Casework Specialists Reforms – Consultation extended
15 August 2024
Last Thursday 8 August, DCJ (NSW Department of Communities and Justice) notified the É«ÀÇÉçÇøof a proposal for changes to the roles and reporting lines of Casework Specialists and Managers Practice and Permanency.
Over the past week the É«ÀÇÉçÇøhas been receiving and reviewing feedback from members and delegates. Due to the significant changes and volume of feedback, the É«ÀÇÉçÇøhas requested and gained an extension of time to submit feedback to the 22 August 2024.
The Association is aware that A/Deputy Secretary Kate Alexander advised affected staff that the É«ÀÇÉçÇøhad already agreed to the arrangements. No Senior Executive of any Department of Agency can or should speak for the PSA. We have not signed off on the proposal and are committed to undertaking the normal consultation process that is your industrial right under your Award.
Department must engage in genuine consultation regarding their proposal
While DCJ states that the changes have been endorsed and approved by the Secretary, this does not dissolve DCJ’s responsibility to adequately consult with affected members. The current timeline for implementation, as outlined in staff briefings, does not provide sufficient time for feedback from affected staff to be thoroughly reviewed and addressed before the targeted implementation date of 26th August 2024.
Key themes identified so far
- Lack of consultation for such a significant change
- May lead to further staffing issues, as CWS’s leave the role
- Less time to conduct case reviews and a significant increase in workload
- Issues with reporting to two managers, particularly in Country/Regional areas
- Increased travel requirements for country areas
Members Meeting Monday 19 August
The É«ÀÇÉçÇøwill hold a meeting for affected members on Monday 19 August at 12:00pm. A separate meeting notice and Teams link will be distributed.