Joint Early Intervention Services FAQ

Are all plan members required to participate in the Joint Early Intervention Service (JEIS) if they are absent for more than six consecutive scheduled working days/shifts?gssi pebt2024-04-25T22:56:56-04:00

Are all plan members required to participate in the Joint Early Intervention Service (JEIS) if they are absent for more than six consecutive scheduled working days/shifts?

Yes. This is a mandatory part of the PEBT LTD plan and includes WorkSafeBC absences. The ideal time to contact the member and start the support process has been shown to be six consecutive scheduled working days/shifts.

What happens if the member refuses to participate in a return to work (RTW)/accommodation plan that their physician supports?gssi pebt2024-04-23T11:02:21-04:00

What happens if the member refuses to participate in a return to work (RTW)/accommodation plan that their physician supports?

If the member refuses to participate in the RTW supported by their physician, the member is not complying with the physician’s treatment. As such, the member may not qualify for LTD benefits should the injury/illness become a long-term disability claim.

When should the absence advisor contact Desjardins?gssi pebt2024-04-23T11:03:16-04:00

When should the absence advisor contact Desjardins?

The Absence Advisor should contact the Health Care Management Specialist (HCMS) at Desjardins on or before the member has been absent for six consecutive scheduled working days or shifts.

What if the member has been absent for 6 consecutive scheduled working days/shifts, but it is clear that they will be returning to work shortly?gssi pebt2024-04-23T11:03:46-04:00

What if the member has been absent for 6 consecutive scheduled working days/shifts, but it is clear that they will be returning to work shortly?

The Absence Advisor will still need to contact Desjardins. The HCMS will decide whether further action will be taken at that time.

Is there an opportunity to provide feedback to the PEBT on the JEIS program?gssi pebt2024-04-25T22:56:01-04:00

Is there an opportunity to provide feedback to the PEBT on the JEIS program?

Yes! Each member who is reported absent and contacted by Desjardins will have the opportunity to complete an independent evaluation form to provide feedback to the PEBT regarding the JEIS program. In addition, issues and concerns raised by the union or district should be communicated to the District Joint JEIS Committee, which is made up of union and district appointees who provide feedback to the PEBT JEIS/LTD Committee.

What will the HCMS be asking the absent plan member when they call?gssi pebt2024-04-25T22:57:33-04:00

What will the HCMS be asking the absent plan member when they call?

The HCMS will gather basic information such as name, phone number, last date worked and information about why the member is absent. The HCMS will also tell the member they will receive a JEIS package.

What if the plan member has not seen a doctor yet?gssi pebt2024-04-23T11:05:13-04:00

What if the plan member has not seen a doctor yet?

A main objective of the JEIS is to help ill or injured members return to work in a caring, safe and timely manner with the doctor’s support. The HCMS can help the member find a doctor if necessary.

Do members need a medical certificate to return to work?gssi pebt2024-04-23T11:05:54-04:00

Do members need a medical certificate to return to work?

Desjardins does not require a medical certificate for members to return to work, but the Collective Agreement may have other requirements. The union JEIS representative will be able to provide more information.

This section of the PEBT website is intended to help you understand what happens to your benefits in the case of different work and life circumstances. It’s important to note that some of these situations may require immediate action by you or by the School District Benefits Administrator. Once you select a category, you will be provided with several possible ‘What happens when’ situation links. These links will lead you to detailed information you need to know about your benefits and what action(s) should be taken.

If your situation is not listed and you require additional information, contact your School District Benefits Administrator.