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Aged & Community Services
SA & NT Inc©
246 Glen Osmond Road,
Fullarton SA 5063
Phone: (08) 8338 7111
Fax: (08) 8338 7077
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Snippets - Volume 7 Issue 11
November 2007
Please note, some of the articles provided will have additional papers which can be downloaded or directed to another website page. In some cases these documents are linked to the ACS Members Only section of this website and will require a Username and Password. All members have been issued with a Username and Password. If you have not received this please contact Julia Beckett with your contact details and she will issue you with your access details.
Index
Snippets Proudly Sponsored by ACSure
ACSure is a range of insurance and risk solution products developed by Jardine Lloyd Thompson Pty Limited (JLT), in consultation with The Aged & Community Services Australia (ACSA) Federation. JLT is a leading provider of innovative insurance and other risk solutions in Australia . Today, employing over 700 industry professionals covering risks in all states and territories. Building upon a strong reputation of trust and professionalism fostered over many years, JLT aims to become the broker of choice in Australia 's key market segments. At JLT, we are extremely proud to be an invited National Partner of ACSA - chosen by ACSA because we are leaders in our field. As a result of our collaborative development of ACSure, these products respond to aged and community services issues and needs and are available for the benefit of the entire industry, including ACSA, state bodies, and valued members. The aged and community services environment is rapidly developing and constantly changing. Ongoing consultation ensures that JLT continues to arrange and advise on the right products for all concerned. ACSure helps you to respond to these challenges. Click here to view the products developed by JLT for ACSure.
From the CEO's Desk
After a seemingly endless campaign period, Election 2007 is finally over. Despite the lengthy lead-up, neither major party gave aged care issues the attention they deserved.
The new Labor Government must now answer serious questions about the ongoing funding and development of aged care services to a rapidly ageing population, as well as addressing the impending workforce recruitment and retention crisis.
Health Care Plan for Older Australians
The SA Department of Health has embarked on an exercise to develop a Health Care Plan for Older People. A steering committee comprising a number of representatives from health and aged organisations (including ACSSA&NT), will oversee development of the initial draft plan. While the aim is to have a draft document completed by December 30 (not my timeframe!) and steering committee sign-off in Jan uary/February, it is important to note that the Department of Health has advised there will be there will be further opportunities for input. ACS has already flagged the suggestion, for example, that we will be running the draft plan past our advisory committees and the ACS Board.
By the time you read this many of you will have attended a stakeholder consultation forum targeting aged care providers. I am aware that many interested parties were not able to attend because of the small size of the venue chosen. I am sure you will have raised a number of matters that need to be considered in the context of the plan. I greatly appreciate your input.
Because I represent ACS SA&NT on the steering committee and, notwithstanding that there will be a summary of the discussion made available to me following the stakeholder consultation, I am very keen to hear your views on what needs to be incorporated into the plan. Please feel free to contact me by phone on 8338 7111 or email, as I believe it is imperative that our voice is heard.
I draw your attention to the extra ACFI training organised by ACS for January, details of which are in the Training section below. With the change to the new system fast approaching ACS is well aware of anxiety felt by some members about a lack of preparation from the Department. This organisation will continue to assist in working towards a smooth transition, by bridging the knowledge gap wherever possible.
Call for Papers 2008 ACSA National Conference
The 2008 ACSA National Conference Aged Care in the Fast Lane: More Costs, More Clients, More Competition will be held in Adelaide, Sept 28 - Oct 1 2008 at the world-acclaimed Adelaide Convention Centre.
The organising committee is seeking providers of aged care services, Government Departments and corporate product developers to consider submitting an abstract for presentation at the conference through this Call for Papers.
The conference will include concurrent sessions on Monday September 29 and Tuesday September 30. These sessions will be linked to the main conference themes
- Working in the Fast Lane (Workforce)
- More Cost More Competition (Economics)
- Living in the Fast Lane (Environment)
It is planned that each theme will have 3 dedicated concurrent sessions each with a specific focus on
- Strategic Planning and Leadership
- Research/Policy
- Quality Practice
The Call for Papers is designed to allow you to present organisational case studies, individual research, best practice projects and practices to your peers and colleagues. As a guide the organising committee is seeking presentations that address a particular concept (see full brochure), but submissions are invited on other subjects that are relevant to the conference themes. Don't be afraid to talk about something that may not have worked - we can all learn from it.
