New Occupations and the Division of Labor in Workplace Alcoholism Programs

Abstract

New occupations surrounding workplace alcoholism and employee assistance programs have emerged. The impetus for the development of the new occupations was grants from the NIAAA to fund individuals to initiate, develop and maintain employee alcoholism/assistance programs, followed by large scale privatization. Two other organizations also figure prominently in the development, the NCA and ALMACA. Thus the alcoholism roots in workplace programming is undeniable. A certification process of employee assistance professionals is now underway. The content areas for employee assistance certification are agreed upon, representing a core of competency based knowledge and skills desirable for workplace alcoholism/assistance programming. The certification process can establish the boundaries of employee programming, and mantain the ability of employee assistance to provide constructive solutions for alcoholic employees and their families.