October 2003   In This Issue...   Front Page   Argentina   Canada   Europe   Finland   Hong Kong   Ireland   South Africa Regulatory   Update Research   Review Interact   Survey Questions   Member Exchange     Forum Feedback	Ireland: Launching Professional EA Education John Fitzgerald, Staff Welfare Officer, Irish Prisons Service, Dublin, Ireland Beginning this year, the National University of Ireland is offering a part-time training course for staff working, or intending to work, in employee assistance programs. The two-year course is designed to provide basic training in the skills and knowledge necessary for fulfilling the role of employee assistance practitioner. The first year of the course leads to a certificate in employee assistance; the second year leads to a diploma. In the diploma course, the focus is on frequently encountered workplace problems. Processes and procedures for managing and coping with them are explained, and the interpersonal skills needed at the various stages of these procedures are identified and practiced. The course is broadly based in recognition of the very different functions and responsibilities allocated to the EAP role in different types of enterprises and work organizations. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be able to-- * Describe and explain the origins of employee assistance and differing national approaches to EAP policies, legislation, and practice in the European Union; * Demonstrate in their work an ability to use a wide range of interpersonal skills appropriate to the needs of their clients; * Demonstrate the ability to respond with appropriate skills to a wide range of frequently occurring workplace problems; and * Describe and advise on different ways of providing EAP services in a workplace. Each module of the course consists of two elements, theory and practice. Participants will attend the course for 10 days each year, thus keeping interruption of work to a minimum. Assessment is by means of two assignments per module and a project. The course schedule is as follows: Year 1 (Certificate Course) Module 1: Origins, principles, and organization of employee assistance Module 2: A model for analyzing and developing interpersonal skills Module 3: Managing workplace problems Module 4: The skills of representation, negotiation, and mediation Module 5: The legal and policy framework of employee assistance practice Year 2 (Diploma Course) Module 1: Bullying and harassment in the workplace Module 2: Coping with workplace crisis Module 3: Misuse of substances and other addictions Module 4: Bereavement, threat, loss, and depression Module 5: Working with groups and their dynamics The course was launched following discussions with representatives of Galway University who were prepared to aim the course at people who wanted to work in the EAP field but not necessarily become therapists or counselors. Certain employers have asked for information about a course where they could learn how to establish an internal EAP. Employees working in employee assistance and/or human resources in certain locations were also anxious to have a recognized course available. (Most current EA practitioners would have trained as counselors/therapists with acknowledged credentials from an appropriate college.) While one other university in Ireland (Cork) has offered a course in employee assistance, this is the first time the EAPA Ireland Chapter has been involved in such an initiative. All modules are first scrutinized by a committee of the Ireland Chapter, and the views and opinions of the chapter board are considered. It is the hope and wish that all involved with employee assistance in Ireland will be properly trained, and we see this qualification as a minimum requirement to work in an EAP-related field as a practitioner. We hope as well that employers will recognize the value of this qualification from one of our foremost universities. Work in the EA field is increasing in Ireland, and this course can only help those who want to become involved in the work. DISCUSSION (Member Exchange Forum)   Back Issues   Top of Page   Contact EAPA   © 2003 Exhange On-Line is a publication of the Employee Assistance Professionals Association, Inc. (EAPA). Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is expressly prohibited. Publication of bylined articles does not constitute endorsement of personal views of authors. Appearance of paid advertisements does not constitute endorsement by EAPA.	Vol. 1    No. 2