can start to affect work performance, personal life, behavior, health and careers.

The EAP Is a Benefit For You

The EAP provides confidential assessment and referral services for employees
who may be troubled by marital difficulty, emotional disorders, family problems,
alcoholism, drug addiction, financial difficulty, failing relationships.

The EAP is available to you whether you seek help voluntarily or your employer
refers you because of unsatisfactory job performance, excessive absenteeism, or
unacceptable on-the-job behavior. In some instances, the problem that is impacting
your work may not exist just with you; it may not even originate with you. Therefore, the
services of the EAP may be made available to you and your immediate family.

How It Works

You may contact the EAP Assessment Service or be directed to do so by your
employer. The EAP provides assessment and referral service and may direct you to
qualified professionals who will help you identify your problems, discuss solutions, and
establish a plan for your return to healthful living.

Early Identification Is Critical

Early identification of any problem increases the possibility of a successful
recovery or solution. The EAP recognizes that when certain behavioral/medical
problems such as alcoholism and drug addiction are involved, intervention by your
employer frequently is the only way to save your job and, perhaps, your life.

The cost of this program, including a 24 hour crisis line to talk over situations,
and assessments with referral for counseling/treatment, is covered by your employer’s
EAP contract. Costs incurred for counseling at referred providers are not covered by
the EAP. These counseling costs may be covered by your health insurance or through
sliding fee scales based on income and household size. It is best to discuss counseling
referral costs with your EAP assessment providers.

Confidentiality

The need for privacy and confidentiality is recognized as a primary concern for
employees. In response to that concern, your employer makes a commitment to
preserve the confidential nature of the program.

Job Security

Your job security, promotional opportunities, and reputation will not be
jeopardized by seeking and accepting the provisions of the EAP. However, employees
should observe specific rules with reference to these issues, as outlined in the policies
and procedures of your place of employment.

Employee Responsibility

Persons participating in this program will be expected to meet existing job
performance standards and work rules.

If the employee does not cooperate in obtaining treatment and his/her
performance continues to be unsatisfactory, or if the treatment does not result in an
improvement when there are performance problems, your situation will be reviewed. A
determination may be made concerning the future status as an employee by applying
established policies and procedures.

Employers Are Concerned

Your employer is concerned with the well-being of its employees. They
established the Employee Assistance Program to provide a confidential resource for
employees seeking help. Your employer is committed to the tested and proven
methods of employee assistance – a service geared to help its most valued asset, the
employees.