Introducing our new Employee Assistance Program – Cascade Centers - Effective July 1st

Monday, June 27, 2011

Dear Valued Employee,

What’s New with the EAP?

Lewis & Clark College continually evaluates the insurance companies that partner with us to ensure their capabilities result in us receiving “best‐in‐class” services and benefits for our faculty, staff and their families. In conjunction with the Oregon Independent Colleges Association (OICA), we recently completed a review of our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which has been offered through EASE.  This thorough market search has resulted in the College, as well as several other independent colleges in Portland, moving the EAP to Cascade Centers, effective July 1, 2011.

Cascade is a national private mental health service that has been providing EAP services since 1978 and has a proven record for providing the highest quality services possible. The College selected them because we are able to receive a more comprehensive service focused package, with enhanced program offerings and web tools for our faculty, staff and families.

What do I need to do?

You do not have to take any action. If you are a benefits eligible faculty or staff member, you and your household members are automatically covered under the EAP. The College pays the full cost of the benefit.

What is an EAP?

An EAP is a confidential and professional service that helps you and your family with all areas of life. It includes assessment, problem solving, and referral for a wide variety of personal or family concerns.

Who can use the EAP?
You, as the employee, or any member of your household can call the EAP for help whenever a personal problem is troubling you.

What kind of problems or family issues can I call the EAP about?
You can call the EAP about anything that is concerning you. Some of the more common concerns that they receive calls about include (but are not limited to):

• Marital, family, or relationship issues
• Alcohol/substance abuse/addictions
• Help with child or elder care
• Emotional problems (depression, anxiety, etc.)
• Legal and financial difficulties
• Assistance with becoming a home owner
• Troubles with identity theft
• Work-related problems
• Career development services

In addition, a wellness program is available that includes unlimited access to a personal health coach. The coach will create a customized wellness plan and provide assistance in areas such as weight loss, smoking cessation, fitness and exercise, nutrition, and pre and postnatal care.

How do I contact the EAP?

You may access immediate and confidential consultation 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling 1-800-433-2320. You may also e-mail Cascade Centers at esupport@cascadecenters.com. Visit www.cascadecenters.com for more information.

What happens once I do contact the EAP?

Once you have made the call to the hotline, a counselor will be available to talk to you immediately. The counselor is a member of Cascade’s staff and mental health professional. During this initial call, you can request information, discuss a personal problem, obtain assistance in assessing a problem and/or resolving it, or request a referral to an appropriate Cascade therapist for a face-to-face assessment.

What will the EAP cost me?
Four (4) face-to-face visits per problem are provided at no cost to you through our contract with Cascade. Often these visits are all you will need. If you are referred for other services, there may be a cost. The EAP staff will work with you to find the most affordable method to cover the cost of additional services.

What if another problem comes up after this one is solved?
There is no limit to the number of times you can call the EAP with a new problem. You are limited to four (4) free sessions per year for any one problem. For example, if you see the EAP for marital counseling and the same problem resurfaces, you will need to work with the EAP staff to cover the cost of any additional face-to-face sessions with a therapist.

Will my employer, family, or friends know I’ve used the EAP?
A key factor in the program is confidentiality. Cascade is prohibited by federal law from releasing any information on any client to anyone. Reports made by the EAP to Lewis & Clark contain statistical data only, no names or specific details. No one will know you utilized the EAP unless you decide to share it with them.

Learn More – What’s Next?

Cascade will begin providing services to Lewis & Clark College faculty and staff and their household members effective July 1, 2011. Anyone using EASE’s EAP services will continue to work with them until the need is met – there will be no disruption in benefits. If you are in the process of using the 4 no‐charge counseling sessions at EASE – once those 4 sessions are used – you will receive an additional 4 sessions from Cascade if you choose.

July 13^th LC Supervisor/Manager Quarterly Meeting – EAP Supervisor/Manager Orientation

       2:00 – 3:00 p.m. Law School Campus – Wood Hall, Classroom 8

Cascade offers unlimited supervisor consultation from a specialized team of EAP professionals, experienced in management consultation and referral. They provide expert consultation and help when an employee’s personal problems begin to negatively impact the workplace. Come and learn when an appropriate time would be to refer an employee to the EAP, how to manage reluctant employees, and management skills required to deal with poor performances.

July 21^st Cascade presents – Balancing Work and Family

       2:00 – 3:00 p.m. CAS Campus – JR Howard Hall 101

In today’s busy society, balancing work, life, and family life is a common challenge. The stress this creates can be detrimental to an individual’s physical health, emotional well-being, and work productivity. These effects will be discussed as well as strategies and techniques to reduce this unique source of stress. RSVP to Katie Lahey at klahey@lclark.edu

We are excited about the services Cascade will bring to the College and we will be mailing you an informational packet to your home so that you can share the news with your family. If you would like more information about Cascade in the meantime, please visit www.cascadecenters.com or contact Katie Lahey at x6234.

–
Kris Codron, SPHR
Associate Director
Human Resources
Lewis & Clark College
0615 SW Palatine Hill Road
Portland, OR  97219
P: 503.768.6237
F: 503.768.6233