STAFF COUNSELLING SERVICES POLICY
| Approving Authority: | Executive Group |
| Approval Date: | 1 December 2005 |
| Approved Document No: | |
| Review Date: | 2008 |
| Policy Adviser: |
Description of the Policy:
This document outlines the University's policy for providing counselling services as part of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Related Policies, Procedures & Forms:
This document is available in Word format for downloading. Click here to download this document.
[Introduction] [Scope] [Application] [Delegated Authorities]
The University is committed to excellence in teaching, research and community service, and believes that high performing staff are the single most important factor in the achievement of its mission. The University provides a range of EAP services to assist staff in achieving high levels of work performance. These services include: health services and first aid; advice from Human Resource Advisers and Managers; career counselling; study assistance; superannuation advice; child care, chaplaincy services, harassment contact officers and security assistance.
The policy applies to all staff with the exception of staff employed on a casual basis.
Counselling implemented under the University's Emergency Management Plan is not included in this policy.
The University recognises that a variety of problems have the potential to affect staff's work performance and impact on functional relationships within the work environment. Access to both internal and external professional counselling services provides choice for staff to obtain assistance to resolve or alleviate these problems.
A key element of the EAP services for staff is the provision of short term, confidential, voluntary and professional counselling and referral assistance. EAP counselling services are not designed to offer long term personal counselling services which may be needed in some instances.
The University will provide information to ensure that supervisors and staff are aware of the EAP counselling services available and know how to access them as required.
3.1 EAP counselling services - access and providers
Staff at the University who wish to access counselling can choose from the Griffith Counselling Service or the approved external service provider. Contact details are available through the Office of Human Resource Management and Student Services or on the web at the following site: Staff Counselling Program.
The external counselling service provider has offices around Brisbane, Logan, Gold Coast and throughout Queensland. They can arrange to meet with staff at a suitable time and location to meet needs.
Staff are encouraged to seek assistance themselves. A supervisor or manager may recommend and encourage contact with internal or external counselling service providers, but the decision to talk to a counsellor is voluntary and confidential. Staff will be required to identify themselves to the provider as being eligible for the service provided under this policy. This will require the use of the Griffith University ID Card.
Appointments may be made either outside work hours, or during working hours, using normal flex time or sick leave entitlements. Staff need only advise their supervisor that the reason for their absence is a medical appointment.
Should staff choose to disclose to a supervisor that they are using counselling services, the supervisor must treat this information in confidence.
Supervisors are to promote the availability of counselling services by providing information to their staff.
The Office of Human Resource Management and Student Services are jointly responsible for managing and administering the EAP counselling service. Further information about this policy or EAP services can be obtained from Human Resource Advisers in the Office of Human Resource Management or from Griffith Counselling Service.
There is no charge for internal counselling or for the first three counselling sessions with the approved external provider in any calendar year. In some circumstances, a counsellor may wish to refer a client to a specialist agency. The client has the freedom to accept or refuse the counsellor's advice.
After three external counselling sessions, or when referred to a specialist agency, the costs involved are the staff member's responsibility.
The Director, Office of Human Resource Management and the Director, Student Services may approve:
· selection of an external EAP counselling service provider
· payment of account of an external EAP counselling service provider
Specify in this box those terms that are defined in the attached document and the definition for each of those terms for inclusion in the University's Glossary. Use this box to define any acronyms used in this policy, procedure, form or legislation
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