Employee Assistance Program
How We Can Help
We are here for you! The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides supportive counseling services to employees and eligible family members. The program offers a wide range of resources to help employees resolve personal and professional issues. In addition to counseling services, the EAP provides work-life resources and programs for both professional and personal development.
The EAP is typically available during business hours for confidential, on-the-spot, supportive conversations. These conversations are solution-focused and perfect for anyone who needs a moment to decompress and receive words of encouragement, so you can return to your shift feeling calm and collected.
About the Program
What is the Employee Assistance Program?
The Broward Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is your safe space to explore solutions for personal and professional well-being.
Why does Broward Health have an EAP?
Broward Health recognizes that personal issues can impact an employee’s workplace performance and productivity. The Employee Assistance Program is a work-site-based resource that offers mental health counseling services, work-life balance guidance, wellness information, resources, and referrals for employees and dependents. The goal of the EAP is to provide confidential assistance to enhance personal and professional well-being through early identification and intervention of workplace problems.
Confidentiality
Just as Broward Health caregivers protect patient information, all contact between you and the EAP is confidential and protected under HIPAA. No information about you or your use of the EAP will be reported to anyone (including your supervisor) without your written consent, except when required by law. Nothing is included in your medical record or personnel file.
We have earned the trust of the hundreds of Broward Health colleagues who use the EAP’s support services, and we are here to help you, too!
Who is eligible for our services?
The EAP extends wellness services and healthy solutions to benefits-eligible employees and their household members and dependents under age 26.
How much will it cost?
Services from Broward Health’s EAP licensed professionals are completely free and unlimited. Sessions are available at the EAP office, virtually, or at your work site. You can also request a referral to one of the community-based clinical providers who are part of the EAP panel (Aetna Resources for Living). Four free sessions per issue per year are available. Additionally, four free weeks of Talkspace are available through Aetna Resources for Living.
How Can You Reach Us?
Office Hours & Phone Number
Monday - Friday
8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
954-847-4327
Location
Broward Health Corporate Offices
1700 NW 49th St, Suite 2103
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309
Download our Intake Form Here
Please download, complete and return the document to [email protected].
For help completing our form, please use the following instructions: Intake Form Completion & E-Signature Instructions or call our office with any questions.
Aetna Resources for Living
Aetna Resources for Living is a Broward Health-sponsored program available at no cost to benefits-eligible employees and their household members, including dependent children up to age 26. Services are confidential and available 24/7, just call 888-238-6232.
Program Features
- Counseling: 4 free sessions per issue per year.
- Legal: 30-min consultation per issue, 60-min ID theft consultation.
- Financial: 30-min telephonic consultation per issue.
- Daily Life Assistance: Guidance & referrals for child/elder care, caregiver support, home repairs, school/financial aid research.
Online Resources
- Talkspace: 4 free weeks of chat therapy.
- Mind Companion Self-care: Free wellness app.
- Articles, videos, webinars, legal/financial tools, discount center.
Access: www.resourcesforliving.com | Username: BrowardHealth | Password: EAP
Services for Employees
- Coaching/Skills Training
Personal and professional development - Relaxation Techniques
Stress relief and mindfulness practices - Conflict Resolution
Strategies for resolving workplace conflicts - Referrals/Community Resources
Connecting employees with external support services
Issues We Address Include:
- Adjustment to Change
- Depression
- Grief
- Relationship Difficulties
- Stress/Anxiety
- Substance Abuse
- Work/Life Balance
Services For Management
A CISD is a group intervention conducted by the EAP with employees directly affected by a traumatic event. Typical critical incidents may include the following:
- Injury or death of an employee
- Injury or death of a patient
- Violent event at the workplace
- Natural disaster
CISDs are typically conducted 72 hours post-event but can occur later. An effective intervention requires timing and planning. When an event has just occurred, it is quite difficult to pull all parties together to meet in a meaningful way. People are reeling, and many choose to seek their own supports—their family, friends outside of work—and may retreat briefly from the worksite, or simply be in shock and not able to benefit from a CISD until a few days later.
Even though CISD may come a bit later, there are immediate ways EAP can help. EAP can directly support the manager reporting the incident and assess the situation to determine what is needed. The EAP will help make an action plan which may include the following:
- The Manager can make a brief announcement addressing the matter, reassuring staff and reminding them that they can call EAP for individual support 24/7.
