EMPLOYEE & FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMMING

OUR MISSION IS SIMPLE: TO BE THE BEST EXTERNAL EFAP SERVICE PROVIDER IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

BCI provides short-term (usually 4 to 6 sessions) solution focused counselling services (which are client-centred, directive, and with a cognitive behavioural orientation) in response to a number of work-related, crisis, psychological/emotional, relationship, abuse/dependence, financial, and legal issues. 

BCI'S SERVICES ARE CHARACTERIZED BY:

  • AVAILABILITY - calls are returned within 24 hours; appointments normally within 2 or 3 days (same day if urgent); we work evenings and weekends.
  • ACCESSIBILITY - one phone call away, counsellors conveniently located, home visits can be arranged.
  • APPROACHABILITY - personable & experienced professionals empower employees to feel comfortable and supported. 
  • AFTERCARE - periodic follow-up systems are actively in place. Participation in outcome studies is encouraged.

Lignum Ltd. was one of the first operations in the solid wood industry to negotiate a Brown Crawshaw EFAP with IWA-Canada, Local I-425, C.L.C.  Since its inception in 1985, the program has provided excellent support for people in our organization who have needed help, and it is always rewarding to have this reinforced by those who have elected to speak out and share their experience.  - Mike Skellet, Regional Manager of Human Resources & Betty Engemoen, Regional Human Resources Administrator, Lignum Ltd. (Lignum Ltd. became part of Tolko Industries in 2005. Mike and Betty remain a key part of the HR component for Tolko’s Cariboo Division)

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TRAINING

BCI professional trainers have a wealth of experience and expertise in structuring and delivering workshops and seminars to various groups throughout the province. We customize both the content and format to the specific group. 

RECENT SESSIONS HAVE INCLUDED:

  • MOVING FORWARD: CHOOSING RESILIENCE
    Participants learn what is necessary to move forward following one of life's transitions and what elements would comprise a "resilience skill set".
  • ACHIEVING BALANCE: ALLEVIATING WORK-LIFE CONFLICT
    Using the published research "Voices of Canadians", participants review the characteristics of work-life conflict they are or might be experiencing. They identify strategies and activities to implement in their lives with the goal of alleviating some of the conflict and achieving a greater sense of balance in their busy lives.

WHAT PARTICIPANTS HAVE SAID:

  • Was clearly and interestingly presented. Will share the learning with colleagues. 
  • Facilitator was articulate and delivered the subject matter with humour and empathy.
  • Instructor was interesting to listen to and provided good examples and responses to questions.
  • Very well presented. Provided helpful information that can be used both in & out of the work environment.

The Burnaby Fire Department has been associated with Brown  Crawshaw for many years. Due to the nature of our business (emergency services), BCI has always been readily available to respond to our needs by providing professional guidance and direction when called upon.  Together, we have developed a positive working relationship, which we hope will continue for many years to come. - J.A. (John) Stewart, Fire Chief, Burnaby Fire Department

Brown Crawshaw is a key component of School District No. 6 (Rocky Mountain) and provides a comprehensive EFAP service to all eligible employees in the Kimberley, Invermere and Golden Zones. Our employees have access to professional, experienced counseling staff who are readily available and flexible in meeting our employees’ specific needs. In addition to counseling services, Brown Crawshaw has provided customized seminars and workshops for specific groups and needs. School District No. 6 (Rocky Mountain) is fortunate to have Brown Crawshaw as our EFAP provider. - Cindy Wilkins, Human Resources, Rocky Mountain School District No. 6

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TRAUMA SERVICES

BCI has a province-wide network of trained professionals who provide critical incident response services and grief debriefings when, where and as required. In addition, services are also available on a one-to-one basis as appropriate.

Brown Crawshaw's network conducts on average more than 60 debriefings a year throughout BC.

Brown Crawshaw also provides training for Peer CIR teams, pre-incident training, CIR awareness sessions, and CIR policy development to work organizations throughout the province.