All submissions must be received by Friday February 1, 2008. Submission details are available in the Call for Paper brochure which can be downloaded from here.
We look forward to receiving your submissions.
General News
The Department of Health and Ageing Annual Report 2006-2007 has been tabled in Federal Parliament. Click here to view it online.
The Tax Office has released a guide for income tax-exempt non-profit organisations, to assist in understanding how FBT and entertainment works.
Centrelink intends to match its customer records with Department of Health and Ageing records. This data-matching program identifies Centrelink customers whose details match those of a person who is a current resident of a nursing home or hostel. This identifies possible incorrect and/or fraudulent payments by comparing the two records. It detects customers who are either care givers or care receivers who have entered an aged care facility and not notified Centrelink that caring responsibilities have ceased.
ACS has obtained a copy of the Program Protocol, Data Matching with the Department of Health and Ageing Avoiding debt for carers. Click here to access it.
The Council on the Ageing Every Generation Awards recognise the importance of a philosophy of positive ageing. They acknowledge the contributions of older individuals as well as programs, projects and organisations that realise and exemplify positive ageing.
The 2007 awards were celebrated on October 25 and two ACS members were successful:
The Every Generation For young and old award went to the James Brown Memorial Trust Kalyra Aged Care Facility.
The facility's volunteers range in age from 13 to late 80s. They help with art, music, singing, men's groups, walking groups, exercise, manicure mornings and one-to-one visits, providing residents with a richness of connection and experiences.
Kalyra also runs a number of innovative programs with schools, fostering interaction between the generations.
The Every Generation Artist award went to Helping Hand Parafield Gardens .
Helping Hand joined with local South East Asian Communities and Multicultural Aged Care to celebrate 2007 National Harmony Day by creating Community Banners.
Guided through the process by professional artists, elders from each community created traditional designs.
Artists ranging from six to 83 years came together from different cultural backgrounds and life experiences to create five very different banners with much laughter and discussion.
Directory of services for older people
The Australian Government Directory of Services for Older People has been revised for 2007-2008 and provides a guide to the range of services provided for older Australians by the Australian Government.
Click here to view the directory.
The SA Department for Families and Communities offers grant funding to assist organisations and community groups to develop and implement services and programs.
Community grants funding is available for a range of community services, programs and initiatives including larger services such as child protection and smaller community initiatives and projects.
Click here for details.
The Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health has published results from evaluation of a project entitled Oral Health for Older People, conducted by the South Australian Dental Service.
Click here for a summary of the report.
Click here to download the full document
The latest edition of the National Report is now available from the members only section. Click here to download National Report. Issues covered in the latest edition are:
- The End is Nigh
- Major Parties Fail Aged Care Test
- Prime Minister Responds to Aged Care Invitation
- ALP aged care workforce plan
- Parties Also remiss on Health Policies
- New Head of Tasmania
- Federal Court Ruling on Tax Liability of Businesses Run by Charities
- New Specific Contact Number for Department of Veterans’ Affairs Providers
- DVA Electronic Service Plans
- Amendments to DVA Home Care Privacy Guidelines
- Centrelink Matching Records with the Department of Health & Ageing.
- The Hidden Costs of Care
- Health Expenditure Growth Slowing
- Department of Health & Ageing Annual Report 2006-2007
- Deaths Australia 2006 Report
The Taskforce on Aged Care has released The Hidden Face of Care report, highlighting that current services and workplace support for working carers is inadequate , leading to reduced levels of workforce participation.
The report says 2.56 million people provide informal care to a person who is aged and/or has a disability, and this number is set to increase as the population ages. At the same time Australia is experiencing a tight labour market, and needs all hands on deck in order to sustain economic momentum.
It includes 10 key findings and five recommendations for change, which
focus on improving services and workplace flexibility.
Click here for the report.
Nominations are now open for the 2008 HESTA Australian Nursing Awards, supported by
Members Equity Bank. Finalists from every state and territory will be flown to Melbourne for the
awards ceremony on May 15, 2008.
