Helping Troubled Employees: An Analysis of Selected Employee Assistance Programs Under Management Auspices

This dissertation aims to expand present state of knowledge regarding employee assistance programs (EAPs). The first phase of study consisted of identification of the universe of EAPs operational by June, 1982 in the New York City Metropolitan Area utilizing a typology comprised of program auspice (management or union); program sponsorship (individual or consortium); program model (in-house or contractual); and sector (public or private) of the company with EAP. A total of 125 EAPs were found in an area with over five and one-half million employees. Thus, despite their growth, EAPs are available to only a miniscule portion of the workforce. The second phase of study analyzed 23 private sector EAPs under management auspices selected on the basis of non-probability quota sampling technique stratified according to program model (in house or contractual), type of industry (finance/insurance; manufacturing; or service), and size of company (small; medium; large). Sixty seven respondents were interviewed utilizing structured and open-ended instrument examining over 200 variables. The study examined the current nature of these EAPs; ascertained the changes they experienced since inception; examined characteristics of program users; explored similarities and differences between in-house and contractual EAPs; examined their linkages with community; and explored the roles and perceived value of social workers in these programs. Data analysis revealed an increasing standardization with broad brush EAPs staffed by professional counselors becoming the norm. Comparative analysis of in-house and contractual EAPs found that in-house programs tend to reach employees with alcohol problems, males and minority workers. In contrast, contracted-out EAPs are used more by women, higher level white workers, and those with mental health and family problems--population resembling traditional users of community mental health and family agencies. Overall, the EAPs were utilized by 4.4% of workforce, at an average cost of $14.7 per eligible employee per year. They tended to maintain an unilateral linkage with community based agencies and referred out a high proportion of employees. Implications of these findings to program development, social policy and social work progression are discussed

The Relationship Between Social Work and Labor Unions: A History of Strife and Cooperation

The historical relationship between social work and organized labor has been an ambivalent one, with fluctuations paralleling historical changes in social and political values. This paper examines the changing nature of the relationship, with emphasis on the period from the 1870s to the 1940s. While today\u27s relationship is a mutually beneficial one, the fragile nature of the link between organized labor and the social work community cannot be ignored, particularly in light of the increasing involvement between social work and private industr

The effect of an information management resource kit (IMARK) DVD-based technology on training extension officers on communities of practice

The 2020 UN Millennium Development Goals Strategy (MDGS) vision is to make use of Extension Officers (EO) to deliver information and training to various communities with the focus on the development of self-sustainability, food security and poverty alleviation. In essence, EO’s are used to address gaps between service policies and actual output by citizens. It is against this backdrop that this research was undertaken with the IMARK DVD based technology used as the intervention tool. This dissertation covered the study on the effect of an Information Management Resource Kit (IMARK) DVD based technology on training Extension Officers on Communities of Practice (COP), the research focus was on the effectiveness of using this technology. The research design followed a quantitative pre/post-test experimental design. The pre/post-test experimental design is primarily used for the comparison of two groups. Two distinct groups were selected, the Control and the Experimental groups. The Control group was Honours Information Knowledge Management (IKM) students based on their understanding and use of technology as a focus of their degree. The Experimental group consisted of EO. The research instrument consisted of the intervention tool, the IMARK DVD-based technology, and a pre/post questionnaire (ref Annexure A and B). Both groups took the same pre- and post-test. Both the Experimental and Control groups were subjected to the same intervention tool prior to completing the post-test. Both groups were asked to provide their written experience after the completion of the post-test. All the study participants expressed the benefits of this simple method of knowledge transfer particularly in rural environments, where there is inconsistent technology access and poor infrastructure. Analysis of the data showed that this technology has proven to be simplistic, relevant, inexpensive, and efficient enough to be used in areas with limited technological access and infrastructure. As a result, basic understanding and use of ICT technology would be imperative for the effective transfer of knowledge programmes. Therefore, this technology should be implemented without delay.Science and Technology EducationM. Sc. (Technology Education

It takes a village to raise a child:understanding and expanding the concept of the “village”

This perspective article defines and discusses the concept of the “village” when working with families who are experiencing multiple adversities. The article starts with a discussion on what is meant generally by a village approach, followed by a historical overview of how families living in adversity have been defined and positioned. The need to move past a siloed, professional centric approach when working with families is then presented. Using a model of social connections, based on Bronfenbrenner's ecological theory, we then identify who the “villagers” might be. Some potential principles for how the village might work with families living with adversity are presented, along with two case studies, to demonstrate how these principles might be enacted. This perspective article provides an overview and discussion of “the village” concept, rather than present a definitive set of guidelines or recommendations

Wounded Healers: A Multistate Study of Licensed Social Workers’ Behavioral Health Problems

Studies indicate that helping professionals are disproportionately affected by behavioral health problems. Among social workers, the nature and scope of these problems are understudied. This article reports the findings of a 2015 survey of 6,112 licensed social workers in 13 states regarding their problems with mental health; alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs; and gambling. To ascertain whether these problems preceded or developed during their social work careers, the periods of time when these issues were experienced were identified. Results indicate that 40.2 percent of respondents reported mental health problems before becoming social workers, increasing to 51.8 percent during their social work career, with 28 percent currently experiencing such problems. Nearly 10 percent of the sample experienced substance use problems before becoming social workers, decreasing to 7.7 percent during their career. Analyses by race or ethnicity, sex, and age identified between-group differences in the prevalence of these problems. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications for the social work profession