Employee Assistance Program

The City of Huntsville is interested in the health and well-being of all its employees and feels that it is in the interest of everyone to deal with personal problems which affect our employees’ job performance through the use of an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The purpose of the City of Huntsville’s EAP is to provide confidential, professional assistance to any full-time employee or any spouse or dependent family member of a full-time employee who desires such assistance.

The types of personal problems that the EAP is designed to help address include, but are not limited to, marital or family distresses, financial problems, emotional problems, and alcohol and drug abuse. The EAP will attempt to treat such personal problems by directing the employee or his/her family member, who is listed as a covered dependent on the city’s group health plan, to the appropriate facility-a family counseling facility, a financial assistance facility, a psychiatric assistance facility, or a drug or alcohol treatment facility. Covered charges for medical and professional treatment will be handled in accordance with the provisions of the City’s group insurance plan in effect at the time of treatment.

There may be some cause outside the realm of job responsibilities which is the basic reason for the problem, when an employee’s job performance deteriorates from expected standards and the employee is unable or unwilling to correct the situation either alone or with the assistance of his/her supervisor. Identification of unsatisfactory job performance will include such factors as documented absenteeism, tardiness, job related accidents, and generally lowered job efficiency which persists over a period of time, either constantly or intermittently.

An employee who has a problem which he/she feels may affect his/her job performance is encouraged to voluntarily seek information by contacting the City Clinic. Strict confidentiality of records and information will be maintained. Those receiving help will not have job security, promotion opportunities, or reputation jeopardized by participating in the program. However, participation in an EAP will not alter or supersede existing procedures for correcting unsatisfactory performance, nor preclude disciplinary action where appropriate.