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Scott County recommends Iowa nonprofit EFR for expanded employee assistance program
Summary
Human Resources recommended switching the county’s EAP to Employee and Family Resources (EFR), an Iowa‑based nonprofit that offers first‑responder‑focused services, 24/7 access, and up to six counseling sessions per person and household members; staff requested board approval to begin the contract July 1.
Vanessa from Human Resources presented a recommendation on June 3 to replace the county’s current employee assistance program (EAP) with Employee and Family Resources (EFR), an Iowa‑based nonprofit. HR said the county’s goals were to expand EAP access to all employees (not only those on the county medical plan), provide first‑responder‑focused support, and increase counseling access beyond the three sessions offered by the county’s current provider.
Vanessa described EFR’s services: "When an employee calls EFR, they're immediately connected with a master's level clinician who can provide initial screening, and identify next steps including therapist referrals. EFR also follows up to ensure that the employee was successfully connected to services." She said EFR provides 24/7 access, up to six in‑person or virtual counseling sessions, up to six phone life‑coaching or first‑responder coaching sessions per year, legal/financial referrals and an anonymous online mental‑health platform.
HR said Holmes Murphy (the county’s benefits broker) ran the RFP that produced seven respondents and three finalists (EFR, TELUS, Optum). HR recommended EFR in part because the organization already provides EAP services to Medic EMS staff and because of the provider’s first‑responder experience and master's‑level clinician intake. Vanessa said the county attorney reviewed the agreement and deemed it legally sufficient and asked the board to approve the EFR agreement beginning July 1.
Why it matters: Expanding EAP access and first‑responder‑focused services addresses workforce wellbeing and can reduce downstream costs related to absence and workers' compensation, HR said. Board members asked whether employees enrolled in the county medical plan could access both providers; HR said the new contract adds access but does not replace existing insurance‑linked EAP benefits.
Ending: Human Resources recommended board approval of the EFR agreement to begin July 1; the transcript records the recommendation but no formal committee vote.
