Veterans Employment Toolkit

EAP Selection Criteria

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) conducted the Veterans in the Workplace study to identify promising practices to improve Veteran retention in the workplace. Effective Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) were considered by study respondents to be an important factor in Veteran retention in the workplace. The goal of an EAP is to promote wellbeing and assist employees with both personal and family issues thereby improving productivity and organizational performance.

This report lists some of the optimal criteria, both from the VA’s study results and other sources, which companies should consider when selecting a Veteran-friendly EAP provider. EAP services are often steered by financial considerations, so including all of the following components in a company’s EAP may not be feasible. It’s up to the company to identify the level of workplace support, the degree of program integration, and the range of services that will yield the most benefit to their organization and employees. This document lists criteria related specifically to selecting an EAP that will be prepared to support Veteran employees. General EAP selection criteria are available through other sources listed at the end of this document.

	The EAP uses providers who are trained in how to ask about Veteran status and military history
	The EAP uses providers who are trained in when and how to give a brief screener for PTSD and other mental health issues such as depression or anxiety
	The EAP uses providers who have received training on military culture and Veterans’ transition issues
	The EAP uses providers who are trained in how to make appropriate referrals for Veterans
	The EAP offers trainings relevant to Veterans’ issues: For managers and supervisors (e.g., cultural differences between military and civilian work environments that can impact performance) For all employees (e.g., military culture and impact of negative stereotypes)
	The EAP offers face-to-face counseling and coaching
	The EAP offers consultation to managers and supervisors
	The EAP is available without cost to employees
	The EAP offers services to employees’ household members or dependents
	The EAP has a clear confidentiality policy

Additional information on selecting an EAP:

EASNA. (2009). Selecting and Strengthening Employee Assistance Programs:
A Purchaser’s Guide. Arlington, VA: Employee Assistance Society of North America.
http://www.easna.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/EASNA-PURCHSERS-GUIDE-TO-EAPs-FINAL-102209.pdf

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