Staff counselling services—LifeWorks by Morneau Shepell—phone: 1800 604 640.
Queensland Department of Education staff and immediate family members wishing to access free, confidential, face-to-face or telephone counselling services for work or non-work related issues are encouraged to contact the department's external Employee Assistance Provider, LifeWorks by Morneau Shepell's (LifeWorks) on
telephone 1800 604 640.
This is a 24/7 telephone number. Urgent after hours counselling requests will be put through to an on-call counsellor. All non-urgent counselling requests received after hours will be booked to occur during business hours.
LifeWorks has counsellors located across the state in all major regional areas for staff wanting a face to face appointment. Telephone counselling is available in smaller regional and more remote areas.
All staff and their immediate family members are entitled to access up to 4 counselling sessions per calendar year.
Principals and managers
Principals and managers play an important role in promoting employee wellbeing and positive working relationships. Advising staff of the availability of the employee assistance service for counselling and support may assist employees with early signs of stress.
LifeWorks also offer a
manager hotline (telephone only) for all staff with supervisory responsibilities. Access to this service is via the
LifeWorks' 1800 604 640 phone number.
Emergencies or natural disasters
Principals and managers may consider that onsite staff support following a disaster or emergency would be of benefit to staff. For schools, these services are to be requested via the Regional Human Resource (HR) Director and for Central Office/CBD workplaces, through
Organisational Safety and Wellbeing.
Immediately after a natural disaster, and during recovery efforts, it is common to experience some symptoms of psychological distress. With the support of colleagues, family and friends, most people will recover emotionally without the need for professional assistance. However, some people may be at risk of developing mental health problems without professional assistance. While some may benefit from psychological support almost immediately after a trauma such as a natural disaster, others may need to seek assistance weeks or even months afterwards.
Staff and immediate family members can contact the department's Employee Assistance Program provider, LifeWorks on
1800 604 640 if they require telephone or face-to-face counselling after a natural disaster. This is a 24/7 emergency telephone counselling available during the term and over the holiday periods.
Principals and managers wanting advice on how to assist staff cope with the emotional aftermath of a natural disaster are also able to call the Manager Hotline on telephone
1800 604 640 for free, confidential consultations with senior advisors.
For information on EAP services in the event of an emergency or natural disaster please download the following fact sheets:
Special leave and support following an emergency or natural disaster
For more information on special leave entitlements in the event of an emergency or natural disaster please review
Special Leave (Directive 05/17).