Size Matters

1
Size Matters

• CWLA CONFERENCE
• February 24, 2004

2
Introduction

• Karen L. K. Valentine
• Staff Representative
• Delaware Public Employees Union, AFSCME, Council
  81
• 302 323-2121

3
MANAGEABLE CASELOADS

• LEGISLATION Needed because it provides
  oversight, allows for additional hiring, holds
  people accountable
• LOWER TURNOVER RATES
• Maintain experienced staff by lowering
  turnover rates
• ACCOUNTABILITY
• All levels of employees need to be
  accountable not just the worker
• VIGILANCE
• Need to constantly monitor caseloads as well as
  the workplace environment while looking for
  solutions which are ever evolving
• EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT Employees involvement
  increases morale, gives employees a buy-in and
  often employees know best what works.
• COALITIONS All interested parties need to join
  together

4
LEGISLATIONWhat it does and why it is necessary

• CWLA recommended standards 2 (average not
  individualized)
• Annual adjustment of positions
• Provides for oversight
• Accountability which leads to seeking new and
  innovative ideas.

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REDUCE EMPLOYEE TURNOVERLow turnover of staff is
a significant factor in maintaining smaller
caseloadsIdeas for reducing turnover

• Career ladders/promotional opportunities
• Flexible/Alternative work schedules
• Over-hires
• Staffing for 24 hour service no on call duty
• Intensive Training

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REDUCE EMPLOYEE TURNOVERLow turnover of staff is
a significant factor in maintaining smaller
caseloadsIdeas for reducing turnover

• Well equipped workers
• Adequate support staff/Assistants
• Labor/Management Meetings
• Streamline/Reduce Paperwork

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VIGILANCE

• Constant monitoring is necessary as regulations,
  budgets and other trends impact caseloads
• Seek new ideas
• Never say never

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EMPLOYEE INVOLVEMENT

• Employee involvement increases morale and buy-in
• Employees often have good solutions
• Create forums for input
• such as LMC, quality circles, lunches etc.

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What This Means

• Creating legislation, taking steps to reduce
  turnover, involving employees and being vigilant
  will lead to reduced caseloads.
• Increases service to the families and children.

10
WISH LIST

• CWLA standards
• Career growth for assistants and support staff.
• Reduction of duplicate tasks.
• Improving equipment
• Hazardous duty recognition
• Excellent Resource www.afscme.org