Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services to the employees of Memorial University and their dependents are provided by CHC Atlantic. Here are answers to some of the more frequently asked questions about your EAP.
1. Who is covered under the Employee Assistance Program?
All employees, pensioners and their dependents are covered by the EAP. The definition of dependent is the same as applies for our benefit package — a spouse and child (dependent unmarried children up to the age of 21; or up to the age of 25 if a full-time student at an accredited school, college or university; or over the age of 21 if by reason of mental or physical disability). The EAP is for each and every employee, regardless of the severity or nature of the problem, or the individual's position/rank/seniority with the university.
2. What services are provided?
There are a number of services available to employees through the EAP. These include: 24-hour, 7-day-a-week referral service; face-to-face individual counselling; on-site group counselling; marital and family counselling; legal information and advice; elder care and child care information and advice; health promotion and health planning information; and financial counselling.
3. How much does it cost for me to see a counsellor?
Counselling fees are paid by Memorial to CHC at no cost to you. However, CHC has a brief therapy model, which is goal-oriented, short-term counselling. If a problem requires longer treatment, the CHC counsellor will refer the client to a community resource.
4. How do I access the EAP?
To make it as easy as possible for employees and their family members to contact and use the EAP, a toll-free number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Professional intake counsellors are specifically trained to deal with any type of personal crisis and have immediate access to community emergency services and local counsellors. All CHC counsellors have a minimum of five years experience, are registered, and have a master's degree in social work, psychology, or counselling.
When you call the CHC number (1-800-268-5211 — English; 1-800-363-3872 — French), you will talk with an intake counsellor who will ask you for basic information such as your name, address, the company for whom you work, and your birth date. The intake counsellor will ask you about the concern you have. If you are in crisis, your concern will be addressed immediately. If you wish to see a counsellor, the intake worker will refer you to a counsellor with the expertise to match your problem.
5. How long will it take for me to see a counsellor after I've called?
Emergency situations will receive immediate (same day) service. Generally, however, those individuals not in a crisis situation will receive a response by phone within 48 hours (two business days) and will be seen by a counsellor within five business days. Evening and weekend appointments are available.
6. Will information be sent back to the university?
No information will be sent to the university that could identify any individual employee seeking EAP services. Only general statistical information on the number of employees accessing the EAP will be sent to the university.
7. How can I find out more about EAP services?
You can contact either of the co-chairs of the university's EAP Advisory Committee. Eric Hart (Budgets and Audits) and Kjellrun Hestekin (School of Music).
The Memorial University health and dental plans provide for an extension of coverage beyond age 21 for dependent children of plan members. This provision extends the age limit from age 21 to 25, on a year-by-year basis, for dependent children who are:
• in full-time attendance at a recognized postsecondary educational institution;
• unmarried; and
• dependent on the plan member for financial support.
To ensure that coverage is maintained beyond the age of 21 years, plan members are required to submit an age waiver form to the Department of Human Resources at the time the child reaches 21 and in September of each subsequent year. Employees may obtain an age waiver form from the Benefits and Pensions section of the Department of Human Resources. For further information, please contact a benefits officer at 737-7406.
The annual campaign for the Canada Payroll Savings Plan will be starting in early October. Information on how to participate in the payroll deduction plan has been sent to all departments. This year the minimum biweekly deduction has been reduced from $10 to $4.
If you wish to continue with your current deduction, you will not have to complete a new application. Applications will only be needed if you are a new participant or wish to change your current deduction. All applications must be returned to the Payroll Office by Oct. 27, 1998, to be processed by the Bank of Canada. The first deduction will take place on the payroll of Dec. 3, 1998.