Awards include:
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Nurse of the Year: $5,000 travel and $5,000 education
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Innovation in Nursing: $10,000 development grant
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Graduate Nurse of the Year: $2,500 travel and $2,500 education
Click here for full details. Nominations close February 29, 2008.
On November 20, the ACS SA & NT CACPS/EACH Steering Committee presented a forum for Community Care Managers and Coordinators, entitled Recruiting the Right Person. Allison Taylor from OzTrain presented a very engaging and entertaining forum to assist managers and coordinators select appropriate staff.
The forum addressed:
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Shortlisting and what to look for.
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Interviewing techniques.
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Referees.
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Probationary periods and reviews.
Members can click here for the PowerPoint presentation.
Welfare expenditure reached $90 billion
in 2005-6, up from $86 billion in 2004-5, according to the Australian Institute
of Health and Welfare's latest expenditure report, Welfare Expenditure Australia
2005-06.
Welfare expenditure comprises cash payments and services specifically directed
to older people, families and children, people with disabilities and other groups
such as widows and migrants.
While governments continue to be the major funders of welfare services, non-government
community service organisations are major providers of welfare services.
Click
here for the full report.
Older Australians at a Glance Report
The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has released the report Older Australians at a Glance , which shows that older people in Australia are a diverse group from an array of backgrounds who contribute in many ways to the social and economic wellbeing of Australia .
The report found that, although disability levels and use of health care services do rise with age, the overwhelming majority of older people live in private dwellings in the community, with only six percent living in facilities such as aged care homes and hospitals.
Even among those aged 85 years and over, the great majority (74 percent) live in private dwellings.
Click here for the full report.
More than 2,000 hip fractures occur each year in South Australia and the number has been increasing annually with the ageing of the population, according to the State Department of Health Safety and Quality Unit.
The unit says vitamin D with calcium reduces the risk of hip fractures in people in residential care by 40 percent.
It is encouraging GPs to prescribe Vitamin D to older people at risk and for patients to ask for vitamin D.
Click here for a brochure on hip fractures and vitamin D.
Centralised mental health crisis number
From December 3 the Mental Health Telephone Triage Service will have one central contact number for emergency situations across the Adelaide metropolitan area.
The 24 hour phone number for accessing the Assessment Crisis Intervention Service is 131 465.
Tax Exemption for Churches & Charities
The Full Bench of the Federal Court has made a critical ruling for charities and churches around Australia , allowing businesses run by charities and churches to be tax exempt.
The Tax Commissioner had appealed a previous ruling by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal. The Tax Commissioner has until December 12 to lodge a further appeal against the Federal Court ruling. That means there is period of uncertainty while the Tax Commissioner considers the implications of the Court's ruling.
Click here for more details on the ruling, then go to Non Profit Organisations and the Non Profit News Service, item No 0187.
Travelling fellowships available
The Winston Churchill Memorial Trust offers fellowships to Australian citizens in specific areas of study, including health. Of particular interest to ACS members may be those in the areas of Dementia Care and Palliative care.
Applications close February 29, 2008. Click here for full details, or call 1800 777 231.
News for Residential Members
Aged Care complaints investigation scheme
Multi-lingual versions of the general information brochure about the Aged Care Complaints Investigation Scheme are now available from the Department of Health and Ageing.
The brochure is available in 17 languages: Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, Dutch, German, Greek, Hungarian, Italian, Serbian, Spanish, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Macedonian, Maltese, Polish, Russian and French.
Click here for the full range of brochures, posters and fact sheets, as well as information about the Aged Care Complaints Investigation Scheme and compulsory reporting arrangements.
ACS is aware of anecdotal feedback from members that preliminary financial modelling by individual organisations (using the indicative ACFI funding levels) suggests there may be significant negative financial outcomes for many providers.
ACS is looking for members who have conducted this analysis to forward their findings to Natasha Searcy as soon as possible, so that we can gain an objective understanding of the evidence, and prepare an appropriate industry response if necessary. Please be assured that all data will be de-identified and treated in a confidential manner.
Many providers would now have completed the ACFI Manager training. To ensure staff are familiar with the documentation before the March 20 implementation it is recommended that providers start working with the ACFI documentation and assessments now. Click here to access them.
When completing the RCS appraisers should also undertake an ACFI to get a feel for how it compares.
