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Employee Assistance Program

Chapter 4850
Revised August 13, 2014

Table of Contents

.010 General Information
.020 Purpose
.030 EAP Services
.040 Guidelines
.050 Confidentiality
.060 Procedures

.010 General Information

Kansas State University is genuinely interested in the health and well-being of its primary resource - people. It is in the best interest of both the employees and the University to provide assistance to those with personal problems including alcohol and chemical abuse or dependency, mental or emotional illness, family and work relationships, or other conditions which may adversely affect job performance.

While it is recognized that the personal life of employees is their own, it is also recognized that numerous problems encountered by employees often result in poor and unacceptable job performance. It is the desire of the University to help rather than merely discipline employees whose job performance deterioration is caused by such a problem. The goal is to retain valued employees who may be facing personal problems; to stop job performance deterioration before it results in either disciplinary action or termination of employment; and maintain a workforce which is efficient, proficient and effective.

.020 Purpose

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is an education, intervention and referral service to help employees get in touch with their personal problems and concerns. The purposes of the Employee Assistance Program are to:

  1. Provide assistance to State of Kansas benefits eligible employees and their family members living in the same household or dependent children at no charge.
  2. Provide information, short-term counseling, advices, and referrals from licensed professionals who understand the typical daily stresses.

The State of Kansas and the University are offering the Employee Assistance Program in the belief that the best approach to employee productivity is one which encourages wellness and promotes efficiency by utilizing programs which contribute to the well-being of its members. More details about the Employee Assistance Program are available on the State of Kansas EAP website.

.030 EAP Services

  •  Short-Term Personal Counseling (up to eight sessions per issue) and/or referral for the concerns that affect many employees on a daily basis such as:
    • Marriage and relationship concerns
    • Family and parenting questions
    • Domestic violence
    • Emotional and stress related issues
    • Alcohol and drug problems
    • Grief and loss
    • Work related concerns
  • Legal Advice and Discounts
  • Personal Money Management Assistance and Information such as
    • Home budgeting
    • Wise use of credit
    • Debt consolidation
    • Tax issues and concerns
    • College funding
    • Estate planning
    • Investments
    • Retirement planning
  • Work-Life Solutions assistance such as:
    • Child and elder care resources
    • Moving
    • Pet care
    • College planning
    • Home repair
    • Buying a car
    • Planning an event
    • Selling a house
    • Vacation planning
  • Online Resources--Timely, expert online information on thousands of topics, including relationships, work, school, children, wellness, legal, financial and free time. Search for qualified child and elder care, attorneys and financial planners as well as ask questions, take self-assessments and more.

Get started at www.guidanceresources.com
When registering as a first-time user, enter company Web ID: SOKEAP
Need Help? Follow these instructions to Set up an Account

.040 Guidelines

Use of EAP services is strictly voluntary. The employee has the right to decide whether or not to use the Employee Assistance Program or follow any of its recommendations. However, if personal problems continue to adversely affect work performance, established University personnel policies and procedures will be followed in handling the situation. Participation in the Employee Assistance Program does not negate appropriate disciplinary action. Neither participation nor non-participation in the Employee Assistance Program will in itself have any effect on decisions concerning an individual's employment status. The key element to continued employment is satisfactory job performance.

.050 Confidentiality

All EAP services are completely confidential. All discussions, in accordance with very stringent state and federal regulations are confidential, and no one has access to the employee personal information without the employee's written permission. The only exception is if someone is in immediate danger of harming self or others, or if child abuse is suspected.

.060 Procedures

EAP counselors are available 24/7 at 1-888-275-1205 (option 7) to provide immediate care, concern, and assistance. The EAP counselor will take a small amount of information and depending upon the need will:

  • Provide any immediate help, assistance, or guidance needed
  • Connect the caller with a specialist for assistance with childcare, personal money management, eldercare, legal advice, etc.
  • Make an appointment for the caller with an EAP counselor for a face-to-face visit in the employee's community. EAP counselors are professional certified or licensed counselors, not other state employees.