The PSA was given assurance by Public Sector Workforce Division (PSWD) that even with the development of the new Professional Officers Work Level Descriptors as part of Enterprise Bargaining, this process would continue.

The PSA has been working with Central Northern Adelaide Health Service (CNAHS) upon an agreed assessment process that took into account the new PO Work Level Descriptors. This process is similar to the one that was used to assess all Registered Nurses (RN) working in Community Mental Health. The generic Social Worker Position Information Documents (PIDs) were developed as non-supervisory roles after lengthy consultation between the DH and the PSA. The PSA understands that the rest of the health regions were waiting to implement a similar process to whatever was the agreed process at CNAHS.

The PSA believes that this process has now been placed on hold by CNAHS and SAHS due to 'budget implications' for the regions. Local management no longer have the delegation to approve progression, so any recommendations need to go to DH for their approval.

The PSA is concerned that this process started long before the RN Assessment Process and yet the RN Process has now been completed with all RN-1s having been reclassified to the RN-2 level.

The PSA will be keeping members informed of the progress of this dispute. If there is no prompt outcome the PSA will be lodging this dispute in the Industrial Relations Commission of South Australia.

If you have any queries or comments please contact Industrial Officer Sue Cummins on 8205 3260 or via email on sc@cpsu.asn.au

PSA WORKING FOR YOU

4 June 2007