ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The Robins Employee Assistance Program has been a resource for the installation’s civilian workforce to turn to in times of need for many years.
The long-standing program has recently doubled its efforts, adding a part-time EAP consultant to its team of professionals to help civilians.
Carolina Perez, a licensed professional counselor and a certified alcohol and drug counselor level II in the state of Georgia, who came to Robins in January, is a part-time EAP field consultant for Federal Occupational Health.
Perez said while she is available to help all of Robins’ civilians, her main focus is to reach out to those who don’t often use the program.
“I will be providing services to all civilians that work on Robins Air Force Base; however, there is a focus on ensuring that the civilians working on the flight line are aware of and can access EAP services,” she said.
EAP is a free, short-term, solution-focused, voluntary and confidential resource provided to civilian employees, supervisors and their families that are employed by Robins.
“EAP can assist civilians with resolving personal problems such as workplace issues, relationship issues, emotional regulation, stress, anxiety, depression, grief and/or substance use,” Perez said.
Perez said EAP can help civilians develop skills to better deal with life’s ups and downs.
“Often times as individuals, we attempt to compartmentalize our life, but as is often the case, stressors in one area of our life, like relationship issues at home, may impact negatively on other areas of our life, like decreased work productivity,” she said. “This is where EAP can step in and help. As an EAP counselor, I can assist clients with developing effective strategies, as well as suggest a variety of resources that can empower them to either address or better cope with life stressors that are negatively impacting all areas of their life.”
Additionally, EAP counseling can work with supervisors to resolve management issues or concerns, productivity concerns, manage crises in the workplace, offer consultations to build strong leadership skills, and improve team performance.
Individuals participating in EAP services can receive up to six counseling sessions.
“If an individual calls the toll-free number and seeks out EAP services, they will have an option to either see me or Heather Watkins on base, or if they prefer to see someone in the community, EAP can link them to a provider,” Perez said.
EAP services include in-person assessments to ascertain whether the issue an individual is presenting can be resolved by the use of EAP or if the individual would benefit more from more long-term services out in the community. EAP does not complete fit for duty assessments, drug and alcohol assessments, psychological testing or psychiatric services.
Additionally, EAP can provide supervisor consultation and counseling, referrals to community resources, legal and financial, group services, health and wellness presentations, 24/7 telephone support and website resources.
“EAP is completely voluntary and confidential to the extent of the law, which means that if an individual verbalizes that they are a danger to themselves or others, I and my coworkers would be required by law to take appropriate actions,” Perez said.
Civilians can schedule an appointment by calling the toll-free number at 1-800-222-0364 or visiting www.FOH4You.com. The call center is available 24 hours a day year-round, including holidays.