Job Descriptions

Training

Peer Counseling

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Employee Recognition

Emergency Medical Dispatch

Public Awareness

CAMEO

Peer Counseling

The Peer Support Facilitator Team was implemented in 1998 to provide a peer-based support system for identifying workplace stress and potentially harmful stress responses. Facilitators were given instruction in areas such as the human stress response, concepts of Critical Incident Stress Debriefings, and the SAFER model - a process utilized to evaluate and assist the employee in crisis. Instruction was provided by Mr. Jack Herrmann, MSEd., NCC, and Ms. Sigrid Adler, CSW-R, of Strong Behavioral Health.

Consisting of dispatchers, telecommunicators, and supervisory staff, the function of the eighteen Peer Facilitators is varied. Facilitators offer their coworkers an ear to release frustrations and concerns following a stressful telephone call or traumatic situation they have encountered; Facilitators continuously interact with coworkers to recognize stress responses in hopes of identifying potentially severe stress problems; Facilitators can refer coworkers to professional off-site treatment through the Employee Assistance Program.

Peer Facilitators have received several positive comments for the work they do. The praises, while appreciated, are certainly not any means of measure for the program however. Facilitators receive satisfaction from simply knowing that they provide an important function for their coworkers. One of the most powerful tools that the Peer Facilitator Program provides is that of a team-building sort of family atmosphere among employees.

This support system is in place, and no matter how often or rarely it is utilized, it is invaluable to the welfare of our employees and the overall success of the Emergency Communications Department.