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MENTAL HEALTH SOCIAL WORK PSO1 AND 2 POSITION INFORMATION DOCUMENTS

The process of developing agreed PSO 1 and PSO 2 Position Information Documents (PIDS) for Mental Health Social Work has taken longer than expected. This is because it has been necessary to consult extensively with both management and members.

A Working Party meeting was held on Wednesday 30th May, where feedback from Directors was received.  As members might imagine the discussion on what they tabled as PSO 2 level duties resulted in some lively debate.

It has become very clear, working through this process that it will not be helpful or possible to cover the wide range of duties and responsibilities of all Mental Health Social Workers. Therefore, it was decided to explore the possibilities of generic PIDS. The PSA working party is prepared to consider these PIDs at the same time continuing with the work on the current 6 draft ones. The consultant will be developing these documents for discussion at the next working party meeting.  This meeting will be held on the 21st June 2006.

The new PIDS developed for new positions in The $10M Mental Health Initiatives (CNAHS) are agency approved and therefore, can not be used for normal reclassification purposes.  The PIDS being developed through this working group will be appropriately endorsed and it is anticipated that they will be used for reclassification purposes as well as the agreed review of all Mental Health Social Workers.

The PSA has an agreement with both CNAHS & SAHS that a review of all Mental Health Social Work positions will occur once these new PIDs have been ratified. The PSA is currently discussing with HR at CNARS a procedure to ensure this occurs. It is expected that SAHS will also consult with the PSA as to how they will approach this review.

PSA/CPSU WORKING FOR YOU