Variation to DADHC Community Living and Residential Award

Executive, 31 March 2008, EX27/08

"That the PSA Executive approves the variation to the Crown Employees (NSW DADHC) Community Living and Residential Award as proposed to enable the inclusion of the classifications of Community Worker and Community Support Worker to be extended to Large Residential Centres."

The Department of Ageing, Disability and Homecare has reformed the model used in the delivery of day care programmes in Large Residential Centres (LRC's). The reform has been to move from a Nursing Model to a Community Support Worker Model.

Under these new arrangements Day Programmes at these locations would be provided by Community Workers and Community Support Workers, not nursing classifications. Consequently coverage of this group of workers in now that of the Association's.

To facilitate the employment of these classifications in Day Programmes at LRC's, it is necessary to vary the Crown Employees (NSW DADHC) Community Living and Residential Award. The Award currently refers to the provision of services in 'non residential setting' and 'community based' services.

Below are the proposed changes to the current Award for variation to extend coverage for the classification of Community Worker and Community Support Worker in a Large Residential setting.

Clause 2 'Definitions':

1. From the definitions of "Community Consultant", "Community Worker" and "Community Support Worker" delete the words 'in a non residential setting'.

2. Delete the current definition of "Community Support Services (CSS)" and insert in lieu; "Community Support Services (CSS)" means any direct support service to clients involving day activity training centres or day programs and other support services provided by community teams etc.

3. Following the definition in 2 above insert new definition as follows: "Large Residential Centre (LRC)" means any large residential campus providing a range of services which may include accommodation, respite care, day programs and some medical and paramedical services to clients".

Clause 28 'Area, Incidence and Duration':

1. In the first paragraph, after the words 'Activity Training Centres' add the words, 'Day Programs in LRC's.

The proposed variation has no impact on staff apart from extending the areas in which they can be employed.