Predicting practice outcomes among social work employee assistance counselors

Abstract

Social workers provide a majority of employee assistance (EA) services; however, a paucity of research exists assessing actual clinical practices of these EA social workers. This study examined how predictors including percentage of EA clients on one’s caseload, discipline (social work/other), use of cognitive behavioral therapy with EA clients, and knowledge of the EA Core Technology affected desired EA clinical practices. Outcomes included screening or assessment of job performance problems and substance abuse issues, and following-up with clients referred out of the EA. Results suggested that knowledge of the EA Core Technology predicted follow-up practices. Implications for social workers and future EA research are discussed.