(EAP) Employee Assistance and Pro Standards

The AFA Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a resource for resolving problems through an international network of over 200 professionally-trained, peer support volunteer Flight Attendants overseen by mental health professionals. AFA EAP assists members in accessing appropriate medical help around mental health issues involving family crises, work-related trauma and chemical imbalance, as well as conflict resolution services and response to critical incidents.

Since 1980, AFA EAP has received numerous awards for our confidential support services to Flight Attendants, their families and partners, including the President’s Volunteer Action Award Citation for recognition of outstanding work, awarded by former U.S. President Bill Clinton. Today, AFA EAP is one of the largest union-sponsored member assistance programs in the industry. Other unions and associations often seek to model their programs on what AFA has so successfully implemented.

Visit the AFA-CWA EAP/Professional Standards website>>

Purpose and Scope

The EAP is a support service provided by Flight Attendants for Flight Attendants, their families, and partners.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Assessment, Support, and Referral Services

    • Assist members in identifying and developing an action plan to address personal and work-related concerns
    • Provide support to a troubled Flight Attendant (TFA) during the problem resolution process
    • When professional services or resources are required, identify an appropriate referral(s) and facilitates the TFA’s successful linkage to it
Professional Standards

Offer a range of conflict resolution strategies, skills, and support to help co-workers resolve disputes among themselves without the need of management intervention.

Critical Incident Response

Offer and/or coordinate a range of critical incident stress management services to promote and accelerate recovery in the aftermath of traumatic and/or critical incidents, both on and off the job.

About AFA-CWA Employee Assistance

Are EAP services confidential?

Yes! Your contacts and discussions with the EAP are confidential. Information is only released in accordance with federal and state confidentiality regulations.

Does the EAP cost anything?

No! Supported by your union dues since 1980, AFA-CWA’s nationally acclaimed EAP has provided free services to thousands of flight attendants, their families, and partners.

How do I access the EAP?

Many ways! You can contact your local peer representative directly or call the International helpline at 1-800-424-2406 or 202-434-0560 to help you access services. You can also visit the EAP Department website at to find a peer representative at your local.

When should I call the EAP?

Anytime! Or as soon as you, your partner, or family feel like a problem is getting too difficult to handle alone. No matter how small or large the problem may be, AFA-CWA EAP can help.

What happens when I call the EAP?

Good things! Your trained EAP peer representative can answer any questions you may have about EAP services available to you. The peer representative will listen to your concerns, answer any questions you may have, offer guidance and support, and assist you with locating resources. The only thing you have to lose is the problem.

What kind of training have the AFA EAP Reps had?

First, we look for someone who is committed and has the personal skills to handle the job; someone who is patient, non-judgmental, caring, organized, and has a clean work record. EAP Reps participate in specialized AFA training at a basic and advanced level.

Isn’t EAP just for people who have substance abuse and depression problems?

Absolutely not!!! AFA EAP provides resources and references for a broad range of life situations including: relationships, financial/legal, workplace trauma or other work-related issues (insurance questions, harassment, job stress, occupational injury, etc.) and professional standards, in additional to the help we offer with chemical dependency and emotional issues.

Is my problem big enough to call AFA EAP for help? When can I call?

No problem is too small for AFA EAP! In fact, we encourage flight attendants and their immediate families to call when a concern first develops. Remember, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Usually the sooner you share a problem, the sooner you begin to find a solution. The AFA EAP offers a 24 hour help line for your convenience.

Who am I reaching when I dial the AFA EAP 800 number?

You are contacting the EAP department within the AFA International Headquarters in Washington, DC. This office is staffed by licensed and certified mental health professionals. They can offer resources as well as referrals to your AFA EAP Reps or mental health professionals in your geographic area.

How can I give the AFA feedback about my experience with the EAP?

You can call the International EAP office at (800) 424-2406 or e-mail

Lend A Helping Hand

Domestic
Violence		Drug
Testing		Eating
Disorders		Financial
Assistance		Furlough/
Unemployment
Resources		Elder
Care		Finding New
Friends and Hobbies
Mental Health
Alliances		NutritionParentingPhysical
Exercise		SafetySleepStress
Substance Abuse
Information		GamblingInsuranceVictims of
Crime Services		Workplace Trauma/
Critical Incident		Legal ServicesMedical
Information

 

Committee Members

Zenith Gueret

EAP & Professional Standards MEC-Chair
Base: DCA
702-472-7047

Envelope-open-text Phone Phone

Representatives

Valerie Andrews – 571-309-523

Camrah Parara – 917-254-1637 

Damien Starks – 321-278-8015 

Jackie Tolbert  – 240-682-0796 

Maura Warfield – 757-513-1232 

Contact the AFA-CWA International EAP Department

1-800-424-2406 or 202-434-0560
E-mail the International EAP Department>>

Write to us:

AFA-CWA Employee Assistance
501 3rd Street NW
Washington, DC  20001

We are more than happy to assist you. That’s why we’re here.

Please do not hesitate to contact us.