The Peer Support Team is staffed by a volunteer committee of active and retired TFS employees and offers peer counselling and referral consulting. They address physical, emotional, financial, legal and spiritual concerns at the request of an individual.
Call 416-338-9327 – 24/7.
- This service is available to all members of Toronto Fire Fighters’ Local 3888 and their families.
- As firefighters, the referral consultants understand the unique strains and pressures that come with the job, and how they affect family and loved ones.
- There is no charge for the service. In most cases, union-negotiated health benefits defray the costs associated with referral to professional services. If the recommended treatment or assistance is not covered by the health care plan, every effort is made to secure an affordable alternative.
- The referral consultant will listen to you and recommend an agency or specialist that can help with your problem. All interviews, referrals and follow-up sessions are absolutely confidential.
- You are not required to take the referral consultant’s advice. But if you do, they will offer to follow your progress; you can count on their support and guidance for however long it takes to work out your difficulties.
- Employees who seek help through this service do not jeopardize their job security or promotional opportunities. Safeguards are in place to ensure the anonymity of employees who voluntarily seek assistance. Referral consultants maintain the privacy and dignity of those who come to them seeking help.
When initiated through the chain of command, a Critical Incident Stress Debriefing Team will activate the appropriate structured group intervention, 24/7/365. The Critical Incident Stress Team is staffed by a volunteer committee of active and retired Toronto Fire Services employees.
Call 416-338-9327 – 24/7.
Christopher Rodrigues, M.C., C.Psych., is the TFS Staff Psychologist. Authorized to practice with the College of Psychologists of Ontario, Chris provides the following services in addition to the benefits provided in the collective bargaining agreement:
- Providing one-on-one consultation, coaching, and short term counselling to TFS employees.
- Providing referral information on appropriate internal and external resources
- Creating and facilitating workshops and other training initiatives to promote psychological health and wellness of employees in the division
- Conducting training and consultation for the peer support team. In addition, reviewing and recommending externally facilitated instruction in line with standards of practice.
- Administering periodic wellness checks with peer support team members.
Phone: 416-338-9557
Email: Chris.Rodrigues@toronto.ca
City of Toronto Employee Assistance Program
The City of Toronto’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers confidential short-term counselling, information and referral services to members of the Toronto Public Service and eligible family members. There is no cost to you for short-term services.
Call 416-392-6633 or TTY 416-338-2916 – 24/7.
