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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2.e. Employee Assistance ProgramCITY OF ROSEMOUNT EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FOR ACTION COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE: NOVEMBER 15, 2000 AGENDA ITEM: EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PLAN AGENDA NO: PREPARED BY: PAULA GRAFF, HUMAN RESOURCES COORDINATOR ATTACHMENTS: EAP PROPOSAL APPROVED BY: Administration would like to review the possibility of expanding the current array of employee benefits to include an Employee Assistance Plan. An Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) is a program designed to assist in the identification and resolution of employee productivity problems arising from family and marital problems, financial difficulties, issues with drug and/or alcohol, health or emotional concerns, etc. The lack of an EAP is, in the opinion of Administration, not only a negative for employees but also for the City as the employer. I know of recent examples wherein employee issues could have been dealt with more effectively had the City had the option of referring the employee to an EAP. I have no doubt that I am unaware of the many other times where an EAP would have been useful both to employees and to the City. Studies have demonstrated that 30% of all absenteeism and 66% of all terminations are related to employee personal problems. The research also shows that when employees utilize EAP's there is an improved quality and quantity of work, decrease in tardiness, sick days and absences and a decrease in grievances and disciplinary actions. Utilization of the service occurs as follows: If an employee or a member of the employee's family finds they are having difficulties due to one of these issues, they can contact the EAP 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The phone is answered by an experienced counselor with at least a Master's degree. The employee talks to the counselor and the counselor will offer advice and make an assessment of the situation. If the counselor feels it to be appropriate he or she will arrange face -to -face counseling sessions (up to three). If further counseling is required, a referral will be made to a provider within the Blue Cross Blue Shield network. Thereby any additional services not covered by the EAP are likely to be covered by the employee's health insurance. All of these services are confidential. In addition to counseling services, the EAP would also provide Manager/ Supervisor Training, on -site seminars, and Critical Incident Debriefings. The cost for the service is $1,170, equivalent to $18 per employee per year. There are sufficient funds in the budget under employee health insurance to cover adding this as a benefit in 2001. RECOMMENDED ACTION / NOTES: ` Behavioral Health Services, Inc. Employee Assistance Program 2021 East Hennepin Avenue Suite 450 Minneapolis, MN 55413 800 -432 -5155 EAP BUDGET PROPOSAL 65}- 662 -0900 One -To -Three Session Model. 651-662-0852 fax For The City of Rosemount ,_ Rates cover services to all full and part -time employees in the Metropolitan Twin Cities area. Immediate household members and dependents are covered as well. $18.00 per employee per year. • Annual cost calculated on total number of employees. Rate is guaranteed for term of contract. BHSI EAP WELL PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING SERVICES: Assessment, Counseling and Referral Services All clinical services by experienced Masters level EAP Counselors 24 Hour, 365 day per year access to services Telephone assessment and services Face -to -face counseling (1 -3 sessions) Referrals to appropriate, screened resources Follow -up and clinical records Consultation Services Manager /Supervisor consultation regarding troubled employees Manager /Supervisor consultation regarding group process and problems Manager /Supervisor consultation regarding disciplinary and policy issues Liaison Services Implementation and promotions planning On-going program coordination and renewal Quarterly utilization reports (includes year -to -(ate and year -end data) Promotional Materials Brochures and Wallet Cards Bulletin Board Posters Monthly Manager /Supervisor Newsletter Over 200 articles for distribution or newsletter/bulletin inclusion Manager /Supervisor training handouts Orientation Videos (Materials provided to The City of Rosemount for distribution, otherwise postage and handling is an added charge) Presentations Manager /Supervisor Training, Employee Orientations Two on -site topical seminars per year On -site Critical Incident Debriefings (no limit) Group process meetings for troubled groups/departments r- Employee Assistance Program 2021 East Hennepin Avenue Suite 450 Minneapolis, MN 55413 800- 432 -5155 651 -662 -0900 651- 662 -0852 fax :. Behavioral Health Services, Inc. Behavioral Health Services, Inc. Employee Assistance Program EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM DESCRIPTION Services Provided to Your Employees • Assessment and clarification of employee personal problems. • Short-term counseling to resolve issues and plan for continued assistance. • Referral to specialized services and support if appropriate. • Follow-up contacts to ensure problem resolution. How the Services Are Structured • Services are accessible 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. • An "804° telephone number for long distance calls. • Local and 800 number TDD access for the hearing - impaired. • Interpreter services during counseling services for the hearing- impaired or non English - speaking client. • Telephone counseling available, but in- person, sessions are emphasized for the most thorough and in -depth service. • Appointments are generally with 48 hours or according to client's preference. • In- person sessions often occur on the same or next day. • Nine convenient metropolitan sites: Minneapolis, St Paul, Eagan, Fridley, North St. Paul, Plymouth, Shakopee, Stillwater and Hudson, Wisconsin • Counseling sites throughout Minnesota are available. • In- person counseling services throughout the United States can be arranged • Male or female counselors available per client's preference. • Counselor continuity: The same counselor from assessment through resolution unless a change is requested. • Assistance with almost any human problem -- Not just a chemical dependency focus. • A total person and family focus addresses possible multiple issues. • Three session short-term counseling model is included in basic program. Five, eight, ten or higher session models are available. • Referrals are based on clinical appropriateness, cost - effectiveness and convenience. • Referral resource's sensitivity to race, gender, age, religion and affectional preference is considered • Referrals are not limited to metropolitan area or, by restrictive lists or arrangements. • Program may be used as often as needed No restrictions on the number of issues addressed • Immediate household members of each employee also covered. • Strict professional confidentiality guidelines are followed in all cases. Program Administration • Dedicated liaison staff member to assist. with program development, implementation and on-going contact • Either on -site or video orientations at program's start and as needed, to maintain familiarity and utilization. • Supervisory training in recognizing and dealing with employee problems and working with the EAP • Promotional materials including brochures, wallet cards, posters. • Quartediy reports and year- to-date summary of program utilization patterns. ' EAP Assessment Staff • Phone answered by Masters degreed, experienced clinicians. • All counselors have training and experience with chemical dependency issues. • Consultation with all mental health and chemical dependency professional disciplines available to counselors. • Annual satisfaction surveys. • Follow -up contacts made for continual feedback on referral resources. • Counselors do not refer to themselves or program colleagues for on -going services. Conflict of interest avoided. • Average yearly utilization rates match and exceed national norms for successful EAP's. • A cooperative resource for union representatives concerned about troubled members. • Services mesh with all health plans and assist in the appropriate use of benefits. • Especially enhances and adds value to Blue Cross Blue Shield benefit plans. • Program remains flexible in order to meet special needs or innovative requests. Program Cost • Rates include all service components - No surprise charges. • Per employee per month/per employee per year rates, base -plus and other rate structures.