NSW Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) have started the change management for Casework Speicalists (CW Specialist) and Managers Practice and Permanency (MPP).

The PSA provided feedback on the proposed plan, which can be seen HERE and their response, which can be seen HERE.

We were shocked to see the creation of the Senior Advisor Child Protection (Advisor), as it appears to substantially duplicate the functions of the CW Specialists, with the only distinction being its placement within System Reform rather than Child Protection and Permanency. effectively replicate the work and role of the CW Specialists, just sitting in System Reform rather than Child Protection and Permanency.

We have raised a dispute about the creation of this role, as it shows the Department still requires the work to be performed and to force you all through this process was unnecessary.

We are aware that impacted staff have been provided with a ‘preference letter’ asking you to provide three preferences for placement. This letter included a list of possible placements and an offer to meet with senior executives to discuss options. The PSA is available to support members if you choose to meet.

We continue to question the method DCJ are using to bring about changes within Child Protection and Permanency. While changes need to occur to reduce duplication, manage workload and free up Child Protection workers from unnecessary or overly complicated work so they can see more children families and carers, there are better ways to go about it.

We continue to hold significant concerns about the approach DCJ is taking to implement changes within Child Protection and Permanency. While we acknowledge that reform is necessary to reduce duplication, better manage workloads, and remove unnecessary or overly complex processes so Child Protection workers can spend more time with children, families, and carers, we believe there are more effective and considered ways to achieve these outcomes.