U.S HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Office of the Chief Administrative Officer --Human Resources

OFFICE OF EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE

FACT SHEET

Personal problems, although as varied as we are, affect most of us during the course of our lives. It is unrealistic to think that we can single-handedly deal with every problem that confronts us. Even more difficult is facing these problems alone when they begin to affect those around us like our families, friends, and co-workers.

The Office of Employee Assistance was initiated by the House to provide Members, employees, and families with help for these very situations. The mission of the Office is to provide confidential and professional assistance for the wide range of problems that affect us all. Please familiarize yourself with the information provided below detailing the basic services and extent of the Office's operations.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO USE THE OFFICE'S SERVICES?

• House employees: Members, Congressional staffs, Committee staffs, Office staffs, General employee work force
• Family members

WHAT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?

• Information and consultation to individuals and managers.
• Assessment of situation or problem
• Referral to appropriate professional services. (Ongoing counseling or treatment is provided by individuals and programs outside the Office of Employee Assistance that an employee assistance counselor may direct you to.)
• Follow-up with the individual employee or family member and with the professional resource to assure the satisfactory resolution of the situation.
• Educational programs provided to supervisors and other employees in the following areas: Employee Assistance services and referral procedures; impact of drug and alcohol problems on job performance; stress management; other mental health/wellness related issues; team building and conflict resolution.
• Management coaching on work related issues and performance problems.

WHAT TYPES OF PROBLEMS ARE HANDLED BY THE OFFICE OF EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE?

• Marital and family difficulties
• Psychological and personal difficulties
• Work related stress
• Career and personal life transitions
• Alcohol abuse and alcoholism
• Compulsive gambling
• Drug abuse
• Domestic violence
• Codependency
• Adult children of alcoholics
• Eating disorders
• Financial problems
• HIV/AIDS
• Grief, separation and loss
• Traumatic incidents
• Behavioral difficulties
• Emotional aspects of catastrophic illness

IS THIS SERVICE CONFIDENTIAL?

Information you share with the Office of Employee Assistance regarding any of these problems or other aspects of your personal situation will be handled in a confidential manner. Your written and informed consent will be obtained before the release of any information.

HOW MUCH WILL THIS COST?

There are no costs for the Offices' services. If the staff makes a referral for subsequent counseling or treatment, those services will often be covered in part under your health insurance or managed care coverage. Any costs not covered by insurance are your responsibility. In any case, the Office staff will always consider your financial situation when making a referral.

HOW DO I CONTACT THE OFFICE?

Any employee or family member is able to obtain additional information, request a consultation, or schedule an appointment by contacting the Office at the numbers provided below. In addition to regular work day hours, the Office can arrange appointments at other times for your convenience.