How to Become an EAP Counselor
Step 1: Understand the job description and responsibilities of an EAP Counselor
What does an EAP Counselor do?
AN EAP Counselor counsels and assists employees with issues affecting job-related performance and personal well-being. Evaluates and recommends outside treatment and counseling if necessary. Being an EAP Counselor requires a bachelor's/master's degree. Typically reports to a manager. To be an EAP Counselor typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work.
An employment assistance program (EAP) counselor is a person who provides assistance to people who are having problems at work.
Large companies may have a staff of EAP counselors available for their personnel and sometimes additional counselors are hired to help employees during stressful periods, such as when they are completing major projects on deadline or adjusting to new management.
It is also sometimes possible to see an EAP counselor outside the workplace through a community agency or program designed to assist people while they are working.
A typical EAP counselor has at least a bachelor's degree in counseling or a related field and many have master's degrees along with related experience.
Only EAP counselors have access to records kept in their offices and they do not report on anything they hear unless there is a belief that an employee may be in danger, in which case the counselor may be required to submit a report.
Step 2: Learn best tips to become an EAP Counselor
Best tips for those who want to become an EAP Counselor
Here are some tips to become an EAP Counselor.
Step 3: View best colleges and universities for EAP Counselor
Best colleges and universities for EAP Counselor
- Butler University
- Carroll College
- Cooper Union
- High Point University
- Princeton University
- Providence College
Step 4: Think about whether is it worth to be an EAP Counselor
Is being an EAP Counselor Worth it?
We are seeking a qualified, experienced counselor to work within a dynamic, close-knit team of EAP counselors.
Workplace Options is seeking a qualified EAP Clinical Counselor to join our clinical team in Raleigh.
As an Remote Telephone EAP Counselor, you will offer immediate telephonic evaluation, consultations and counseling to individuals calling our service.
EAP counselors often help employees deal with stress, so a degree in psychology is usually necessary.
EAP counselors may assist the families of employees who are having problems in their private lives.
Step 5: Prepare relevant skills for being an EAP Counselor
What skills do you need to be an EAP Counselor?
This is not a management position, but still requires important skills in order to fully execute the role. A keen understanding of the following is necessary for the role: Employee Counseling, Employee Engagement, Employee Wellness. Some of the more basic skills utilized in this role include: Human Resource Management Systems (HRMS). These skills are certainly important to the role, but keep in mind, fit into a company culture and environment is often just as important.
If you want to become an EAP counselor, you will need at least a bachelor's degree but possibly a master's degree, and you will needs several years of clinical work experience.
For example, some EAP counselors are trained as clinical psychologists and hold doctoral degrees in psychology and must be licensed in the field.
Specialized certification as an EAP counselor will let employers know that you are an expert in the field of employee assistance and can make you more attractive to employers.
Certification is not required to become an EAP counselor, but it might be required by some hiring employers.
The EAP counselor will provide a full range of clinical services including assessments, short term counseling, referral, crisis intervention, EAP orientations and well-being workshops to team members and their eligible family members.
Step 6: View average salary for EAP Counselor
How much does an EAP Counselor make?
The average salary range for an EAP Counselor is from $71,363 to $88,394. The salary will change depending on your location, job level, experience, education, and skills.
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Average salary for EAP Counselor jobs
Step 7: Find relevant EAP Counselor jobs, and apply.
Looking for EAP Counselor jobs?
Here are some EAP Counselor jobs in the United States.