To make the most of the grandparenting arrangements that will come into effect with ACFI all providers should reviewing all current RCS claims to ensure that, where eligible, two category jumps are submitted before implementation of ACFI. (Of course, don't forget to ensure all claims can be substantiated during validation).
News for Community Providers
Community indicators of wellbeing
How to measure the positive outcomes of services provided in the community has been the subject of many studies. A tool has recently been developed in Victoria that is potentially useful in a wider context.
Community Indicators Victoria is a collaborative project funded by VicHealth and hosted by the McCaughey Centre, School of Population Health, at the University of Melbourne. Its goal is to establish a sustainable system for the development and use of community wellbeing indicators in Victoria .
Click here for the resource guide, developed to provide introductory information about the practical use of community wellbeing indicators.
To reveal a list of community indicators organised into specific policy areas, open the link and click on data framework.
Access Points the way forward
ACS, in consultation with members, recently sent a letter to Minister Weatherill providing an overview of a number of issues, implications and areas with regard to the SA Community Care Access Points initiatives, which require clarification.
ACS has received a response from Minister Weatherill. Members can click here for a copy of the ACS letter and Minister Weatherill's response.
Draft Community Care Standards
ACS provided feedback on the draft Community Care Standards to the consultants. Members can click here for a copy of the paper.
Thank you to members who emailed comments to Peta on the draft standards. Your participation is appreciated.
News for Volunteers
Christmas Day volunteers
Is your organisation looking for volunteers to help out on Christmas Day? Do you need a hand distributing the Christmas spirit?
If so, Volunteering SA is compiling a list of people able to help out on Christmas Day. Please contact David Waylen or call him on 8221 7177.
Click here for more volunteer news.
ACS Education & Training Events
Papers and Presentations from ACS Forums
Papers and Presentations from some of the recently held ACS Forums are available for members only access. Click here to view the list of presentations available.
The full events program for 2007/2008 is available for viewing on the ACS Website Registration forms for the events will be placed on the website as they are prepared, as well as being sent to members. Please mark this page as a bookmark and return to it regularly to view any changes and additions.
Leadership
Series
Being a leader takes skill, patience and perseverance. This tailored series
will provide participants with a comprehensive look at what it takes to be a
leader, how you lead and provide you with some very helpful tips to be the leader
that inspires, participates and respects others. All sessions can be attended
individually or if you wish to attend 2 or more sessions a 10% discount is provided
- a 20% discount is provided to attend all nine. Become the Leader you want
to be.
Module 6 - Strategic Planning - February 8, 2008 (9am - 5pm)
Module 7 - Working Styles - March 14, 2008 (9am - 1pm)
Module 8 - Project Management - April 4, 2008 (9am - 5pm)
Module 9 - Time Management - May 9, 2008 (9am - 5pm)
Click here for a registration flyer and program outline.
Zero Tolerance - Train the Trainer
Friday November 30, 2007
ACS Training Room, 246 Glen Osmond Road Fullarton
Click here for a registration form
In addition to the 3 hour workshop, Anglicare in conjunction with ACS are delivering the Training the Trainer Program in Zero Tolerance. The Train the Trainer program covers
- The attitudes and values participants hold, and the impact of considering whether behaviour is abusive;
- The definitions and context for what constitutes abuse of the elderly;
- The legislative context in Australia for reporting abuse and neglect, including the responsibilities of individuals;
- The importance of collaborative practices in responding to the abuse of
the elderly.
The Train the Trainer is a full day session whereby at the completion each participant will be able to conduct the Zero Tolerance 3-hour workshop . Each participant will receive:
- Training manual
- Completed presentation including filmed scenarios
- Comprehensive participant’s booklet
- DVD of all materials
- Policies:
- Abuse of Residents/Clients — preventing & reporting
- Investigations
- Whistleblower and Protected Disclosure
- Reporting an Assault
Presented by Jill Pretty and Peter
McKinnon
Held at ACS Training Room, 246 Glen Osmond Road Fullarton
Held on Tuesday January 22 and Wednesday January 23, 2008
Click here to download a registration
form
MAXIMUM OF 30 PLACES PER DAY - Priority will be given to those organisations
who were unable to attend the December training.
