What Is an EAP Counselor and How to Become One
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What Does an EAP Counselor Do?
The job of an EAP counselor involves the employee assistance program of a company or organization. Your job is to assist an employee with problems that can affect their performance in the workplace. In this role, you provide counseling to employees with physical or mental health issues and recommend specific treatments when appropriate. You may also help an employee who is facing other problems in their personal life. This job requires balancing two priorities: employee health and employer productivity. An EAP counselor often deals with different problems from day to day, so the ability to adapt to changing circumstances is essential to success.
How to Become an EAP Counselor
The primary qualifications for becoming an employee assistance program counselor are a bachelor's degree and some experience in a counseling environment. Many people in this role also have a master's degree or additional industry certifications, which can significantly increase your employment opportunities. Your job is to assist each employee with problems that can affect their workplace performance, so you need to have discretion and empathy to be successful. Fulfilling the responsibilities of an EAP counselor requires strong judgment, interpersonal skills, and flexibility.
