Legal Services

 

TSEA members enjoy access to a legal services staff that provides advice, assistance, and representation for job-related problems and questions including applications, registers and ratings, performance evaluations, reductions-in-force (RIF), workplace safety, and employee disciplinary actions.

TSEA also employs a full-time staff attorney to represent members in employee disciplinary actions in Step 3 of the Appeal Process as allowed by TSEA policy. TSEA legal counsel may also represent members in state court under certain circumstances.

To find out more about what TSEA’s Legal Services department can do for you, contact your TSEA field rep or call the TSEA office toll-FREE at 1- 800-251-8732. You can also email for more information at [email protected].

NOTE: TSEA does not represent discrimination cases.

If you experience unlawful employment discrimination, you may file a charge with the Department of Human Resources’ Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) Division at (615) 741-2958, the Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), or the Tennessee Human Rights Commission.

Key Points:

  • Charges must be filed within 180 days of the discriminatory act.
  • Clearly state in your charge the evidence indicating that the adverse job treatment was due to your age, race, sex, or another unlawful factor.
  • The Commission will investigate your charge.
  • After filing with one of these commissions, you may file a lawsuit against your employer.
  • A court can order your employer to remedy the discrimination.

Emotional Wellbeing Solutions (formerly Employee Assistance Program)

Eligibility:

  • State and Higher Education Employees: Available to all benefits-eligible employees and their dependents, regardless of medical insurance enrollment.
  • Local Education, Local Government, COBRA, and Retirees: Available to those enrolled in a Partners for Health medical plan, and to benefits-eligible dependents of enrolled employees and retirees.
  • State Employees: With managerial approval, may use up to 10 hours of work time annually for EWS provider visits.

Services Offered:

  • Short-term Counseling: Five visits per problem, per year, per individual, available in person, by phone, or virtually. Preauthorization required.
  • Virtual Visits: Access care from home with assistance for authorization and referral.
  • Legal Services: One 60-minute consultation per issue per year.
  • Mediation Services: One 30-minute consultation per issue per year.
  • Financial Services: Two 30-minute calls per issue per year with a money coach.
  • Work/Life Services: Assistance with finding services like elderly care, household needs, and more.

Support For Your Life:

  • 24/7 Assistance: Specialists available at 855.HERE4TN (855.437.3486) or Here4TN.com.
  • Here4TN Team: Personalized provider search based on preferences, concerns, and availability.

Take Charge at Work:

  • Eligibility: State and higher education employees, local education, local government, retirees, COBRA members, and dependents over 18.
  • Program: Coaching for managing workplace stress and depression to improve performance, available at no cost.

Resources:

  • Here4TN Toolkit: Educational resources for HR, supervisors, and managers.

For more information on services and benefits, visit Here4TN.com or call 855.HERE4TN (855.437.3486).

 

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