This course will cover:
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The structure of the ACFI instrument
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Business rules associated with the ACFI
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Managing the change over
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Staff education
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Details of the ACFI funding levels
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What happens to existing residents (pre March 20, 2008) before and after they are classified under ACFI
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Who will be required to pay an Accommodation Bond or Charge
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How the Accommodation Payment (Charge) will be calculated
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Who will be eligible to receive the Accommodation Supplement and how it is calculated
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Changes to the daily care fee paid by non pensioners and those who pay an Accommodation Bond in excess of $135,000
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Details of the new Interim Accommodation Supplement
Zero Tolerance - recognising and addressing the abuse and neglect of older people
Dates: February 7, 2008
March 11, 2008
April 14, 2008
May 21, 2008
June 16, 2008
Venue: ACS Office, 246 Glen Osmond Road Fullarton
Time: See registration form
Conducted by: Anglicare SA
Registration Fees: Members $88.00, Non-Members $154.00
Click here for a registration form
Ideal for all staff, Board members, key personnel and new managers. Anglicare SA's Zero Tolerance recognising and addressing the abuse and neglect of older people program assists individuals and agencies to meet their legal and moral obligations for notification of abuse of the elderly. The training program provides essential education in recognising and addressing the broader scope of elder abuse to ensure a preventative approach is adopted within all service delivery settings. The training also provides strategies to effectively deal with instances of elder abuse that may occur. The training program covers:
- The attitudes and values participants have and the impact when considering whether behaviour is abusive.
- The definitions and context for what constitutes abuse of the elderly.
- The legislative context in Australia for reporting abuse anhd neglect, including the responsibilities of individuals.
- The importance of collaborative practices in responding to the abuse of the elderly.
The training package is presented as an interactive workshop, utilising case scenarios, and applies the adult learning principles as well as having the tick of approval for its Learning, Literacy and Numeracy content.
Financial Aspects of Resident Admission
Date: February 26, 2008
Venue: ACS Training Room
Time: 1pm - 4pm
Registration Fees: Members $77.00, Non-Members $154.00
Conducted by: McInerney & Barratt Financial Solutions
Click here for a registration form
This seminar will address specific issues relating to resident admissions, including:
- Strategies to maximise bonds
- Bonds and their impact on Centrelink and cash flow
- Calculation and analysis of ongoing fees and accommodation charges
- Concessional, Assisted Residents and Self Funded Retirees
- Understanding the Centrelink asset and income assessment
- Understanding financial assets/products and their impact on aged care
Training for Rural & NT Members
Performance Development Training
| February 11 2008 | Port Augusta, Nerilda Nursing Home |
| February 15 2008 | Renmark, Flinders University Rural Clinical School |
Time: 10.00am 4.00pm
Registration Fees: Members $220.00, Non-Members $330.00
Click here to download a registration form.
This module discusses the critical impact feedback can have on performance and how to effectively deliver this in a range of situations with a range of different people. This module emphasises the importance of creating a culture where staff are utilised effectively, recognised for their efforts and work is linked to greater goals. The context for managing performance:
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What is performance management?
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What affects a person's performance?
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The definition of performance management
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The difference between appraisal and performance management
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Best practice in Performance Development
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Principles underpinning good Performance Development
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Linking the performance process with key systems
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Key factors to consider
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Outcomes of Performance Development
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Ensuring Performance Development is logically and psychologically satisfying
Industry Education & Training Events
ARCS Care Alliance provides Certificate Aged Care courses in a variety of settings including Community Traineeships, ACF Traineeships and Classroom Based Courses. Some features of ARCS Care Alliance Traineeships are:
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Recruitment and induction to traineeship and employment at ARCS Care Alliance.
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Rotation to work settings according to trainee capabilities.
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Trainees are work-ready with block training to allow for skill and competency development.
For further information contact ARCS or call 8130 5400.
The World Psychiatric Association conference has a session on Elder Abuse Australia's Response on the afternoon on November 30 in Melbourne.
Click here for details.
Federal Government has recently announced Round 4 of the Better Skills for Better Care funding of care worker staff in residential aged care.
