(1) Western Sydney University in its commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment has recognised the need to provide adequate support for staff experiencing personal or work related problems by providing an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). (2) The University has secured the services of Access Programs Australia Ltd to provide professional counselling services for all employees and their immediate families free of charge as part of the University EAP. (3) The Employee Assistance Program aims to address any problems, work related or personal which may affect the work performance, safety or health of staff. You do not have to wait until a problem becomes a big issue, you may just need to talk an issue through or debrief with someone outside of your own situation. Staff needing assistance are encouraged to take advantage of the program. Managers and supervisors must support and encourage the use of the program. (4) Nil. (5) Western Sydney University is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment. As part of this commitment, the University recognises the need to provide adequate support for staff and their immediate families experiencing personal or work related problems. (6) The University will provide access to confidential, professional assistance for all employees and their immediate families through the provision of the EAP. The key principles of the EAP ensure that: (7) The EAP offers assistance for problems such as: (8) The EAP is available to all University staff members and their families. "Family" refers to spouse, partners (including same sex and de-facto), parents (including in-laws), children (including adopted, foster) - anyone that you consider part of your family. (9) A vital feature of an EAP is the high level of confidentiality and respect for an individual's privacy. No one needs to know that you are utilising the services of the EAP. Should you advise your supervisor that you are attending the EAP, he/she is required to observe strictest confidentiality and to support you in accessing the EAP. You do not need to discuss the reason for your visit with anyone unless you want to. (10) Confidentiality also means that no one, including the University, will receive information from the counsellor concerning your situation. Conversations and any information you share with a counsellor will be in strictest confidence and will not be communicated further unless your written authorisation is given. (11) The University has contracted Access Programs Australia Ltd to provide the EAP. This organisation is a professional, accredited provider, independent of the University. Qualified psychologists offering a wide range of professional counselling services are used. (12) Counselling services are available in a number of locations including Penrith, Parramatta, Sydney, NSW Regional areas and interstate. (13) The EAP service is free of charge to all University staff members and their families. In some instances, a counsellor may offer you the option, in addition to their services, of a referral to a specialist agency, such as a solicitor, accountant, medical practitioner or specialist. If a referral is accepted, any costs involved are to be met by the employee or family member. Every effort will be made to refer staff to an agency which either does not charge a fee for services, or charges on a scale related to the staff member's ability to pay, and is located within the local area. (14) The EAP is designed to encourage self referrals where the employee has personal problems which they want to discuss in a private and confidential setting without anyone in the organisation being involved in any way. Arrangements for an appointment can be made directly by telephoning Access Programs Australia Ltd on the numbers below and inform the receptionist that they are from Western Sydney University. (15) Although the Employee Assistance Program is designed to encourage self referral, there will be occasions where it becomes necessary for supervisors to assist staff by offering the option of counselling to those whose work performance has declined. Staff retain the right to either use or refuse the offer of counselling assistance. (16) This type of referral may occur when work performance has declined below an acceptable level and disciplinary action would normally result. The organisational referral is offered as a constructive alternative to discipline. (17) You can attend in your own time or in work time. (18) If you choose to advise your supervisor that you are attending the EAP, (remember no details are required), you need to do the following: (19) The University, in conjunction with Access Programs Australia Ltd, will review the operation of the EAP. The Work Health and Safety Unit (WHS Unit), on behalf of the Office of Human Resources, will undertake ongoing assessment and monitoring of the EAP program to ensure that: (20) Appointments are made through a trained Access Programs Australia Ltd receptionist requiring only the minimum of information to make a booking at the most suitable location. If the problem is urgent, this should be indicated to the receptionist. (21) To make an appointment the employee should contact Access Programs Australia Ltd on one of the numbers below and inform the receptionist that they are from Western Sydney University and then arrange a suitable time. (22) To make an appointment from anywhere in Australia during office hours, call 1800 81 87 28. Alternatively you can speak to the EAP on the phone. Just call and ask for a telephone appointment. (23) For traumatic incidents or crisis counselling 24 Hours, call 1800 81 87 28. (24) The University's Work Health and Safety Unit (WHS Unit) facilitates the management of the EAP on behalf of the Office of Human Resources. Information, direction, support and advice on the EAP services can be obtained by contacting your nearest Work Health and Safety Unit or by contacting your nearest Office of Human Resources Team staff. (25) For further information and advice on the services of the EAP please contact your nearest Work Health and Safety Unit or the Office of Human Resources. (26) Nil.Employee Assistance Program
Section 1 - Purpose and Context
Section 2 - Definitions
Section 3 - Policy Statement
Part A - Eligibility
Part B - Confidentiality
Part C - EAP Provider
Part D - Locations of Available Services
Part E - Charges
Section 4 - Procedures
Part F - Referral
Self Referrals
Suggested Referral (Early Intervention Strategy)
Organisational Referral "By the University"
Part G - Time Off Work and Leave Requirements
Part H - Monitoring the EAP
Part I - EAP Contacts
Part J - Western Sydney University Contacts
Part K - Further Information
Section 5 - Guidelines
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