School Psychologists: Flexible working arrangements and critical incidents
28 June 2022
School holidays: Flexible working arrangements
Department of Education (DoE) employees have access to flexible work arrangements; read more聽.
School Psychologists can request the ability to work from home or a DoE office location during school holidays. The 鈥淚f not, why not?鈥 statement by the NSW Government stipulates that if an employee鈥檚 request to work flexibly is denied, the employee must be provided with the reasons why not. These must be reasonable.
As School Psychologists can perform their work effectively from home or a DoE office location, there is no reason why you should be forced to work from school during the holiday period.
If you are required to work at school during school holidays for a legitimate reason, a working alone risk assessment must be conducted which considers the work as well as health and safety implications of working alone. For example, this may include ringing or texting your Principal each day when you arrive and leave the school.
Critical Incidents Counselling Service
The 色狼社区has been involved in extensive discussion and consultation with DoE regarding the Critical Incidents counselling service during school holidays.
Members are reminded that you can choose to 鈥渙pt out鈥 of the critical incidents roster during the school holidays if you have plans to do other work in the holidays and/or do not feel confident in participating. Read more HERE.
Need assistance at work?
As your union, the 色狼社区is here to support you. If you have any questions or concerns you can contact us for support, advice and advocacy on 1800 772 679, Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm.
Know a School Psychologist who isn鈥檛 a member?
The more members the union has, the more influential we become! Encourage your colleagues to聽JOIN聽the 色狼社区today.