September 27, 2022 — In its early years PEF recognized the dangers its members sometimes face on the job and the union began providing insurance through the Membership Benefits Program (MBP) for members who are assaulted or taken hostage on the job. It was a national first. No other union had ever done that for its members. All PEF members are still covered by this insurance (ATAC) at no charge.
Now, PEF MBP is taking that concern for its members further by offering Trauma Counseling as a benefit available to active, dues-paying PEF members only and at no charge to them. Covered traumas include both those that are work-related and others that are not related to work. This new benefit is brought to you by PEF MBP and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), which is one of PEF’s two parent unions.
“We know many people experience some type of trauma during their lifetime. This benefit is designed to provide help and healing, whenever needed, wherever a member may be,” said PEF Membership Benefits Administrator Stephanie McLean-Beathley. “This benefit may be used in conjunction with EAP benefits and insurance benefits, and is a no-cost benefit. It provides three months of trauma counseling by a highly trained therapist via video, phone, or text after a covered incident, and all sessions are completely private.”
Covered incidents include: Aggravated and sexual assault, domestic violence, mass shootings, acts of terror, major disasters, and workplace trauma including harassment, bullying, threats, infection by a contagious disease and more. To receive the benefit, you must file a claim within one year of the incident.
Trauma Counseling seeks to explore your emotional and physical reactions to the event. It seeks ways to help you process what has happened and cope with any reactions that you may be having, so that the trauma moves from being a current problem, to a memory.
Visit this PEF MBP page to learn more and to complete an inquiry form to determine if you are eligible for the benefit. Once a form is submitted online, you will know if your incident qualifies within 24-48 hours. If you qualify, you will be set up with a therapist by the provider.
A brochure on trauma counseling is available, here.