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Autumn 2005

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FOLLOWING THE STRIKE at DHHS, Disability Services statewide negotiations have taken place between HACSU officials and DHHS representatives in an attempt to avoid further industrial action.

The Department has agreed to immediately implement a range of initiatives designed to reduce the burden on staff and address service delivery priorities.

Further initiatives have been agreed by HACSU members, which are part of the current Departmental budget bid.

The following is an outline of the final agreement.

A staffing benchmark, to be agreed to between the Department and unions, will be established to provide objective criteria for determining realistic caseloads and future staffing levels within disability services.

Some positions will be created and filled immediately. These are;

3 Full Time Service Coordinators
2 Full Time Disability Service Workers
1 Assistant Manager Position
1 Service Coordinator
1 Health Professional
All vacancies are to be filled immediately.

A Backfill Register will be established for all of Disability Services for the backfilling of staff vacancies and staff on leave (Annual Leave, Long Service Leave, Sick Leave etc.)

The IT Audit recommendations will be fully implemented immediately.

New mobile phones will be purchased to replace old phones and additional vehicles will also be purchased.

The government has taken Residential Services job losses off the table in the roster review. The roster review will take place immediately. If further positions are required these will be funded.

One Human Resources position will be allocated to Disability Services.

A Vacancy Project Team will be established consisting 1 person from Human Resources, State Office, Service Coordinator, Health Professional, Admin, and a Residential Officer. The purpose of his team will be to fast-track the filling of vacancies and new positions and to regularly update all members on the progress of vacancy filling.

The 2005-2006 budget bid by the Minister will include sufficient funding for the positions outlined below.

However, the numbers and mix of staff will be determined through negotiations with unions and the Department, taking into account the analysis of service issues of Government based Day Support Services and the Statewide review of service coordination which will look at service model functions and role:
4 Full Time Service Coordinators
1 Intake Officer
6 Day Support Workers
A number of temporary positions to be made permanent
1 Full Time Disability Services Officer Position (ADS)
2 Full Time Team Leader Positions (ADS)
3 Full Time Disability Services Worker Positions (ADS)
1 Health Professional Position