The Buffalo Public Schools offers comprehensive benefits and programs to support employees, retirees, and those planning to retire. The Benefits Office is committed to providing high-quality health, wellness, and safety programs designed for a diverse and dedicated staff community.

Phone: 716-816-3936

The best way to reach a staff member in the benefits department is via email. All staff members have access to the benefits email and the 1st available staff member will respond.

Available Monday-Friday: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.
Email: the Benefits Office
Phone: 716-816-3754
Address:
806 City Hall | 65 Niagara Square
Buffalo, NY 14202

Wellness Coaching offered by Highmark!

• Looking to lose weight?

• Quit smoking?

• Be more active?

A wellness coach can create a personalized plan for you, right over the phone, on your schedule.

Sessions are free and confidential for BPS staff who carry our health insurance.

Our Wellness Coaches can help you:

• Lose Weight

• Quit Tobacco

• Balance Stress

• Sleep Better

• Reach Health Goals

And the best part – wellness coaching is 100% covered by your health plan. Learn More

A Wellness Coach is Only a Phone Call Away

Call 1-800-650-8442, Monday- Friday, to get connected with a coach, or visit HighmarkHealthCoachBCBS.com to learn more.

Virtual Physical Care Program offered through Highmark

Get relief from joint, muscle, and pelvic health on your schedule at no cost to you.
One in four people lives with pain from a musculoskeletal condition.*

That’s why we’re excited to offer members a virtual physical care program. Using motion-tracking technology, you can connect with a physical therapist (PT) to get real-time guidance. And it’s available at no additional cost to you and your dependents through your Highmark health plan.

Virtual Physical Care Program

How it works:
To get started Log in to [myhighmark.com]myhighmark.com.

• Select Benefits.

• Find Virtual Joint Health or Virtual Pelvic Health in the Health and Wellness section.

• Select Enroll.

• Complete a health survey to determine if the program is right for you.

• ·Schedule a video call with a Sword Physical Therapist.

After you enroll, Sword will provide a tablet with motion-tracking technology used to track and guide your movement.

You’re also matched with a Sword physical therapist who creates a customized, self-guided care plan, then monitors your progress while providing ongoing support

Need Assistance? 
Contact Sword at 1-888-346-0476 or needhelp@swordhealth.com

It is that time of year in Buffalo - snow and ice means slippery surfaces.

The Workers Compensation office teamed up with the experts (our very own 3 - 5 year olds) and asked them to create a "How to walk like a Penguin" video for BPS staff.

1. Legs out

2. Soft knee bend

3. Arms out

4. Waddle

Additional Tips:

• Flu and cold season

  • Back to school and cooler weather means germs are going to spread - encourage proper hand washing

  • Use hand sanitizer only when soap is not available

  • Get your flu shot

• Dress for the weather

  • Wear the proper footwear (BOOTS not - slippers, slides, crocs, sandals)

• Be aware of your surroundings

  • Report any hazards on school grounds

  • Pay attention to where you are walking - keep your hands out of pockets & look up and away from your phone screen while walking

• Walking is Working - Safety Tips on Slips, Trips and Falls

• Strain & Sprain Injury Prevention

• Distracted Driving

• Stretching Program - Shoulder & Neck Exercises

• Stretching Program -Hand Exercises