What is EARWP?
The Employee Assistance and Respectful Workplace Program (EARWP) is a short-term service offered through the Employee Assistance and Respectful Workplace Division of the Public Service Commission (PSC). The EARWP Division provides confidential and professional short-term counselling and/or informal conflict resolution supports for a variety of challenges including mental health issues, workplace stress, family and relationship issues, addictions, grief and loss, critical incident debriefing and conflict or harassment issues within the workplace.
Eligibility for Services
The PSC provides a maximum of $680.00 per fiscal year for professional services. Services are also available to immediate family members.
Your Initial Visit
During your initial visit you will meet with a coordinator. Coordinators are highly skilled, certified counsellors or registered social workers who will ask questions to determine the nature of your referral. Together, you will develop a plan to address your immediate concerns. The PSC provides funding assistance for professional counselling and/or coaching services that will be organized by coordinators with private licensed counsellors.
Participation in EARWP is voluntary and confidential.
Confidentiality
Confidentiality is a key principle of the EARWP Division. Coordinators will not collect, use or disclose personal health information other than what is required in order to connect you with the appropriate service provider. Information is collected under the authority of Section 61(c) of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 2015 and Section 29 of the Personal Health Information Act.
Limits to Confidentiality
Your coordinator has an ethical and/or legal duty to release information when:
• A behavior may cause harm to self or others;
• Situations involving a child or youth, under 18, who may be in need of protective intervention; and/or,
• Subpoenaed by a court of law.
Arranging Services
When a service provider is required to assist you with a concern, you will be asked to answer questions and share information so they can fully understand the nature of your challenge. You have the right to ask questions related to the providers qualifications and the strategy or approach used to address your issues. If at any point you have issues related to the services being provided, you are advised to contact your coordinator. We believe in a collaborative working relationship and that you are a partner in the services we provide and coordinate. If at any time you feel your needs are not being understood, we request you share this with your coordinator.
Timelines
Requests for services via telephone or electronically will be responded to within one business day. You can contact the EARWP division directly at: 709-729-2290 Toll Free 1-888-729-2290.
Note: EARWP is not a crisis line.
Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am – 4:30pm
Payment
Payment for missed appointments or services rendered on a closed file will be the client’s responsibility.
Additional Resources:
Please review our website at to learn more about the comprehensive services provided. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, please contact the Mental Health Crisis Line at 811 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
Employee Assistance and Respectful Workplace Division
Public Service Commission
261 Kenmount Road, P.O. Box 8700. St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6.
Toll Free: 1-888-729-2290. Tel: (709) 729-2290.