SASI Active Choice Services
As you are aware this is an unprecedented time in Australia’s history. On behalf of the Board and Executive Team, I would like to thank you all SASI staff for the hard work you have been doing, especially in the recent even more challenging circumstances.
The decisions made and outlined below, are proportionate to the threat and none have been taken lightly. We must prepare for the significant risk that COVID-19 poses, particularly for our vulnerable clients, for you our staff and your families.
In line with Victorian Government bulletin today SASI will commence Stage 1 of our plan.
The first stage of SASI’s response, focuses on containment – identifying and isolating any possible cases and their close contacts.
In line with the Victorian Government lockdown, all Active Choice Services and In-home Supports are suspended effective from close of business today, Monday 23 March.
Expressions of Interest will be sought from AC staff to work shifts in our Supported Independent Living Homes. Otherwise all permanent part-time and full-time direct support workers must take either annual or long service from 24th March 2020 until further notice.
SASI will support all staff without sufficient leave to access Centrelink benefits.
SASI Supported Independent Living houses will continue as normal being considered Essential Services.
Active Choice staff currently working in these houses can remain working.
However, residents are not permitted to go home, go into community settings and no visitors are permitted (which includes family members)
SIL Practice Leaders will commence working Monday to Friday between 8.30am – 4.30pm effective immediately to support the staff and clients during this difficult time.
Head Office will be closed to the public and staff have been redirected to work from home. All calls will be triaged and emailed to the Executive Group for immediate follow up action. Head Office 9773 6044.
Remote Response will be manned by the Operations Managers and an Absentee Line has been established 0427 835 848 during business hours. Please call the Absentee Line if you need to be absent from your scheduled work for any reason so we can arrange coverage. Outside of business hours please call Remote Response 0410 430 723.
Everyone has a role to play. You should wash your hands with soap and water, and cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough with a tissue or elbow. Importantly, if you’re sick you should do not attend work, to minimise the potential of spreading the infection, please call the Absentee Line.
If you’re concerned or need support please on call Head Office on 9773 6044 or access EAP services (Relationship Matters) on 8650 6262.
Please be mindful of all directives from the Government regarding keeping yourselves and the community safe and well.
We are obviously uncertain about how long this period will continue but, rest assured SASI wishes to retain all of our staff into the future and when we are back to ‘business as usual’
Take care everyone and stay safe.
