EAP is here to help

What our Local 547 Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) can do for you

EAPs are one of the most effective ways to identify and address personal problems. Unions utilize EAPs because it makes good sense—healthier, happier members are more productive and reliable. In this way, EAPs enhance and enrich the union and the workplace by promoting the health and well-being of all members and their families.

 How do EAPs work?

 EAPs are confidential, multifaceted counseling, education and referral programs designed to help with personal problems, particularly those that affect job performance, including: 

• stress
• parenting problems
• adolescent behavioral problems or substance abuse
• marital difficulties
• financial trouble
• substance abuse
• coping with an accident or trauma
• depression and the blues
• anxiety
• grief and loss
• legal problems
• life phase adjustment: early adult, midlife, retirement
• care-giving issues

 Most EAPs offer a range of services including: 

Education:

The IUOE Local 547 EAP offers the award winning internet site Achieve Solutions. Three years running Achieve Solutions has won the e- Healthcare Leadership Award for its outstanding content and easy navigation. Achieve Solutions provides a wealth of tools and resources. The site contains over 3,000 articles covering topics from “Adolescent Substance Abuse” to “Working with Different Cultures”.  Daily news articles are posted such as “Signs and Symptoms of Melanoma”. Tools include a variety of calculators for college savings, mortgage and credit card repayment. Other tools are also available such as self-help quizzes, information about creating a will and a self-search system for licensed child and older adult care services in your area.     

Individual assessment:

Whether it’s stress at home or on the job or concerns about a family member, EAP counselors are available to provide confidential screening, assessment and support at no cost to you or your family. By addressing problems early, the EAP can help prevent small problems from becoming overwhelming, costly and destructive. In addition to listening and talking about a problem, EAPs will often use a short paper and pencil test to help identify and clarify symptoms of particular problems such as depression or anxiety. This enables the EAP to accurately assess the problem and provide the help that is indicated. 

Short-term counseling:

Many stress-related problems or concerns about a loved one do not require long-term counseling. We have all been overwhelmed and overloaded and in need of someone objective to talk with. The EAP is designed to provide short-term counseling, to simply listen, assist in problem solving, or identify new ways to cope with common, but sometimes painful problems. In general EAPs have expertise in stress reduction counseling, crisis and conflict resolution and substance abuse.  

Referral:

It is difficult to know where to turn when personal problems arise. The EAP keeps abreast of the best providers in your area. For example, if a child is exhibiting behavioral or learning problems, a specialist in child psychology would be needed. The EAP can facilitate this referral and guide the family through the treatment process—saving time and headaches.   

Support:

With some problems there are no quick fixes. Individuals recovering from alcoholism, depression or the loss of a loved one may require ongoing supportive counseling with the EAP or designated professional. The EAPs work with the employee to develop and coordinate a support plan.  

Eligibility:

Access to this website is open to all IUOE Local 547 members and dependants regardless of health plan coverage at www.myachieve.com .

Members of IUOE Local 547 and their dependants participating in either the IUOE Local 547 and Participating Employers Health and Welfare Fund or the Michigan State AFL-CIO Public Employee Trust Fund are eligible through ValueOptions for up to five visits with an EAP counselor if clinically appropriate. There is no co-pay for EAP services. Referrals made for ongoing treatment may require co-payment and or deductibles.  

If you need EAP services but you do not subscribe to either of the plans indicated above, please contact your Unit Steward or your IUOE Local 547 Business Agent to find out if your employer provides EAP services.  

Remember that there are no problems too big or

small for the EAP. If you would like to speak to an EAP

 counselor or to schedule an appointment contact ValueOptions

at 800-327-5116. Call contacts are confidential.