E26/27 EAP SPECIALIST (HUMAN RESOURCES)

Arlington Public Schools (APS) announces an opening for an EAP Specialist. This is a 12-Month E-10 position. Please note that this position is scheduled Monday through Friday, 4 hours per day. The specific work hours will be discussed with the successful candidate based on operational needs.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Specialist provides confidential employee assistance services to employees, retirees, and eligible family members of Arlington Public Schools (APS) as part of the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) within the Human Resources Division. This supporting role assists in delivering a comprehensive employee assistance program that promotes employee wellbeing, productivity, and organizational health, working in alignment with EAP core technology principles, the ethical standards of the International Employee Assistance Professionals Association, and all applicable laws and organizational policies. The position provides short-term, workplace-focused counseling, consultation, referrals, and related support while applying sound judgment within established program policies and procedures and maintaining strict confidentiality. The incumbent consults with supervisors and administrators regarding employee behavioral concerns, workplace stressors, and related issues affecting organizational functioning, offering guidance consistent with professional standards. The employee’s assessments, recommendations, and consultations support the effectiveness of the APS Employee Assistance Program and contribute to improved employee functioning, reduced behavioral risks, and a healthier, more supportive work environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS 

Provides input in meetings, workgroups, or committees on employee wellbeing and behavioral risk issues, under the guidance of the EAP Supervisor.

Supports outreach efforts by participating in events, trainings, and site visits to raise awareness of EAP services.

Participates in the Critical Incident Stress Management program for county public safety employees.

Provides problem identification and assessment, short-term support, referral to appropriate resources, and case management for EAP referrals. Offers crisis intervention and assists with workplace conflict resolution.

Coordinates the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) process for employees in safety sensitive roles. Serves as the primary liaison between the employee, hybrid EAP provider, and internal departments through the return-to-work process. 

Monitors employee compliance with SAP recommendations, including follow-up testing and counseling, and provides ongoing support to help the employee meet all requirements for reinstatement. Provides training to supervisors on the use of the EAP and consults with them on addressing workplace and personal issues that may be affecting job performance.

Participates in new employee orientation and provides information about EAP services. 

Develops and delivers workshops on a variety of wellbeing topics and collaborates with hybrid EAP provider to offer additional trainings and resources. 

Provides other direct EAP services in accordance with core technology guidelines of the International Association of Employee Assistance Programs and the Code of Ethics of the Employee Assistance Certification Commission.

Guides employees in understanding when their health insurance benefits may be needed as part of the referral process and helps them connect with in-network providers or services when appropriate.

Provides crisis intervention and collaborates with the EAP Supervisor on high-risk cases involving potential harm to self or others.

Plans, organizes, and delivers EAP events, workshops, and outreach activities to promote program awareness and employee wellbeing. 

Works with the EAP Supervisor to align event content with annual program priorities and broader organizational wellness goals. 

Performs other duties as assigned, consistent with the scope and purpose of the position.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of counseling principles and effective intervention strategies to assist employees in addressing personal, behavioral, or situational challenges that may impact wellbeing or job performance. 

• Strong knowledge of assessment practices used to identify presenting concerns, determine appropriate levels of care, and facilitate effective referrals. 

• Solid understanding of community-based resources, including financial, legal, psychological, and health services. 

• Advanced knowledge of federal requirements related to substance abuse testing for employees in safety-sensitive positions, as well as the professional ethical standards governing employee assistance practice. 

• Strong understanding of legal requirements regarding the protection of confidential information and the potential consequences associated with unauthorized disclosure. 

• Working knowledge of substance use issues that may affect workplace safety or performance, including indicators for referral to specialized assessment or Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) services. 

• Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality; plan, organize, and prioritize activities and appointments; and manage multiple tasks effectively. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with administrators and other stakeholders. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the interpersonal ability to build trust and rapport with school-based staff. Ability to prepare clear, accurate, and concise reports and to work effectively within a culturally diverse environment.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

Education: a bachelor’s degree in social work, counseling, clinical mental health counseling, psychology, marriage and family therapy or any closely related mental health degree required. Master’s degree preferred. 

Experience: A minimum of two (2) to three (3) years of professional counseling or clinical experience, including employee assistance program experience, workplace-focused behavioral health support, crisis intervention, or assessment and referral in a brief-treatment model required. 

LICENSE/CERTIFICATION

Licensed Mental Health Professional (or eligibility) required. 

Certified Employee Assistance Professional (or eligibility) preferred.