The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for members is a jointly sponsored effort between NLTA, the provincial government, and the School Boards Association. It is a supportive program to provide teachers with assistance for personal and professional challenges and to foster healthy lifestyles through the Wellness Program. It is designed to provide confidential help at the earliest possible time before problems become more serious. The kinds of issues addressed by the EAP include, but are not limited to: marital and family, work and personal stress, financial, substance misuse/addictions, career, health concerns, and grief and loss.
Access to the program is through contact with one of our EAP Coordinators who will provide the initial consultation, referral to an external counsellor and follow up. Each NLTA member is provided with $3,000 funding over the course of their career. The program will cover private counselling up to a maximum of $40 per hour. To access this funding, the teacher must contact one of the EAP coordinators prior to seeing a counsellor.
The Wellness component of the EAP offers a variety of services to individual teachers, groups or the entire staff. The Program is designed to give teachers a foundation to achieve optimal health through skills enhancement and support for healthy lifestyle changes.
For confidential assistance please contact an EAP Coordinator:
Kenda Riggs – kriggs@nlta.ca, (709) 733-3265
Lori Hewitt – lhewitt@nlta.ca, (709) 733-3242
- EAP Brochure
- Costs and Funding Policy
- EAP Infosheet #20
- Client Expense Form
- Counsellor Invoice Form * Teacher Verification Forms must be attached to the billing invoice, or they will be rejected.
- Teacher Verification Form
- Medicuro (Newfoundland & Labrador’s First Virtual Health Clinic – covered under MCP)
In general, the services offered through EAP include two components: counselling intervention which includes problem identification and referral, and wellness programming to assist teachers in developing positive health behaviours and supportive strategies to enhance well-being.
Any active, full time, replacement or substitute teacher can contact the EAP to obtain confidential help.
The full range of services include:
- Individual assessment, problem identification, referrals for counselling and follow-up
- Voluntary self-referrals
- Mandatory referrals by school board
- Consultation services regarding workplace issues
- Referrals to other Programs and Services staff
- Resource and promotional materials, flyers and workbooks
- Wellness promotion
Note: Confidentiality is assured with the exception of duty to report child maltreatment, or when an individual may indicate intention to harm self or others.
WHAT ABOUT THE COSTS?
Counselling
There are no costs to the teacher in seeking the assistance of an EAP coordinator. However, when a referral is arranged for a teacher, there are costs for counselling (averaging $100.00-$210.00 per hour). To access this funding, the teacher must contact one of the EAP coordinators prior to seeing a counsellor.
Financial assistance is available through the Membership Assistance Fund. Each teacher is provided with $3,000 funding over the course of their career and must be an active NLTA member to be eligible for EAP Counselling Services. The program will cover private counselling up to a maximum of $40.00 per hour, and 12¢/km for travel to counselling sessions. The NLTA group insurance may also cover some additional expenses.
WELLNESS WORKSHOPS
Due to the current high volume of referrals, EAP Coordinators are not able to accommodate wellness workshop requests at this time. Please email Ian Crewe, Assistant Executive Director, at icrewe@nlta.ca if you would like to submit a workshop request through Programs and Services. There are no costs to the school, branch or board for an EAP coordinator to facilitate a workshop for a group of teachers.
Revised October 1995 Terms for new school board personnel changed March 1998
POLICY STATEMENT
The Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association, the Provincial Government and the Newfoundland and Labrador School Boards Association recognize that health, emotional and social problems not associated with one’s job functions can have an effect on a teacher’s job performance, family and students. It is further recognized that the education system is deprived of the full benefit of talent, experience and professional training when personal problems affect job performance or the coping ability of a teacher. Effectively helping and supporting competent teachers is more beneficial than terminating their services because of a serious decline in work performance.
PURPOSE
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is intended:
To assist all teachers experiencing personal problems or concerns which may adversely affect their job performance.
To assist teachers at the earliest possible moment in remedying personal problems and concerns which may adversely influence their job performance by providing professional assistance.
To promote the well-being of teachers through activities which are designed to prevent problems and enhance work performance.
ELIGIBILITY
All persons covered under the Teachers’ Collective Agreements are eligible to seek assistance through the Employee Assistance Program. To access this funding, the teacher must contact one of the EAP coordinators prior to seeing a counsellor. Retired or terminated teachers can access the Employee Assistance Program up to the end of the school year in which they retired/were terminated.
OBJECTIVES
1. To establish and implement guidelines for dealing with any problem which may cause a decline in work performance.
2. To inform teachers about the program.
3. To provide channels of correct and effective referral for assessment, treatment and follow up so as to ensure maximum assistance.
4. To monitor effective policies and procedures governing confidentiality.
EAP COORDINATING COMMITTEE
The EAP Coordinating Committee is comprised of two members each from the Newfoundland and Labrador Teachers’ Association, the Provincial Government, and the Newfoundland and Labrador School Boards Association.
