Public Employer Risk Management Association (PERMA)
New York’s premier provider of workers' compensation for school districts
PERMA, is a member-owned, not-for-profit association of public entities providing risk management services and workers’ compensation coverage through a group self-insurance program. Serving NYS for more than 40 years, PERMA was founded in 1982 to provide local units of government with a cost-effective alternative to traditional workers’ compensation programs.
Our staff of approximately 80 professionals provides in-house claims management services, including nurse case management, risk management, and coverage underwriting. We serve over 800 municipalities and public entities across New York State. Our strong financial strength and transparency holds an asset base of over $300 million with membership annually contributing more than $50 million.
Claims Management
Our in-house claims administration consists of professionals arranged into designated teams that include a Technical Claims Manager, Patient Advocate, Claims Specialist, Senior Case Analyst and/or Case Analyst I/II. These contacts handle your claims processing – it will be the same team each time claims are filed. Caseloads are continually reevaluated so that no Specialist is handling more than 150 cases at one time. Care is directed by registered nurse Patient Advocates, and we work together with the claimant, employer, and practitioner to ensure a timely return -to - work. If the injury is severe, the Patient Advocate will make certain the claimant receives proper care.
Training and Risk Management
PERMA understands the constraints and risks involved with operating an educational organization in today’s challenging environment. We work collaboratively with leadership to promote safety initiatives and foster a safety culture throughout the member’s organization. PERMA knows that the best way to lower the cost of Workers’ Compensation claims is to reduce them in the first place.
We offer a variety of delivery methods for training, consultation, safety information, best practices development, and data reporting.
Dedicated Schools Risk Management Specialist
As a PERMA member, our Risk Management Specialists are available to help you design and implement a school/BOCES wide safety plan. Our experienced Specialists can help implement strategic use of proper Personal Protective Equipment in a special education setting, provide de-escalation training, host professional development programs and direct employees to take a variety of interactive self-directed courses through the PERMA Safety Institute, including courses in Allergy, Asthma and Seizure Awareness for K-12. Our goal is to partner with our members in creating the safest work environment for everyone.
To learn more about PERMA visit perma.org.
Read what PERMA has to offer your school district 
For more information, contact:
Zac Adams
Business Development and Member Relations Manager
518.783.3726
zac.adams@nyssba.org