Employee and Student Assistance Program (ESAP)   Email     Print   PDF

Policy Information

• Issue Date: May 9, 2005
• Primary Contact: Schorer, Emily
• Responsible Member of Directorate: President and Director
• Responsible Office: Human Resources

Contents

Overview

The Employee and Student Assistance Program (ESAP) is designed to help individuals obtain professional assistance in dealing with personal problems such as family and marital discord, financial and legal issues, alcohol and drug abuse, compulsive gambling and stress related disorders. Such assistance is always on a confidential basis.

II. WHOI Program

A. In recognition that personal situations may affect an individual's physical and emotional health as well as potentially his/her work or academic performance, the Institution provides an ESAP for all employees and their families as well as Post docs, Joint Program students, and their families. These services include contacts by telephone or in person, one or more assessment sessions with the ESAP counselor, referrals to other agencies or providers, and follow-up. While services by the ESAP are at no cost to the individual, there may be costs associated with using other agencies and care providers. Depending on the type of assistance, such costs may be covered be medical insurance.

B. The ESAP is coordinated through the Human Resources Department. Services are provided by the Wellness Corporation. Regular office hours are 8:30 to 6:00, Monday through Thursday and 8:30 to 5:00 on Friday. In the event of an emergency or crisis, an ESAP counselor is available 24 hours per day, seven days a week.

C. The Wellness Corporation will provide up to five counseling sessions when the initial assessment indicates that the individual will benefit from this "Brief Treatment." This applies to any WHOI individual and her/his family members, even if not enrolled in the group health plan. NOTE: if any HMO member contacts the Wellness Corporation for assistance for a diagnosis other than alcohol or substance abuse, the individual may want to contact her/his primary care physician very early for a referral to a local PHC provider.

Use of the ESAP is voluntary and confidential. An individual can contact the ESAP directly (508) 842-2780 or 1 (800) 828-6025, or with the assistance of the supervisor or HR, if desired.

IV. Supervisor Referral/Use

If an employee's job performance or a student's academic progress is being adversely affected by an apparent personal problem, a supervisor or advisor may recommend that individual to the ESAP for appropriate counseling. However, use of the ESAP remains voluntary and confidential. The ESAP is not intended to replace the Institution's normal disciplinary procedures related to job performance, although ESAP staff are available to advise supervisors and advisors on intervention strategies. (See related policies in Involuntary Termination, Progressive Disciplinary Action, and Substance Abuse.) 

Should you require assistance in the interpretation of this procedure, please contact your Benefits Specialist in the Human Resources Department.