Critical Incident Stress is a very serious, emotional, and often overwhelming situation and I, as the coordinator, feel very fortunate to have such compassionate, caring and understanding professionals like Brown Crawshaw working with me and our entire team for the psychological and emotional well-being of our Fire Department. - Captain Brent Wisheart, Co-ordinator, Peer CIR Team, N.W.F.D.#41

I have been associated with Brown Crawshaw for over 20 years and during that time have had to deal with some very tragic circumstances. I really appreciated the help and support I received in a professional and timely matter. I don’t know what I would have done without them. - Jim Butterfield, Human Resources, Ainsworth Group of Companies

Unfortunately, critical incidents do occur, and our firm has relied on the caring professionalism of the staff of BCI for those special circumstances that a trained, knowledgeable grief counselor can assist employees. - Dale Hurren, Manager of Human Resources, Pope & Talbot

We have had some unfortunate incidents at some of our work sites and the responses from the Brown Crawshaw team have been awesome! They have provided quick support service that has made a huge difference for our employees. - Cindi Borsol, Employee Health Specialist, Duke Energy Gas Transmission (formerly Westcoast Energy Inc.)

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POLICY DEVELOPMENT & IMPLEMENTATION

BCI provides organizations with expertise in the areas of policy development and implementation. Recent examples are the development of policies related to substance abuse for Duke Energy and The City of Burnaby and Critical Incident Response protocols for the BC Government, the City of Burnaby and the Corporation of Delta. The policy development not only involved a consultative process with the unions and management of the organizations, it also included the training of both senior and front line managers and union stewards. 

Brown Crawshaw Inc. has been providing support for our Employee and Family Assistance Program for more than 15 years. In addition to the high quality, confidential services provided to our employees, BCI has provided a variety of on-site support services. BCI’s consistent approach has led to the development of a trusted relationship. - Dan Kennedy, Manager, Human Resources, Tembec Industries Inc., Skookumchuck Operations

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THE COACHING LINE

The Coaching Line is a confidential resource available to our program's human resources practitioners, managers, supervisors, union stewards and EFAP representatives who are faced with dealing with an employee whose personal problems are affecting the workplace.

BCI's telephone consultation service provides the caller with an opportunity to discuss, reflect upon, and review strategies that might initiate an appropriate resolution to, or have significant impact upon the employee's behaviour.

Our HR and Supervisory staff know that issues do not follow a time schedule and when a personal crisis situation develops in an employee’s life or family member’s, there are resources available immediately 24 hours per day. - Dale Hurren, Manager of Human Resources, Pope & Talbot

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MEDIATION / CONFLICT RESOLUTION

BCI is known for its commitment to the parties that comprise the various work organizations with which we are privileged to work. Trained professionals provide conflict resolution and mediation services. These interventions, involving either a number of individuals or entire work units, assist in the resolution of difficulties between coworkers or supervisors and workers.

More importantly, the conflict resolution process requires each participant to agree and adhere to procedures based on respect and open communication. A mediated process, when initiated in a timely fashion, can save not only dollars for the organization but also reduce stress and tension for the employees.

PARTICIPANTS HAVE REPORTED

  • It didn't take a licensed practitioner to realize that the work environment was unhealthy and toxic. Through a mediated process, suggested by the EFAP, we found an avenue to express the difficulties and explore options to cope.
  • Brown Crawshaw was able to assist us with a major problem in our operation between several employees including our supervisor. Their efforts clearly resulted in an overall marked improvement.

Brown Crawshaw has been providing EAP services to our employees for a number of years...and the feedback that we have received from employees is most positive. Representatives from Brown Crawshaw make themselves readily available to provide assistance whenever we are in need. Their professional and friendly approach is greatly appreciated by all...thank you for being there! - Shannon Harvey-Renner, Manager of Human Resources, Township of Langley

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