Celtic Training is an industry supporter of ACS and a Registered Training Organisation approved to deliver the following Better Skills funded qualifications:
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Certificate III in Aged Care Work
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Certificate IV in Aged Care Work
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Diploma of Nursing
Celtic Training will contact many member organisations, particularly those that have used their training services in the past. If you would like to discuss your training requirements with them, please email David Leigh-Ewers or call him on 8211 8272.
Member Services
ACS SA&NT have entered into arrangements with a range of businesses to provide cost effective and quality services to its members. Please be advised that ACS SA&NT has entered into these arrangements with a financial benefit for the Association. Currently arrangements have been made with
Message Media - SMS Messaging
OCAR - Employment Assistance Program
Mutual Community - ACS Health Insurance Plan
Jardine Lloyd Thompson - ACSure Insurance
EMA Consulting - Industrial Advice Service
Does your organisation waste countless hours every week, trying to fill gaps in staff rosters? messagemedia solves this problem. Harness the speed, convenience and cost effectiveness of SMS messaging, which is unrivalled by any other communication medium. Faster than email, less intrusive and cheaper than phone calls SMS has become an essential business tool.
Instead of phoning members of staff one by one to see if they want an extra shift, send an SMS to the staff from your PC instantly. Sending the group SMS from your PC takes seconds, you include a phone number in the message so that staff that want to work the shift can call you. In our experience the whole process including the staff member calling in takes approximately 5 minutes.
Through a joint arrangement established between ACS SA&NT and messagemedia ACS SA&NT members are able to purchase the SMS messaging product at a reduced rate of $349.00 (saving $100.00). Call 1300 767 903 to discover more about the incredible impact messagemedia will have on your organisation.
Click here to download an expression of interest. Upon completion of this form messagemedia will contact you.
Do you have an Employee Assistance Program?
As part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen services and opportunities for Members, ACS SA&NT is pleased to be able to provide members with access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP). ACS SA&NT has entered into an agreement with Access OCAR Workplace Consulting to provide an EAP to members at a substantially reduced rate. (Payment is made on a quartlery basis)
An EAP is a confidential counselling service designed to offer an effective means of assisting employees with problems that may eventually affect job performance and personal well-being. Employees have access to qualified counsellors who are located outside of their workplace and are trained to help people identify and resolve their problems. It has been advised that the Unions are in favour of EAP in businesses and often quality and standards accreditation also favour EA programs.
Access OCAR Workplace Consulting will provide the services of the EAP to members who join this service.
Click here to download an expression of interest form. Upon completion of this form OCAR will contact you to commence the service.
ACSure - meeting your insurance needs
JLT Health & Aged Care has been servicing those operating and living in aged care facilities nationally for almost a decade and utilising this experience have developed ACSure in consultation with the management and membership of ACS SA & NT. JLT Health and Aged Care offer a range of ACSure product packages which ensure compliance with the Aged Care Act and structures packages for both small and large operators, including aged care facility operators, retirement living services and community care providers. ACSure are now online - click here to view their website.
For more information contact Bronson Justus or call 8418 0288.
As of 1st July 2006, EMA Consulting (EMA) has been providing ACS SA&NT Inc (ACS) Members with Industrial Relations Assistance. EMA's Consultants are highly qualified, trained, experienced and are contemporary leaders in their profession. As an ACS Member, you have access to EMA for the following services:
Telephone Advisory Service
• Unlimited access to discuss any Industrial Relations topic
• Deal with IR Consultants
• No charge per call ~ generally limited to 15 minutes per issue. If it does longer than this, it generally means the issue is complex and you need to get specific advice.
Wage Rate Summary ~ will be forwarded from ACS
• Nurses (ANF ~ SA Private Sector)
• Nurses SA
• Clerks SA
• Health Service Employees
Consultant Service
EMA will provide consulting services for all ACS Members at a discounted hourly rate of $175.00 per hour, which is a saving of $50 per hour. This includes access to a full range of user pays services such as AWAs, training, workers compensation, disputes and collective agreements.
Simply contact EMA with your organisations name and provide your client access number as shown on your client card (sent with your renewal of membership for 06/07). If you do not know your client number please contact Simone Punshon.
Telephone (VIP toll free number) 1800 632 812
Advisory Service (08) 8221 6565
Telephone (08) 8221 6665
Facsimile (08 8221 6660
Website www.emaconsulting.com.au