Employee Assistance Programme

Our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provider, TELUS Health, provides us with access to a network of coaches, clinicians and counsellors to assist and support you. It also brings with it a digital well-being platform called TELUS Health One where you can access help and support literature tailored to your individual needs.

What is EAP?

The Employee Assistance Programme is a free, confidential counselling service available to University of Otago staff.

The purpose of the programme is to provide short term, brief intervention counselling. The counselling support can be used when issues at work or personal problems may be disrupting your home and/or work life. Three sessions are available free. In the event of longer maintenance counselling being required this would be at the cost of the individual staff member.

The programme recognises that there are many issues affecting an individual's ability to perform. The programme has been accessed by staff for many different issues, some of which are: relationships, stress, family, workplace, alcohol/drugs, bereavement, and legal.

Who is the Counselling programme available to?

The programme is available to

• All permanent and fixed term full time staff
• All part time with 0.5 FTE or greater, and with an employment contract(s) totalling 12 months or more

How many sessions are available?

University of Otago will pay for up to three, 1-hour sessions with a TELUS Health-approved counsellor. If further sessions are required, please discuss this directly with your counsellor. We recognise that some staff may need additional support.

How to access the programme

There are two ways of accessing the programme.

Telephone TELUS Health

The phone number below can be called anytime of the day or night to book a session and is particularly recommended if your need is urgent, if you wish to set up an in-person session, or if you have specific preferences for the type of counsellor you would like to speak with.

Tel 0800 360 364 (freephone in New Zealand).

Urgent remote support can be accessed 24/7 via the freephone number.

Access via the TELUS Health One app or website

Accessing via the app or website enables you to look at literature and support tailored to your concern (more information below).

Use the online appointment booking function to arrange a phone or video session on a date and time that suit you. You can select your counsellor’s gender and specialisation when booking online.

For non-urgent bookings, phone or virtual sessions can typically be arranged within 2 business days and in-person sessions within 5 business days.

TELUS Health One (Digital Platform)

TELUS Health One makes care more accessible, bringing together mental, physical and financial well-being, enabling you to access the support you need when, where, and how you need it.

TELUS Health One includes access to TELUS Health EAP , giving you 24/7 access to support for your mental health and other areas of your personal and professional life.

Browse a searchable library of wellbeing content including articles, toolkits, audio recordings and more, for tips and tools for everyday wellbeing, covering areas related to family, health, life, money and work.

Login to the TELUS Health One website

Username: uniotago
Password: eap

You can also find the ‘TELUS Health One’ app in the usual app stores.

Additional information

• Download the TELUS Health One App (PDF)
• EAP User Guide (PDF)
• TELUS Health Total Wellbeing Assessment Flyer (PDF)
• TELUS Health Care Now Flyer (PDF)

Referrals

There are two types of referrals.

Informal referral

An informal referral is initiated by a staff member when they recognise a problem themselves, or following a suggestion from a colleague, family member or friends.

Workplace referral

A workplace referral is recommended by a Supervisor or Head of Department when impaired work performance continues after normal supervision practices have been followed. The offer may be declined by the employee as the programme is voluntary. All workplace referrals must be co-ordinated through Human Resources and/or Occupational Health.

Cultural needs

If staff are finding that the list of counsellors is not meeting your cultural needs, please contact TELUS Health directly on 0800 360 364 or contact Carina Perner, the EAP Coordinator.

Concerns about access and availability

Please contact the University EAP Co-ordinator Carina Perner (Occupational Mental Health and Wellbeing advisor) if there are general questions about EAP or concerns about the accessibility and availability of certain counsellors.

However, she won't be able to book appointments for staff. Staff arrange appointments themselves or ask a trusted person to assist.