Employee Handbook

Section 7 — Employee Benefits

In conjunction with our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provider, Employee and Family Resources, the City provides access to free, confidential, and professional services. These services are available to help employees deal with problems (such as financial issues, substance abuse, emotional distress or relationship concerns) before they begin to affect job performance and health. The EAP is a City-sponsored benefit provided to all regular part-time and full-time employees and family members living in the household and their dependents.  

Employees and family members can call the EAP directly to talk with an intake specialist and give a brief description of the problem. The intake specialist will schedule a face-to-face appointment with an EAP counselor. Employees receive up to six face-to-face counseling sessions with an EAP counselor per year, per issue. If the counselor thinks that additional counseling or another service is needed, a referral will be made. Referrals can be made within the providers in our insurance network and can also be geared to meet each employee’s financial needs, such as services that offer a sliding scale.  

The services are confidential. Within strict legal limitations, no one within the City Administration or individual departments will be given information about an employee’s visit without that employee’s permission.  

To schedule a counseling appointment, use the telephone numbers below. The numbers can also be used for telephone counseling, which is available on a 24-hour basis. The telephone counseling service does not carry a limit for calls and is available to all employees.  

*Main Location:

Employee and Family Resources – Downtown

505 5th Avenue, Suite 600

Des Moines, IA 50309

Telephone: 800-327-4692

Web site:   www.efr.org

*There is also a satellite location in West Des Moines. Details on appointments for other locations will be given at the time of your call.

Responder Health - EMS/Fire/Police/Westcom

Responder Health provides confidential and full-service solutions that support first responders through stressful and traumatic events. Responder Health offers two programs for First Responders – Joyages and Safe Call Now. These programs supplement the Peer Support program offered in your department. Information about these programs can be found in SharePoint under HR -> Resources -> Employee Assistance Programs.

Joyages is an on-demand coaching app available to both the employee and their family. It teaches skills and habits for dealing with life’s daily stressors. Joyages has specific resources for First Responders to help you deal with being sad or stressed rather than avoiding the normal challenges of life. 

Safe Call Now is a confidential crisis hotline made for First Responders and answered by First Responders. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The trained call takers determine the severity of the nature of the call and when appropriate, will connect you with additional resources equipped to handle your specific situation.

Responder Health Brochures