How Do I get into the EAP Profession?

This is a very popular question EAPage.com receives.  Whether a new student or a seasoned professional working in the Employee Assistance field is a very challenging and rewarding job. It requires a strong clinical skill set, organizational knowledge, excellent communication skills, adaptation to various business models, policies, politics and hierarchy.  It requires an ability to work with several clients simultaneously while remaining neutral. Knowledge of the various treatment modalities both psychological and medical.  As part of a system within the framework of the business world, the pace is faster, expectations higher and bottom lines are reality.

On the surface it is attractive. Better pay, treating the "working well", and positive professional image.  All true. And you work harder.

The demands and responsibilities vary from EAP to EAP. Internal EAPs differ in worker responsibility from External EAPs. If you are new to the field of EAP or mental health, consider looking into working for an external EAP. Here's why:

External EAPs are their own organization.  They have departments that focus on specialized tasks. For instance, an external EAP will have an account management department, network development department, sales department, clinical EAP staff, training staff, manage care staff and other administrative personnel. If the external EAP is a small EAP then there is overlap in these various departments. In budgeting these various departments an external EAP will consider one with less experience in the field and save on salary expenses. Plus the work is focused mostly on the clinical aspect of EAP.  External EAPs function by obtaining contracts from corporation for their services. Landing a large account may require additional staffing needs.  So there are more "entry level" positions within large external EAPs.  This may be the best avenue to get your foot in the door. Working within an external EAP has many benefits. Not only are you doing the counseling work, but there is great exposure to many components and departments of external EAPs for cross-training potential.  Maintaining a positive work performance history and favorable relations with colleagues and professionals will open doors for potential other EAP jobs, internal or external.

Internal EAPs are corporate/industrial employees and generally function with smaller staffs covering multiple responsibilities. The preference is for professional, seasoned clinicians.  A professional who has had various training, has worked in various settings, including private practice, with multiple populations is preferred. One must master many skills as the internal EAP provider. Having a keen understanding of HMOs, PPOs, disability, leaves of absence policies, management consultation to name a few are daily challenges. Consider yourself contacting a psychiatrist and evaluating his or her treatment plan because you have concern for the employees lack of improvement? It can be very intimidating if you are new to the field.

Whether its internal or external, the philosophy and core values of EAP can be taught. Nuances about organizations can be learned.  Skill, experience, professional training, substance abuse training and experience, need to be there. If the goal is to enter EAP, consider a working plan to get there and amass the necessary experience to make you a viable candidate.  Consider these options to strengthen your position:

• Have an EAP experience. If you have an EAP at your present employer, contact one and set up an appointment. If you don't have an issue to address, consider "career issues."

• Substance abuse services is critical. Pursue certification, employment, cases, attend drug/alcohol related support groups.

• Work in as many different environments as you can. It will enable you to better understand what your EAP clients are dealing with when you make a referral.

• Work at a community mental health center or hospital clinic.  This will offer you the widest exposure of treatment approaches, disorders, community resources, child protection, legal and law enforcement.

• If possible, experience the business side of a private practice or treatment center.

• Join the Employee Assistance Professional Association and Employee Assistance Society of North America.  These are the two (soon one) international professional organizations that have local chapters.  Become a member and begin networking.

• When interviewing, dress for business not mental health!

• Redo your resume, consult if necessary to organize it in a business format. Proof read it!

• Begin pursuing the Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP)

• Receive Critical Incident Stress Management training applicable to workplaces.

• Take courses on Brief/Solution focused treatment, cognitive treatment, workplace violence, stress, crisis intervention, bereavement, depression and CD minimally.

• Become computer literate.

EAPs generally request 2-5 years experience in EAP work. If your goal is to obtain an EAP position within 5 years, there are many rewarding choices you can make along the way until one becomes available to you.  Remember, EAP functions can be taught. Being successful and a value to your company requires the right experience and involvement.