Joint Early Intervention Services (JEIS)

The JEIS program  is a confidential, supportive program that is part of your Collective Agreement (contract). The Union JEIS Committee consists of our president or vice president and one appointed member of the local (Bylaw 6.8).

What is the JEIS program?

The Joint Early Intervention Service (JEIS) is a program providing proactive service to members to facilitate their return to work in a caring, safe, and timely manner. You become eligible for JEIS once you reach six (6) consecutive days of absences, and HR must refer you to the program. A Healthcare Management Specialist (HCMS) from Desjardins Insurance (the benefit administrator) will follow up with you within 6 days of the referral.  The HCMS makes sure members receive the best possible care and, if appropriate, a coordinated rehabilitation plan. If members are unable to return to work the HCMS helps them transfer to the Long Term Disability (LTD) program.

A primary factor for the success of the JEIS program is the networking and collaboration between the HCMS, union and employer to support the employee.

Here is a more detailed description:
https://www.pebt.ca/joint-early-intervention-services-jeis/what-to-expect-jeis-process/

FAQs:

1) What can I expect if I am away from work sick or injured for 5+ days? 

After an extended time away from work you will receive communication from:

  1. The District’s Health and Wellness will reach out at that time to you via phone or email (work email address). He will provide general details on the JEIS program and confirm that you were referred. 
  2. A Union JEIS committee member, who can further explain the JEIS program and can answer your questions.
  3. A Healthcare Management Specialist from Desjardins will contact you by phone weekdays, to assess the situation and to offer assistance. 

Here is a more detailed description:
https://www.pebt.ca/joint-early-intervention-services-jeis/what-to-expect-summary/ 


2) Do I have to speak to the Desjardins Healthcare Management Specialist?

Yes. This is a mandatory part of our Public Education Benefits Trust’s (PEBT) long term disability (LTD) plan, and here to support you. Participation is needed even if your absences include WorksafeBC time loss.

3) What paperwork is required?

Yes if the Health Care Management Specialist (HCMS) from Desjardins determines support may assist, they will send you a JEIS package that generally includes:
  • Attending Physician’s Statement (APS): To be completed by your doctor detailing your medical condition and capacity for work.
  • Authorization Forms: Medical, ICBC, and/or WorkSafeBC release forms to allow for the exchange of information to support your recovery.
  • Letter of Explanation: Documenting the JEIS program details

4) Who can I talk to to get more information?

  • JEIS Commitee Reps: Glenda Kohse & Bev Bastness
  • Mark Preston-Horin – SD63 Health & Wellness Mgr: wellness@saanichschools.ca 
  • Desjardins Insurance (JEIS Admin): 1-800-263-1810 (Option #1).
  • PEBT (General Info): 1-877-718-4422.

Resources:

JEIS Intro Video:
https://www.pebt.ca/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/JEIS-Video-2.mp4

Homepage:
https://www.pebt.ca/joint-early-intervention-services-jeis/what-to-expect-jeis-process/