What is Tusla’s EAP?
The Employee Assistance Programme or EAP is an independent counselling service provided by a 3rd party. The EAP is monitored and administered by Tusla’s Health, Wellbeing and EAP (HWEAP) Service. It plays a key part in an ethos of promoting employee wellness and organisational effectiveness.
The EAP counselling service is a free and confidential support to staff and management designed to assist employees to manage work and life difficulties, which, if left unattended, could adversely affect work performance and/or attendance and quality of life.
How can the EAP help you?
External EAP providers are trained personnel available to offer confidential support and guidance to employees who may be experiencing personal and/or work-related difficulties.
These difficulties may be your own, or you may be feeling the impact of living with or being close to people who have difficulties. If you have a concern, it is always better to address it as early as possible. If something is causing you concern it may be an indication that action is needed.
Support to managers/supervisors
Managers/supervisors can contact the Tusla’s Health, Wellbeing and EAP Service if they have concerns about a staff member. The manager/supervisor will be afforded the opportunity to discuss these concerns in a confidential and supportive environment. The option of referring the staff member to the EAP counselling service can also be discussed.
Where a manager is addressing work performance, attendance or behaviour issues, referral to the EAP may be an option in helping to improve the situation.
How to contact the EAP service
The EAP counselling service is run by an external provider on a 24/7, 365 day basis. It is completely confidential. You can contact the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) counselling service directly on 1800 817 435. Please contact Tusla’s Health, Wellbeing and EAP Service if you have any questions on this, either by phoning 086 1438390 or by emailing eap@tusla.ie. Alternatively you can visit the HWEAP section of the Tusla hub for more information on the service.
Upon phoning the EAP counselling service, there will be a triage assessment system to ensure you get the support that you require. Sessions with counsellors can take place over the phone, online or in person, depending on what has been decided between you both.
Attending the EAP
Depending on the issue, a number of meetings may be required with the EAP, usually no more than 4 to 6 would be considered adequate to help with any issue. However, if extra sessions are required this must be agreed with the counsellor. The counsellor will advise on this and a request is forwarded through the EAP service to the HWEAP Service before it is approved.
What kind of issues can I contact the EAP about?
Any of us can experience challenging or difficult times or events during the course of our lives. Often these can impact on our ability to perform to our full potential in the workplace.
At times such as these, it may be helpful to avail of a service such as the EAP. The types of instances
• Work-related issues. (e.g. interpersonal difficulties, harassment, bullying, balancing work with domestic responsibilities).
• Stress.
• Health issues.
• Family and marital issues (domestic violence, separation, relationships, secondary family issues).
• Financial matters (budgeting, debt).
• Substance abuse/addiction (alcohol, drugs etc.).
• Non-substance abuse/addictions (gambling, internet etc.).
• Eating disorders.
• Bereavement (coping with grief/loss and practical information following bereavement).
• Pre-retirement issues/concerns.
*This is not an exhaustive list; if anything is bothering you, you can seek the support of the EAP service.
Referral to Tusla’s EAP
A staff member can self-refer to EAP by contacting the service directly.
There may be times when line management or HR becomes aware that something is impacting on you and/or your performance in the workplace and may refer you to EAP for support.
It is in your interest to avail of the support of the EAP as it provides you with an opportunity to discuss matters confidentially, which might have a bearing on your circumstances.
Where you have been referred by your Line Manager, confirmation of your attendance/engagement will be given to the referring party. Should you choose not to avail of the support of the EAP, this will be relayed to the person who referred you.
Ethical code of conduct
It is essential that the EAP maintains confidentiality and remains impartial in dealing with users of the service. Confidentiality is between the client and the EAP service.
This creates an environment where clients can discuss sensitive matters and receive support and guidance on problem resolution.
It will not be disclosed to a third party outside of the EAP without the prior knowledge and consent of the individual.
Record management
Records maintained are strictly protected. All records created and held will comply with the provisions of the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 and 2003 and Data Protection Acts 1988-2018. In general, records will be retained for a period of ten years.
Normal professional standards apply in relation to confidentiality.
Let’s work together, to help each other.
How Tusla can help
The Health, Wellbeing and EAP Service is a national service which offers support to all Tusla employees free of charge.
There is a range of free and confidential staff supports including EAP counselling (3rd party provider), a suite of Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) services, and a range of Health and Wellbeing supports. It also serves as a consultancy to managers on staff wellbeing issues.
For more help or advice please contact:
Tusla Health Wellbeing and EAP Service: 086 1438390
EAP Counselling Service: 1800 817435
Email: EAP@Tusla.ie
Web: www.tusla.ie/health-wellbeing-and-eap/
Our mission statement
Health Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programmes will provide the necessary systems and processes to enable and support all staff to reach and maintain their full potential in the workplace and thus deliver high quality services.
www.tusla.ie