The Terms of Reference of the Coordinating Committee are as follows:
1. To review the structure of the program on a periodic basis and make recommendations to the parties for adjustments where appropriate.
2. To monitor the EAP on a regular basis.
3. To define the referral procedure to be used.
4. To ensure that the program and its intent are communicated to all teachers and school boards.
5. To keep updated on employee assistance programs in other areas.
6. To define the nature and scope of the EAP Program.
INTENT OF POLICY
1. Teachers who feel they have a problem are encouraged to seek confidential help through the EAP Coordinators on a voluntary basis. Any decision on the part of the teacher to seek help will be kept confidential and will not interfere with the teacher’s employment.
2. The Employee Assistance Program attempts to prevent or correct job performance difficulties by providing help for the teacher at the earliest possible time. It is not meant to interfere with the private life of a teacher.
3. In cases where unsatisfactory job performance persists and the teacher has not availed of help through a voluntary referral, the Director of Education will initiate a written mandatory referral to the EAP Coordinators.
4. Sick leave provisions of the Collective Agreement may be used if periods of leave from work are necessary.
REFERRAL PROCEDURE
1. Emphasis will be placed on voluntary self-referrals. Every effort will be made to encourage teachers, either through self realization, helpful suggestions from co-workers, informal suggestions from the principal or director, or an NLTA representative, to initiate entry into the program by making contact with the Employee Assistance Coordinators. This initial contact usually occurs by telephone. To provide confidentiality, the Coordinators have private, direct phone access with a private voice mail service. The Coordinators will meet with the teacher to make an initial assessment of the problem.
2. Another option is through the principal who will meet as early as possible with the teacher to discuss privately the teacher’s documented deteriorating job performance and to inform the teacher of the Employee Assistance Program. It is still up to the teacher to become voluntarily involved in the program. If the teacher’s performance improves, and is maintained, and there is no longer a problem, no further action will be taken.
3. If the teacher fails to bring work performance up to an acceptable standard, then a second interview will take place. The teacher may request that a representative from the NLTA be present. Following this, the director will make a written referral to the EAP Coordinators. Referrals at this point become mandatory referrals.
4. If the teacher refuses to become involved in the Employee Assistance Program, the employer may consider other measures provided for in the Schools Act or in the Collective Agreement.
5. When the teacher is referred, the EAP Coordinators will carry out an assessment session with the teacher to determine which resources may be used for ongoing counselling and/or assistance and arrange for an appointment with the appropriate source of assistance.
6. The resource counsellor will supply the program coordinators with progress reports. The program coordinators will in turn keep the director informed of the level of the teacher’s participation in the program.
SUPERVISORS’ RESPONSIBILITIES
Supervisors: Director, Assistant Directors, Principal
Due to the sensitivity of the employer/employee relationship, supervisors will refrain from diagnosing teacher problems, but are expected:
1. To understand fully the Employee Assistance Program policy and referral procedures.
2. To be alert to any change in work patterns.
3. To document unsatisfactory work performance.
4. To discuss any performance problem with the teacher in private, encouraging voluntary participation in the program but not diagnosing the causes.
5. To provide the EAP Coordinator with a report on the teacher’s job performance leading to a mandatory referral.
6. To maintain a strict level of confidentiality concerning information supplied by the teacher, as well as the teacher’s participation in the EAP.
EAP PROGRAM COORDINATOR’S RESPONSIBILITIES
1. To meet with the teacher and to make a preliminary assessment of the problem(s).
2. To refer the teacher to the appropriate resource person(s) and to maintain an ongoing contact and follow up with the teacher.
3. To facilitate prompt referrals.
4. To ensure that each referral is followed up.
5. To maintain a strict level of confidentiality regarding all teachers and families involved in the program.
6. To provide general reports on program participation (statistics and data), without identifying individuals, to the Employee Assistance Program Coordinating Committee.
7. To develop personal contact with and be familiar with diagnostic and treatment resources in the community and elsewhere.
THE TEACHERS’ RESPONSIBILITY
1. The teacher is expected to meet the normal expectations of the job and maintain job performance and attendance at an acceptable level.
2. Where there is a problem detrimentally affecting work performance, the teacher is expected to seek and accept appropriate opportunities to resolve such a problem.
CONCLUSION
It is clear that the keys to the success of an Employee Assistance Program rest with a firm commitment on the part of school districts, the Department of Education, and the NLTA to want the program to work. This commitment can be realized only through cooperative action of the employer and the distressed teacher’s willingness to participate in the program.
Employee Assistance Programs are now widely accepted as beneficial to both the employee and the employer. Distressed teachers are offered and encouraged to accept help for problems that seriously affect their work, well-being, students and family. The employer benefits by retaining teachers in the work place, so that their skills and knowledge are not lost to the employer, the profession, or to society as a whole.
Finally, the early use of the Employee Assistance Program can contribute significantly to the prevention of serious behavioural problems, a burden not only to the professional life of the employee, but indeed to the whole fabric of our society.
