Health and Community Services Union

The DHS Thin Client Project was rolled out to over 200 group homes in 2011 across the Gippsland, Eastern and North-West Regions. DAS staff changed over to the Thin Client system experienced a number of significant computer issues that also impacted the Roster and Attendance System.

In early October 2011, and on the advice of our members, HACSU sought that a moratorium on the Thin Client rollout be instituted until the major systems issues were fixed. DHS attempts to fix server issues have so far not worked, and have not provided long-term solutions. DHS has continued to attempt to find fixes to the issues raised whilst no further rollout has occurred.

"Meanwhile, the government has been forced to reassure its front-line employees in disability support will not be impacted by its austerity drive. The move comes after leaked emails from within the Department of Human Services appeared to show there was a virtual freeze on recruiting new permanent disability support workers and extending contracts, with any recruitment now requi...ring the approval of the departmental secretary." - "Public service staff told not to take leave", The Age,  Friday 13 January 2012.

Approximately 85 positions in Eastern Region were under threat (e.g their contracts would not be renewed and they'd have been converted to casual). Thanks to the efforts of HACSU, the DHS has been forced to backflip and confirm no frontline positions would be affected.

UPDATE (18/1/12): Letter by DHS to HACSU.

DDSO Classification Review in Client Services, Outreach and Accommodation Services

Members Urged to Complete the Survey

UPDATE: There is a slight glitch with the survey. URCOT endeavour to have it fixed by tommorrow (Wed 11 Jan)

The 2008 EBA required the DHS to undertake a number of reviews relating to classification and description of work of members working in Client Services/Outreach and Accommodation Services.

HACSU has continued to meet with DHS management in relation to the dispute raised about the access levels of House Supervisors and Additional Kronos Users (AKU’s) that caused unreasonable workloads for House Supervisors.