Employee Assistance Program (EAP Subspecialization)
Chair: Jodi Jacobson Frey, PhD, LCSW-C, CEAP
Contact Information: jfrey@ssw.umaryland.edu or (410) 706-3607
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Sub-Specialization is internationally recognized as the largest graduate social work program in the world dedicated to preparing social workers for the EAP field. In recent years, there has been rapid growth in the demand for human services in the workplace. EAP social workers provide services for employees and employers, including, but not limited to prevention, assessment and short-term counseling for mental health and substance abuse problems, personal problems that can affect productivity, services to support work/life balance and wellness, crisis intervention, and stress management. Additionally, EAP social workers partner with diverse work organizations to develop and implement policies, consult with managers, and assess organizational functioning. EAPs fill a critical role in the workplace, supporting the employer’s most valuable asset, their employees.
The EAP Sub-Specialization is offered within the Mental Health specialization and focuses learning opportunities on EAPs, work/life, mental health and substance abuse. Faculty members at the School of Social Work are recognized experts in EAP and related fields. EAP social work graduates join a rapidly expanding field and are well qualified to implement or manage an EAP in a private or public setting. Employment opportunities also exist at all corporate and government levels, as well as internationally.
Coursework
Students must complete all coursework required for the Mental Health specialization for their chosen concentration (MACRO or CLINICAL). All EAP students take SOWK 725, “Industrial Social Services and Social Policy” for their advanced policy course and SWOA 736, “Administering Employee Assistance Programs” for their advanced methods course. Students who pursue a primary or secondary CLINICAL (CLINICAL, CLINICAL/macro, or MACRO/clinical) concentration also take SWCL 705, (Clinical Social Work with Addictive Behavior Patterns). While SWCL 705 is not required for MACRO students, it is strongly recommended.
All EAP students will complete their advanced field placement within an EAP or another setting approved by Dr. Jacobson Frey and the Office of Field Education. Students must meet with Dr. Jacobson Frey for a required EAP advising session PRIOR to submitting their application for advanced field. Please email Dr. Jacobson Frey at jfrey@ssw.umaryland.edu before January 15th to schedule this required appointment. Be prepared to discuss your interest in the EAP field and interest in possible field placements during this meeting.
For Additional Information about the EAP Field
-- The Employee Assistance Professionals Association (EAPA) website: www.eapassn.org
-- The Employee Assistance Society of North American (EASNA) website: www.easna.org
EAP Alumni & Networking Group ▾
Do you work in the EAP or related workplace social work field?
Are you an alumnus of the University of Maryland School of Social Work?
Do you value the importance of Networking with other EAP Professionals?
YES? then please join our online EAP Networking Group. Our group offers University of Maryland School of Social Work alumni the opportunity to network with other alumni who are working in the EAP field.
The University of Maryland School of Social Works EAP sub-specialization is one of the largest programs of its kind in the US and it is growing every year. Many of our alumni work for the largest EAP vendors and a variety of corporations, public and private agencies.
Our networking group provides you with the opportunity to utilize your University of Maryland contacts in a variety of beneficial ways, such as:
-- Job Vacancies - current as well as insight into future vacancies-- Peer Opinions with Ethical Dilemmas/Questions-- Trends in the EAP field-- Different perspectives on implementation of EAP policies and procedures-- Informational interviews to assist you with pursuing an EAP position/career-- Networking, especially in an unstable economy, is paramount to professional success. In order to benefit from networking you must do it on a continual basis, not just when looking for a job.
Your dream job or the opportunity of a lifetime may be just around the corner.
To join the online networking group please send an e-mail to: umdeapnetwork-subscribe@yahoogroups.com and we will sign you up. It's that easy.
The University of Maryland School of Social Work Alumni Association is dedicated to serving alumni, the profession, the School, students, and the community. The association provides professional, educational and social activities for alumni. The association also awards scholarships to students, prepares and distributes "Graduate Survival Kits" to graduating students and participates in employment and career advising activities.
All graduates of the school are welcome to join the Alumni Association! A complimentary membership is given to graduates in the first year following gradation.
Information and an Alumni Association application can be obtained from the Office of Development and Alumni Relations. The telephone number is 410.706.0006.
If you would like to support the University of Maryland School of Social Work by making a charitable contribution, please call us at 410-706-0006. Thank you! Every gift makes a difference in the lives of our students.