SAS Staff News, May 9

Schools Support Officer Positions - The Latest

After our win in finally gaining these positions the PSA were then in dispute over the method of appointment. The Department decided, without consultation, to fill the positions contrary to the agreed merit selection policy. The Department wanted a regional panel to select the staff rather than each school's own selection panel. After taking the Department to the Industrial Relations Commission. The President Sue Walsh, delegate Linda Murray and the Assistant General Secretary Steve Turner negotiated with the Department and were able to reach agreement that the schools could select their own staff.

These positions should now be able to be filled in the next few weeks.

As was the case with the filling of the long-term temporary positions should you be concerned about fairness of selection process for the positions in your school you can contact SAS Staffing Unit. If you still do not get satisfaction a review panel with PSA and Departmental representatives will consider the matter further. If these issues arise and you are a PSA member please do not hesitate to contact the PSA on 9290 1555.

The Staffing Operational Procedures and the Staffing Formula will be affected by these staffing changes. Further discussions on these matters will be held between the PSA and the Department.

Carers Questionnaire

The questionnaire has been prepared by the PSA Women's Unit and the PSA Schools Team to help us assess how caring responsibilities affect women's working lives. The PSA has been concerned that career decisions and job prospects of women are affected by these responsibilities.

We will use the data gained from the surveys to develop policies and strategies to help women gain a better balance between family and working life. If you have any questions about the survey please call the PSA on 9290 1555 and ask for the Schools Team. All personal details given in the survey will be kept absolutely confidential.

First Aid/Sick Bay

Also, a number of principals have redefined Care and Comfort to be first aid. The PSA has been contacted by a number of our members who have informed us that their principals have defined the following duties as being Care and Comfort: minor cuts and abrasions requiring a band-aid; minor sprains and strains requiring an ice pack and headaches and tummy aches.

These are all first aid duties they are NOT care and comfort. Should you be asked to undertake these duties and you are not the holder of a current first aid certificate and receiving the allowance you must refuse. Should this cause you problems please do not hesitate to contact the PSA.

Remember that First Aid Duties are voluntary. If no SAS staff member agrees to undertake first aid duties the school principal needs to make alternate arrangements for the provision of first aid.

Catering

Student Supervision

TAS should not accompany students on travel training or on work experience without the presence of a teacher. Child protection issues also arise if you do this on your own.

The role of the TAS is to assist teachers whilst the teachers implement programs. If a teacher is not present how can they be considered to be implementing the program?

Use of Private Car for Work Purposes

Mail collection, which is in your job description, means from mail box at front of school; security banking should be in place in schools; shopping can be done on-line & delivered to the school.

In addition to insurance issues, supervision and child protection issues arise if you transport students - you may required to accompany a teacher who is transporting student/s but you should not do it on your own in your vehicle.