Friday, December 11, 2015

TOP STORY >> Program helps TLR civilians deal with everyday stress

By Tammy Reed
19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Life can get pretty tough on a regular basis between juggling work, family, bills, health care, higher education, home and car repairs and relationship issues – just to name a few.  Throw in additional stress from the holidays and a meltdown is a possibility, totally throwing off one’s quality of life at home and work.

For federal employees working for Air Mobility Command, the Federal Occupational Health-provided Employee Assistance Program can help address that stress in a number of ways and help employees find balance and harmony. 

Lisa Bemrich, 19th Force Support Squadron civilian personnel and labor relations officer, explained the EAP is a confidential assessment, referral and short-term counseling service for any personal problem negatively impacting work performance.  AMC civilian employees can refer themselves, or be referred informally by management, although participation is completely voluntary.

“This is a professional service also available to supervisors. The EAP is a proactive management tool that can be used for a myriad of situations.  It offers a private source of expert consultation quickly and conveniently,” Bemrich said. “Managers can utilize the EAP if they encounter a work situation that makes them wonder:  ‘How should I handle this?  When should I talk to this employee?  What is the most appropriate action for this personal situation that is affecting their job performance?’”

All EAP services are convenient and confidential. And the initial counseling sessions are free.  A confidential assessment will be provided for the initial number of counseling sessions and any follow-up services hereafter. 

Licensed counselors are available to help with difficult personal issues, and these are just some of the services that are available:

Confidential Counseling; 

Financial Counseling;

Legal/Financial Services;

Crisis and Stress Management;

Health and Wellness Coaching;

Web Resources - www.FOH4You.com;   

Assist Supervisors in access to services for employees; and

Drug and alcohol-related problems.

Counseling sessions can cover all types of life-unbalancing issues such as depression, marital problems and dealing with a bad work environment. Employees can participate in couples counseling and work with their children and a counselor on family matters. Those heavily in debt can work with a financial advisor on a debt-reducing plan. All are things that can take a toll on an employee’s mental health and create a difficult day at the office.

To make a confidential EAP appointment with a licensed counselor, call 1-800-222-0364 (or 888-262-7848 if hearing impaired). Call anytime as they are available 24/7. Employees are offered assistance or given an appointment to meet with a counselor. Meetings with a counselor are confidential within the guidelines of the law.

Although this particular service is available for AMC civilian employees only, information is provided on the Civilian Personnel Office web page for all employees at http://www.rockinattherock.com/Civil_Service.shtml.  

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