Introduction

As part of the University of Ballarat's continuing commitment to the health and wellbeing of its staff members, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is available to assist with work-related or personal issues.

The EAP is available to all staff members of the University as well as their immediate family.

The service is free*, independent and strictly confidential. Staff members do not have to request authorisation from managers or supervisors to access the service. Managers and supervisors can recommend their staff members access the EAP services but a staff member retains the right to accept or refuse the recommendation.

The EAP service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by ringing 1800 350 359 or 03 9529 6600.

Staff members can choose between telephone counselling or off-campus face-to-face counselling during business hours. Registered psychologists conduct all counselling services.

* Refer: UB EAP Guidelines

Our EAP Provider

			The University has selected resolutionsRTK to provide the EAP service. resolutionsRTK is AS/NZS ISO 9001:2000 accredited for consulting in human resources, psychological services and occupational rehabilitation services and is a leading provider of employee assistance programs across many organisations. http://www.resolutionsrtk.com.au/company_overview.htm

Services Provided

All staff members

The EAP may be able to assist with work-related issues, personal or health-related matters or family issues.

The EAP provides short-term assistance. If it is appropriate, the EAP counsellor may make a referral to an outside counsellor or other organisation if longer-term assistance is required.*

The EAP is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

To seek advice or make an appointment, call 1800 350 359 or 03 9529 6600.

Staff members who are overseas should call +61 3 9529 6600.

Please Note: Assistance for staff members overseas may involve only telephone counselling in the first instance. If the EAP telephone counsellor thinks it appropriate, a face-to-face appointment will be made with the appropriate overseas associate.

For further information on the EAP service: http://www.resolutionsrtk.com.au/employee_assistance_program.htm

* Refer: UB EAP Guidelines

Managers and Supervisors

resolutionsRTK offers a Managers' Help Desk. The Manager Help Desk provides advice and support for issues relating to staff management and issues affecting their particular workplace. Manager Help Desk also provides a forum for managers discuss their own issues. As with other EAP services Manager Help Desk is free of charge and strictly confidential. The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.

To use Manager Help Desk call 03 9529 6600. For further information on Manager Help Desk: http://www.resolutionsrtk.com.au/manager_assist.htm

Attending Appointments

If there is a need to have a counselling appointment during work hours, then the staff member should seek approval from their supervisor/manager. To ensure confidentiality is maintained, staff are encouraged to make appointments outside of work hours or utilise their leave entitlements.

If you need to alter or cancel your appointment, you should do so at least 24 hours prior to the appointment time.

Other Services

resolutionsRTK have also been engaged to provide the following services on a fee for service basis:

-	Conflict Resolution*		Assistance with resolving complex workplace issues.
			Criteria for involving the EAP provider in conflict resolution services is detailed in the EAP Guidelines.
-	Critical Incident Management and Debriefs*		Critical Incident Services can be requested via the EAP Co-ordinator, or via the Director, Human Resources.
-	Home and Hospital Visits*		In certain circumstances a home or hospital visit can be arranged.
-	Training and Staff Development*		resolutionsRTK has a wide range of training and staff development programs available.

* Refer: UB EAP Guidelines

Contact the EAP Co-ordinator for further information or to request a service.

EAP Co-ordinator

The EAP Co-ordinator at the University of Ballarat is Kelley Jones: telephone 03 5327 9512 or email ks.jones@ballarat.edu.au

The EAP Co-ordinator is responsible for the management of the program. If any issues arise regarding the service provided by the appointed EAP provider, or you have any questions about how the EAP service operates, please contact the EAP Co-ordinator.

Links
•	UB EAP Guidelines
•	Frequently Asked Questions
•	EAP Feedback Sheet
•	resolutionsRTK
	-  resolutionsRTK ezine (volume 2, issue 2, April 2008)
	-  resolutionsRTK ezine (volume 2, issue 3, September 2008)