The UFT Paraprofessional Social Services Program

Jan 16, 2001 1:07 PM

The UFT Paraprofessional Social Services Program
A free and confidential information and referral service for UFT paraprofessionals seeking social service assistance and professional counseling

The Paraprofessional Social Service Program is a new service offered by the United Federation of Teachers for paraprofessionals and their families. It provides professional counseling for personal and family problems and other concerns outside the work-place. It also assists in arranging for social services such as housing, entitlement programs, child care, food stamps and other forms of aid.

A clinically trained social services coordinator is available to counsel and assist paraprofessionals seeking help with these and other matters such as

• Alcoholism and Drug Abuse
• Mental Illness
• Health Care
• Family Relationship
• Debt and Budget Problems
• Legal Referrals
• Public Assistance

Need to know more about what this service can do for you?
Here are some typical questions we can answer:

Q: I need financial assistance. Can the UFT help me get a loan?

Answer: Most likely, if you're a member of the Teachers' Retirement account.

Q: I just received an eviction notice. Can I obtain legal counsel through the union?

Answer: Yes. If you are a member of the low-cost, prepaid New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) Legal Service Plan you can call a toll-free number for legal advice and consultation on personal legal matters. If not then the UFT can refer you to the New York City Legal Services office in your borough for a housing attorney. The office will provide an attorney at an affordable cost.

Q: I've let my bills get out of hand. Can I get advice on how to handle a credit problem?

Answer: Yes. Our counselor can meet with you to discuss ways to better manage your personal finances.

Q: I'm having problems with my spouse. Can you help?

Answer: Yes. We offer both in-house counseling at the UFT as well as referrals to outside family counseling programs.

Q: My spouse is an alcoholic. Where can we get help to cope with this problem?

Answer: We provide referrals to treatment programs, a twelve-step recovery program and other alcoholism services for individuals and couples.

Q: I need help dealing with my teenage children, especially my son who I think is using drugs. My paraprofessional representative suggested this service. Can you help?

Answer: Yes. We can discuss the problem over the telephone or you can arrange a meeting for more in-depth discussion and a referral for appropriate family therapy.

Q: I see you can help with a wide range of problems. But tell me more about how the service works. For example, with anything we discuss get back to my school, principal or others in my union?

Answer: No. Everything you tell us is confidential - just between you and the counselor. Your right to privacy is protected under the Social Work Code of Rules and Ethics.

Q: Sounds good. How do I start?

Answer: Call us at (212) 598-9507 Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the school year. You can arrange an appointment for an initial assessment which can be followed by additional appointments if necessary.

Q: What happens during this assessment?

Answer: It depends upon your particular issue, problem or concern. A social worker will explore with you the nature, cause, progression and prognosis of your problem. This alone can provide a better understanding of your problem and perhaps help change, minimize or resolve it.

Q: How long does this process takes?

Answer: It's based on your needs. Usually, it takes three or four visits with a social worker.

Q: What happens then?

Answer: It's really up to you because it depends on how you wish to proceed. We explore your problems with you and offer options for assistance or referrals for other services. Then you decide what to do next.

Q: What if I have problems with my job?

Answer: For work-related issues such as unemployment compensation, medical leave or problems with your supervisor or other school personnel, call your UFT borough office Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. and ask to speak with a para rep or another member of the PM staff.