Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides discreet peer-to-peer assistance to TWU Local 579 members facing crises, offering vital information, referrals, and grievance support. Additionally, EAP expertly manages all matters concerning employee leaves, including Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD), Leaves of Absence (LOA), FMLA, and other related issues.
EAP(Employee Assistance Program) Overview
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Committee offers confidential, compassionate peer support to members navigating personal, medical, and work-related challenges in a demanding, safety-sensitive environment. The committee exists to support Member well-being, connect Members with appropriate resources, and advocate for fair, ethical, and policy-compliant outcomes.
The EAP operates as a peer support program, not a clinical service, and maintains strict confidentiality, professionalism, and ethical standards at all times.
Committee Member Responsibilities
EAP Committee Members serve as peer advocates and support resources for Members seeking assistance. Members work under the direction of the EAP Chair and are expected to exercise sound judgment, discretion, and compassion.
Primary Duties:
- Provide confidential peer support to Members seeking assistance;
- Listen, support, and guide Members toward appropriate internal or external resources;
- Assist Members with navigating processes related to medical leaves, return-to-work, and wellness resources (as appropriate and non-clinical);
- Participate in EAP training, meetings, and outreach efforts;
- Maintain strict confidentiality and ethical boundaries;
- Escalate complex or urgent situations to the EAP Chair when appropriate.
Time Commitment:
Varies based on Member needs, committee assignments, and outreach efforts; may include availability outside standard hours for urgent matters.
Committee Chair Responsibilities
The EAP Committee Chair serves as the lead peer advocate and strategic coordinator for the program, providing leadership, oversight, and direction to ensure the delivery of ethical, confidential, and effective peer support services.
Program Leadership & Oversight:
- Provide overall leadership and direction for the EAP Committee;
- Coordinate committee operations, including scheduling, coverage, training, and follow-up protocols;
- Support, mentor, and guide EAP Committee Members while promoting best practices and preventing burnout;
- Identify gaps in services and recommend program improvements.
Member Advocacy & Case Support
- Support complex or high-impact Member cases involving critical incidents, medical leaves, disability, or return-to-work concerns;
- Serve as the primary point of escalation for sensitive or urgent situations;
- Advocate for Members with Company departments when appropriate, while maintaining confidentiality and professional boundaries.
Company & Union Liaison
- Act as the primary EAP liaison with Company representatives, benefits administrators, disability vendors, and other stakeholders;
- Participate in meetings addressing systemic wellness issues, leave processes, and access to care;
- Communicate trends and recommendations to Union leadership without disclosing identifying information.
Policy, Ethics & Compliance
- Ensure EAP operations comply with confidentiality requirements, ethical standards, and applicable policies;
- Reinforce the non-clinical nature of the EAP and appropriate referral pathways;
- Support development and maintenance of EAP policies, procedures, and training materials.
Training, Education & Outreach
- Coordinate onboarding and ongoing training for EAP Committee Members;
- Promote a culture of wellness, trust, and peer support within the Membership;
- Support outreach efforts to increase awareness and utilization of EAP services.
Program Evaluation & Reporting
- Track non-identifying trends and utilization patterns;
- Collaborate with leadership and vendors to enhance program effectiveness;
- Prepare reports or updates for Union leadership as required.
Required Qualifications:
- Demonstrated leadership experience in peer support, union committees, advocacy, or related roles;
- Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to manage sensitive situations;
- Excellent communication, organization, and relationship-building skills.
Preferred Experience:
- Familiarity with FMLA, STD, LTD, medical leave, and return-to-work processes;
- Training in crisis intervention, mental health first aid, trauma-informed care, or substance-use support;
- Background in social services, counseling, human services, or union leadership (non-clinical).
Time Commitment:
Ongoing and variable; may require availability outside standard hours. Emotional resilience, strong boundaries, and commitment to self-care are essential.