Direct care professionals from across the state met in early May at the New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)/New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) Advisory Committee Conference to update bylaws, meet with state leadership and attend informative workshops.
Committee Chair and Buffalo Psychiatric Center Local President Lovette Mootry welcomed presidents before hearing nominations for a new vice chair. Taconic Developmental Disabilities Services Office (DDSO) Local President Jaime Chapman was elected. Bylaws were also updated.
This marked the first time since 2017 that the conference included a roundtable where members could ask questions of executive boards from each state agency. The forum provided open dialogue between management and members where concerns could be addressed.
OPWDD Commissioner Willow Baer provided updates on the new electronic scheduling system for field staff that will help identify understaffing and overstaffing, as well as manage overtime.
Baer also detailed the growth of upcoming residential placements, modernization of new employee training, methods to increase morale and newly created peer specialist positions intended to promote self-advocacy among residents across the state.
Meal reimbursement rates are currently under review for an increase, with Baer expressing concern that the current rate does not reflect rising food costs.
Members raised numerous concerns, including replacing or repairing an aging vehicle fleet and maintenance facilities for both residents and employees. OPWDD leadership provided specific pathways for reporting concerns and outlined plans to address them moving forward.
OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said employees can expect continued increases in beds across the state, as well as a new facility at Manhattan Psychiatric Center and another in the Bronx. New facilities will be designed to adapt to changing populations, including expanded ability to test competency for individuals awaiting trial.
A new OMH website has also been created to promote recruitment, aligning with the commissioner’s goals of improving recruitment and retention while emphasizing training and fostering a culture of learning and teamwork. Regarding employee credentials, OMH expects to implement a credentialing process next year focusing on both overall and specialty credentials.
OMH is also working to increase consistency in policy, procedure and safety across all facilities, including expanding employee access to trauma training.
Workshops covering topics such as workers’ compensation, effective communication, state/CSEA disciplinary procedures, elements of the bargaining agreement, and pension and retirement planning rounded out the conference.
— Alexandra Whitbeck
