Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is eligible for EFAP services?
All Edmonton Catholic staff members and their eligible family members can access EFAP services. Eligible family members include spouse, dependent children (unmarried and who has not reached 21st birthday or unmarried and registered as a full-time student at an institute of higher learning and has not reached 25th birthday). Services may be accessed by calling 488-4960.
2. What's the first step?
A request for help may be initiated directly by you or your eligible family member. Call the EFAP at 488-4960 to arrange a confidential appointment.
You are encouraged to use the Employee and Family Assistance Program before a problem becomes serious or any time you would like assistance with personal or work- related difficulties.
3. How much does it cost?
There is no cost for short-term counselling, consultation and/or referral sessions with the EFAP Manager. Depending on the nature of the concern and the type of service needed, you may be referred to a qualified professional or agency for special assistance and/or ongoing counselling.
Services provided by a chartered psychologist or registered social worker in the community are on a fee for service basis. Costs are shared by extended health care insurance (ASEBP or Blue Cross), EFAP and the employee. Details regarding fees, specific limits to coverage and reimbursement procedures will be provided to you by the EFAP manager during assessment.
4. What type of coverage do I have?
Specific provisions can be found in the appropriate (AUSE, ATA, ECCSSA or OOS) benefit plan guide.
In general the plan covers up to $1000.00 of psychological counseling services per calendar year for each insured individual (i.e. staff member or an eligible insured dependent) covered by the staff member's Supplementary Health Care benefits (ASEBP or Blue Cross).
The hourly rates vary among the service providers with fees generally being in the $110 - $140 range per 50 minute session. The hourly rate will affect the number of sessions that your $1000 benefit will provide for.
5. What is the EFAP benefit?
The EFAP benefit is a supplementary benefit for counseling services. Each employee may receive $150 per calendar year (employee benefit). An additional $150 per calendar is year may also be paid if the employee receives marital or family counseling (family benefit). Specifics regarding reimbursement procedures may be obtained by calling 488-4960.
6. Do counselors speak any languages other than English?
Some service providers have professional counselors who speak other languages. If service in a language other than English is necessary, please ask about this when you call for an appointment.
7. Is the service confidential?
The EFAP service is confidential. Information provided to, or retained by any EFAP service provider is held in confidence and may only be released with written permission from the person receiving the service or as required by law. EFAP records are maintained by the EFAP office or, in the case of referrals, by the service provider.
The use of the EFAP will not affect job security, job transfer, promotion, or career potential of a staff member.
8. What hours can I make an appointment?
Reception is available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Additionally, confidential voice mail is available 24 hours a day all year long.
Service providers to whom you may be referred have various hours and may range from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. A few also offer Saturday hours.
9. What types of services does the EFAP provide?
EFAP provides individual assessment and counseling, family or couple counseling, psychological assessment and vocational assessments and counseling.
EFAP also works together with Employee Health Services to assist in the timely
return to work of ill and injured employees. You can contact the EFAP Acting
Manager (Sandra Janzen) at 488-960 or via e-mail at janzens@ecsd.net.
|
