Understanding EAP referrals…
The purpose of an administrative referral is to facilitate connecting an employee with the EAP program for support when job performance or other personal concerns are impeding their success at work. EAP will provide objective assistance and support that will allow the employee to address their current challenges. The intended outcome will be for the employee to return to their former level of acceptable performance.
** EAP remains, as always, a voluntary and neutral program.
Informal Referral:
- An informal referral occurs when a supervisor or manager has concerns about an employee and wishes to offer EAP services as a supportive resource.
- The supervisor or manager may speak with the employee about their concerns and may choose to complete the Administrative Referral Form to share information that could assist the EAP counselor in supporting the employee. The supervisor or manager may also provide the employee with the EAP phone number and encourage them to contact EAP directly.
- The employee contacts EAP confidentially to explore available services and resources with a master’s-level counselor.
- Participation in EAP is voluntary. Employees are not required to inform their employer that they are engaging in EAP services; however, they may request confirmation of attendance from EAP if they wish to share this with their employer.
Formal Referral:
- A formal referral is appropriate when job performance has declined, patterns of behavior are concerning, and the employee’s position may be at risk.
- The supervisor or manager recommends EAP as a supportive intervention to help address performance and/or behavioral concerns. This referral is documented in accordance with the organization’s policies and procedures and may be part of a performance improvement plan, counseling memo, employee/employer agreement, or last-chance agreement.
- Completion of the Administrative Referral Form is requested to ensure clear communication between the employer, EAP, and the employee.
- As part of the formal referral process, the employee may sign a consent form authorizing EAP to notify the referring supervisor of attendance and compliance with EAP treatment recommendations. No clinical details are shared.
Administrative Referral Form – (completed by person referring an employee)
NEXT STEPS:
- Consult your organization’s policies and procedures and connect with Human Resources or appropriate leadership to discuss and document the referral.
- Complete and submit the Administrative Referral Form. If you would like to consult further with an EAP staff member, select “Yes” when prompted on the form. An EAP clinical staff member will contact you to review.
- After submitting the form, you will be prompted to print a flyer to share with the employee outlining next steps. The employee should contact C+FS EAP at 716-681-4300 to schedule an appointment. Print this flyer to share with referred employee
- Once the employee schedules their initial appointment, they will receive an email confirmation that they may choose to share with their referring supervisor as proof of contact.
- For formal referrals only, EAP staff will request that the employee sign a consent form allowing EAP to share attendance and compliance information.
- If a signed consent is not received by the expected contact date, the referring supervisor will be notified of administrative referral closure. Without a signed consent, EAP is legally prohibited from sharing any information.
Review this short video to learn more:
For consultation at any time, please contact the EAP clinical team at 716-681-4300. We are here to support you!
