District Renews Contract for Employee Assistance Program
The Huntington School Board members have approved the renewal of a contract with Labor Education & Community Services Agency, Inc. for the district's employee assistance program during the 2012/13 school year. The move continues Huntington's long relationship with the company.
LECSA offers counselors, if needed, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and a monthly newsletter. Counselors provide assessments, short term counseling to employees and their families, a link to therapists, treatment programs, self-help groups, financial counseling agencies and even legal advice.
LECSA also provides social service agency referrals for employees in immediate need, crisis intervention, case management services, guidance in dealing with a loved one concerning their substance abuse problem and getting them into a treatment program, education about proper workplace behavior and prevention of problems in the work environment.
The new contract will run from July 1 through June 30, 2013 and cost $16,150. Payments will be made in quarterly installments of $4,037.50. Employee orientation, stress management, dealing with difficult people, time management and supervisory training are workshops that are available under the contract, in addition to the many other services.
"We have a track record in working with the aftermath of crisis," states a section of multi-page LECSA service agreement booklet presented to trustees. "When traumatic events occur, we are there with the appropriate support necessary to help employees cope with catastrophic events. We can work with both individuals and entire work units to help resolve anger, fear, blame, shame and guilt. We understand what psychological responses to expect."