Department of National Defence’s Employee Assistance Program turns 40

This year the Department of National Defence’s Employee Assistance Program turned 40!

Check out the articles, videos and activities on the new Organizational Well-Being SharePoint site: 018gc.sharepoint.com.

Have you considered volunteering as a Peer Advisor (PA) through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)? Would you like to know how you can get involved and what involved means? 

What is a Peer Advisor?

A PA is an approachable, trustworthy employee who supports their colleagues by listening actively and directing them to helpful resources such as mental health services and community programs.

A PA is not a counsellor. They cannot diagnose, counsel, advise, prescribe, or treat an employee.

Not sure if the role is proper for you?

As a PA, you get to:

• Help your colleagues;
• Develop new skills through annual training;
• Stay connected to fellow PAs;
• Be guided and mentored by your coordinator;
• Participate in events and promotional activities; and
• Be the first to know about program updates and new resources. 

How can I become a Peer Advisor?

The Employee Assistance Program is always looking for new volunteer PAs to join the program, and applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Volunteers must be full-time DND employees who have obtained the support of their supervisor. To apply, complete the Peer Advisor Application Form.

I submitted my application. What’s next?

After reviewing the new applications, and union endorsement, applicants will be interviewed to ensure they are a good fit for the program. Their supervisor will be contacted to discuss the role and its implications.

Successful applicants will begin onboarding with their Regional Coordinator, who provides them with support and mentorship on a regional scale. PAs will also begin their training, which involves a variety of courses, including Mental Health First Aid training, Applied Suicide Intervention Training and informative workshops like Trauma-Informed Care. To view the training opportunities provided to PAs, check out the Training Roadmap. 

Once training has been completed, applicants will have achieved their volunteer status and will begin meeting with employees in their role as Peer Advisor.

Need more information? Check out our Organizational Well-Being Sharepoint Site or contact the EAP positional mailbox: EAP-PAE@forces.gc.ca