Participation in this Employee Assistance Program shall not be used for disciplinary purposes or in any way restrict or jeopardize participating teachers opportunity for advancement or other work-related alternatives.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact the Mental Health Crisis Line at 811.
2SLGBTQIA+ WARM LINE
The Warm Line is a peer support service run by and for 2SLGBTQIA+ people in Newfoundland and Labrador. If you need someone to talk to, call or text and they will do their best to support you and provide you with resources: 1-866-230-8041.
811 HEALTHLINE
Dial 811 anytime in NL to speak to a registered nurse for information about physical/mental health services in your area and answer questions about health-related topics.
ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS NL
The AA helpline is answered by volunteers M-F from 2 to 8 pm. Outside these hours, they will do their best to return your call as soon as possible and normally within an hour. Call (709) 579-6091; Help Line: (709) 579-5215.
ANXIETY CANADA
Struggling with anxiety during this time of uncertainty? You’re not alone. Learn from our experts on how you can cope.
BRIDGE THE GAPP
FREE self-help resources and information in such areas as stress management, depression, anxiety and addictions as well as links to free online programs, listings of local services, and tools for coping.
CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION
FREE resources and wellness webinars for mental health that can help cope with the current health crisis. Call 1-877-753-8550 M-F, 8:30-4:30 pm.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HELP LINE
You will immediately be able to speak with a trained professional who will assist you directly. This line is fully text enabled and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The toll free number is 1-888-709-7090.
GUIDED IMAGERY
A form of mindfulness guided by a professional therapist to help individuals focus on positive mental images in order to evoke feelings of relaxation.
GUIDED MEDITATION: 5-MINUTE GRATITUDE
Take 5 minutes out of your busy day to practice the meditation for gratitude. It is a great guided meditation for first thing in the morning or last thing before you drift off to sleep.
HOPE FOR WELLNESS HELPLINE
Immediate mental health counselling and crisis intervention to all Indigenous people across Canada. Available 24/7, in English/French, and on request, in Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut. Call 1-855-242-3310.
MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS LINE
FREE confidential telephone support, available 24/7 for individuals who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Dial 811.
PROBLEM GAMBLING SUPPORT
1-888-899-HELP (4357) available 24/7 to anyone negatively impacted by gambling, including family or friends. It is free and confidential, and provides information, resources, and crisis intervention.
PROVINCIAL OPIOID TOLL-FREE LINE
An information line to help individuals connect with opioid addiction supports and services. Call 1-844-752-3588.
PROVINCIAL WARM LINE
Non-emergency, non-crisis telephone support between 11 am to 11 pm, 7 days a week with trained mental health peer support to anyone needing a non-judgmental listener when feeling alone or isolated. Call 1-855-753-2560.
SENIORS NL
Seniors NL promotes the independence and well-being of older adults in NL through the provision of information as well as various programs and services. Call toll free 1-800-563-5599 or (709) 737-2333.
SMOKERS HELP LINE
FREE confidential service providing articles, tools, and support while working toward being smoke-free. Connect via phone, text, email, or live chat.
STRONGER MINDS
FREE digital program to support your mental well-being through the COVID-19 crisis. Get guidance that’s created to help with the specific emotional well-being concerns stirred by the pandemic through easy-to-digest resources from our team of caring clinical psychologists.
VICTIM SERVICES
FREE service to adult victims of crime in NL providing confidential assistance to victims of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, criminal harassment, and more. Call (709) 729-0900. You can quickly exit their website with no trace of visiting. If you are in imminent danger, call 911.
WELLNESS TOGETHER CANADA
FREE online resources, tools, apps and connections to trained volunteers and qualified mental health professionals when needed.
MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS APPS
The following apps can be downloaded through Apple Store or Google Play:
Mindshift CBT by Anxiety Canada (free) uses scientifically proven strategies to help you learn to relax and be mindful, develop more effective ways of thinking, and use active steps to take charge of your anxiety such as worry, panic, perfectionism, social anxiety and phobias.
Calm (7-day free trial) is focused on mindfulness and can help to lower stress and anxiety with guided meditations. It includes breathing programs, sleep meditations and relaxing music.
Headspace (10-day free trial) integrates mindfulness into your day with guided meditations on everything from managing stress and anxiety to sleep, productivity, exercise and physical health.
Guided Imagery is a form of mindfulness. It is a technique that is guided by a professional therapist to help individuals focus on positive mental images in order to evoke feelings of relaxation. It is based on the concept of the mind-body connection and research shows that it can contribute to an individuals’ overall wellbeing. Guided Imagery makes use of all of your senses. It only takes a few short minutes as you will see below to give yourself a break and experience a sense of relaxation and wellbeing. With practice it will help you learn to be more mindful and can assist you with your own stress reduction.
The three links below are 5 minute short Guided Imagery sessions:
The first two sessions will give you vocal guidance and imagery to assist you and are good ones for beginners or for individuals who have difficulty visualizing. The third one has audio only and is a true Guided Imagery experience where you are guided to picture scenery of your own choosing.