- The EAP can provide a “defusing”—a very brief meeting to relay what has happened and reminders of how to take care of themselves and use the EAP.
- The EAP can provide handouts and information that may be helpful to distribute to employees.
- Preliminary planning for CISD. As mentioned above, CISD will typically be planned for at least 72 hours post-event.
To schedule a CISD, call the Employee Assistance Program: 954-847-4327
When there is a pattern of declining work performance and disciplinary action may be likely, the manager should refer the employee to the EAP. The manager should consult with the on-site EAP for assistance in working with the employee.
A “Manager Referral Form” should be completed for each formal referral. Referrals may be done in conjunction with corrective actions. Based on the nature of the job problem, the referral may be voluntary or mandatory.
When making a formal referral, the following should be included in the manager’s discussion with the employee:
- Documentation and review of job performance problem areas.
- Encouragement to meet with the on-site EAP since a personal problem may be contributing to job performance problems.
- Reassurance that participation in the EAP will not jeopardize job security or possible future promotions and will be viewed as a positive step.
- Except in cases of mandatory referrals, participation in the EAP is voluntary and the personal responsibility of the employee.
- Job performance remains the criteria for corrective action procedures.
- Participation in the EAP does not affect disciplinary action that has already occurred.
- If the employee accepts the referral, the employee should make the initial call for an appointment with the on-site EAP. At the discretion of the manager, the initial appointment with the EAP may be scheduled during the employee’s work hours. If the employee follows through with EAP recommendations, additional appointments may be scheduled during off work hours.
Employees may be required to seek assistance through the EAP in the following situations:
- After investigation of the incident, an employee with a confirmed positive Reasonable Suspicion Drug Test may be required to seek evaluation, counseling, and treatment through the EAP. The employee must follow through with any treatment recommendations. The employee is responsible for any costs incurred for treatment that are not covered by the health plan. There will be a final corrective action for violation of the Broward Health Drug Free Workplace Policy.
- Employees who present a safety threat to themselves or someone else may require a mandatory referral to the EAP. Irrational behavior or verbal misconduct may also require a mandatory referral. The manager may initiate a mandatory referral only after consultation with the EAP and the Regional Director, Human Resources or designee. Examples that would warrant this referral would be suicide threats, impaired behavior, acts of intimidation, or threats/inappropriate behavior towards patients, employees, or visitors.
- Failure to follow through with a mandatory EAP referral and recommendations may result in corrective action up to and including termination.
- Employees participating in the EAP as a result of a management referral will be required to meet existing job performance standards. Participation in the EAP does not replace or prevent corrective action, if deemed appropriate by management.
Mind Companion Self-care
Mind Companion Self-care is a digital self-paced mental well-being program that can give you support where and when you need it. Sign up or login to get started.
Username: BrowardHealth | Password: EAP
Meet Our Staff
Susan Bedrin, Psy.D., BCB
Director, Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Dr. Susan Bedrin is a Licensed Psychologist and Board Certified in General Biofeedback. She earned her Doctor of Psychology degree from Nova Southeastern University and her biofeedback board certification from the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance. She has a background in Clinical Health Psychology and has experience working in both medical and psychiatric hospitals and in private practice. She has been with the Broward Health EAP since 2013.
Andrea Ciaravino, LMHC
Coordinator, Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Andrea Ciaravino, LMHC, has a professional background spanning 25 years, integrating all areas of Human Resources with a current focus on mental health and wellness. The diverse industry experience of hospitality, real estate and healthcare provided exposure to many facets of people, challenges, and experiences. Following the designation of License Mental Health Counselor, Ms. Ciaravino has enjoyed all aspects of assisting others with their psychological health in various inpatient, outpatient, emergency, and corporate settings.
Maureen McManus, LMHC
Counselor, Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Maureen McManus, LMHC, is a licensed mental health counselor who earned her Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University and her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Florida State University. Maureen has experience in community mental health, private practice, and over 10 years in the hospital setting. She is familiar with various hospital departments, their interactions, and the responsibilities and stressors associated with these roles. Maureen utilizes a variety of therapeutic modalities, tailoring her approach to best fit each client, and is dedicated to helping you move forward.