Public Service Association (PSA) Acting Assistant Chief Industrial Officer Ian Peak and Industrial Officers Vanessa Ravenhill and Ken Smith met with Steve Ramsey, Marj Ellis, David Shone and Jackie Campbell from Department for Families and Communities (DFC) on Tuesday 4 November 2008 to discuss a range of matters, previously raised with the Minister and Chief Executive for Families and Communities on 27 October and 29 October. It was agreed at those meetings that these matters would be dealt with separately and therefore the purpose of the meeting was for the provision of information only.

Targeted Classification Assessment Process
PSA was advised that the department is committed to this process in the updated format and prepared to accept applications for eligible staff (PO1 staff who have been in the top increment for 12 months).

Further details are provided in a separate PSA Information Update, titled "Targeted Classification Assessment Process (TCAP) Report".

Growth Formula from State Budget 2008 - 2009
PSA was advised that a growth formula linked to an increase in Child Protection notifications and additional children in care has resulted in approval for 13-15 new positions for direct line staff in District Centres. The details are currently being negotiated with District Centre Managers. There is a current selection process occurring for PO1 Social Worker positions. PSA expressed concern that members employed on temporary contracts were often expected to lodge multiple applications in an effort to obtain an ongoing position. Any member who believes they may have been affected by this practice are urged to contact PSA with details.

Vacancies
PSA was advised that there are currently 28 vacant PO1 positions in the agency, where the substantive occupant is absent on leave and that there are no staff on temporary contract filling these positions. PSA raised a concern that the agency was not funded to backfill employees on long service leave and the subsequent impact these absences must have on service delivery. In addition to these temporary vacancies, there are an additional 30 positions vacant (5 Aboriginal Family Practitioners, 13 PO1 Social Workers and 12 PO2 Senior Social Workers(including 6 APY lands positions). PSA was assured that every effort is being made to fill these vacancies. Families SA Executive have also sought approval for an increase in the staffing ceiling (within budget) and PSA will be advised once this is approved.

Members Using Own Money for Expenses
PSA was advised that staff are not expected to use their own money and the policy regarding expenditure on behalf of Families SA clients will be reissued to Business Managers. Any member who believes they may have been affected by this practice are invited to contact the PSA.
Provision of Overtime Payments
PSA was advised that the policy regarding claims for overtime will be reissued to all Business Managers. PSA raised concerns that many members are not aware that overtime payment instead of Time Off in Lieu(TOIL) is an entitlement.

PSA is also concerned over reports that some members had lost TOIL. Any members affected by this are encouraged to contact PSA.

Resources
PSA have raised concerns that members lacked "the tools of the trade" when providing services to clients. A total of 12 vehicles will be released shortly with the following areas receiving additional resources: Gawler - 1, Elizabeth - 1 , Murray Bridge - 3, Pt Lincoln - 1, Riverland - 1, Salisbury – 1, Whyalla - 1, Woodville - 2 and Adelaide – 1.

PSA raised concerns that the policy of providing a mobile phone per vehicle has placed members at risk if they have arranged contact with a client and no phone is available. PSA was advised that the safety of staff is of paramount importance and additional phones will be purchased where it is identified that there is a shortage.

Members are asked to contact the PSA with details. Additional computers will also be provided if needed.

Children Under the Guardianship of the Minister
PSA was advised that the draft document "Workload Measurement and Management System" and the review of the Differential Response process may help to address the resource problem. It is hoped that a review of legislation and the potential to devolve responsibility for children who have been in care with foster carers for a significant period of time may also alleviate some of the pressure.

Closure of Tier 1 Cases
PSA was very concerned that there had been reports of Tier 1 cases being closed. Departmental representatives refuted this claim and stated that all cases had had some form of follow up. It was stated that the issue of existing external programmes not getting referrals would be addressed by the Leadership Group on Friday 7 November.

A detailed report of this meeting will be provided to the Families SA Worksite Representatives meeting scheduled for Tuesday 11 November at 2pm. PSA reiterated that the purpose of the campaign was aimed solely at increasing the resources within Families SA to prevent children being left in potentially dangerous situations and to provide better supports to children who had been removed by the department for this reason.

Please direct any enquiries to your Worksite Representative or Industrial Officer Vanessa Ravenhill on vr@cpsu.asn.au

PSA WORKING FOR CHILDREN AT RISK