Bureau of Indian Education

Human Resources Office

Employee Assistance Program

The employees of the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) are significant assets to the organization. Unfortunately, managers, and employees are sometimes faced with problems or situations that may interfere with their jobs. Many problems become overwhelming and employees may need assistance. Therefore, in accordance with CFR § 792, an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) agreement has been implemented with the Department of Health and Human Services, Federal Occupational Health (FOH), to provide an EAP Program to all employees of the BIE effective August 1, 2008.

To ensure all BIE employees are afforded this beneficial service, coverage is extended to an estimated 4,328 employees from our Education Field Offices and to all our BIE Operated Schools. The use of the EAP program is available immediately for all employees and managers of BIE.

The program consists of free, short-term services to help employees deal with these problems (alcohol, drugs, relationships, family parenting, elder care, etc.) that may impact the employee’s conduct and work performance. The program consists counseling, training, health promotion and education, critical incident stress management services, legal and financial consultation, and assistance and guidance in workplace violence.

EAP benefits both the employees and BIE by improving workplace morale and productivity. The telephone number for EAP is 1-800-222-0364. EAP services are confidential within the limits of the law, and in most cases, information will only be released with your written permission. Your counselor will review confidentiality issues with you during your first visit. Further information can also be obtained by following the link at the bottom of this page or by contacting Ms. Nada Warnack at (505) 563-5325, or by email to nwarnack@bia.edu.

The goal of EAP is to restore employees to full productivity. EAP is ready to help; all you have to do is call.

Domestic Violence: Your Personal Safety

Domestic violence can happen in any relationship—regardless of ethnic group, income level, religion, education, age or sexual orientation. It’s often called a silent crime because many people don’t report it. They may feel alone and not sure where to turn for help. Make a difference in your life, the life of your family and others close to you by learning more about domestic violence, how to stay safe and how you can help yourself or others that may be in an unhealthy relationship. No one deserves to be abused for any reason.

Help break the silence and go online to access Your Personal Safety in the Spotlight section so you can:

§  learn about domestic violence, the types of abuse and how to identify warning signs;

§  develop a personal safety plan and learn ways to stay safe;

§  access resources from organizations that can protect you;

§  learn how domestic violence impacts the workplace and access a helpful manager guide;

§  find out if you may be in an unhealthy relationship by taking a self-assessment.

Podcast—Preparing a Safety Plan and Putting an End to Violence

Through this Podcast, you will learn about the types of domestic violence, how to effectively build a safety plan if you are considering leaving, and how to help someone close to you that may be in an unhealthy relationship. This Podcast will be available on the Web site in October under Tools, On Demand Learning, Webinar Recordings and Podcasts.

Log on to check it out online

Log on to www.FOH4YOU.com and register with the EAP toll-free number, 1-800-222-0364, to access Your Personal Safety, and other helpful resources in the Spotlight section.

What is Domestic Violence?  Domestic violence can be defined as a pattern of abusive behavior in a close relationship to gain or maintain power and control over the other person.  Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic or psychological actions or threats of actions that influence another person.  This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure or wound someone.

Developing Healthy Relationships:  We all are in relationships of one kind or another.  Relationships can make us feel whole and happy.  But relationships also take a certain amount of work.  This brief article provides some actionable steps you can take to develop healthy relationships.

Balancing Work, Family & Caregiving:  Caregivers must often balance the demands of family, work, community groups, and caring for an aging or injured loved one or a child with special needs.  As a employee, parent, significant other or grandparent, as well as caregiver, you may feel pulled in many different directions.  Now is the time to take charge of your life and prioritize. 

Caregiving:  Adjusting to Your New Role:  Caring for a loved one can be difficult on everyone.  It may be difficult to accept that "My father is no longer the strong and powerful man he once was," or "My mother, who was an excellent cook, no longer desires (or remembers how) to cook," or "My significant other and I enjoyed doing things together, now he doesn't recognize me."  And now they are dependent on you as their caregiver.  They are difficult circumstances and understanding the emotions you are feeling and what it means to be a caregiver will help you, your own family members and loved ones through this transition period.

Self-Care for the Caregiver:  Caring for an aging parent, significant other or a loved one with special needs can be an incredibly rewarding experience.  For many however, it is also a source of great stress.  This stress can lead to feelings of anger and guilt.  These feelings can get in the way of successful caregiving, and may even impact your health.

Your Sources ~ Balancing Work, Family & Life:  Caregiving is a rewarding experience.  It can also be physically and emotionally challenging.  Your family roles may be evolving and you want to make informed choices.  Taking advantage of resources available to you during this time is important so that you can get the answers and support you need.

Your Loved Ones ~ Your Caregiving Resource:  Make the most of your caregiving experience!  Empower yourself with knowledge.  Keep a positive attitude.  Know your limitations.  Rely on help.  Take care of yourself.  Caregiving can be a special and rewarding time.  Lean on resources available to you so you can provide the best care for your loved one, and still have time for yourself!  Go online to access Your Caregiving Resource as well as a wide variety of other helpful topics.

Your Loved Ones ~ You Caregiving Resource:  A flier/postcard to download.