IHSS Caseloads

Dear OCEA IHSS Member,

We have received a number of emails concerning a recent Agency communication advising Social Workers that they must schedule 45 cases per month. According to Amber Novak, this appears to be a miscommunication.

In a conversation with her this past Friday, she clarified that 45 cases each month is aspirational, not a requirement. Amber related that in light of the high number of overall cases, it is something IHSS wants workers to strive for. The Agency does believe some Social Workers can achieve this number but also realizes other cannot. No one should suffer any adverse consequences for not hitting 45 cases per month.

Supervisors have been directed to offer suggestions to help Social Workers increase their case numbers.

We have requested that IHSS Management send its own clarifying communication to staff. and we are hopeful they will. In any event, the Caseload Management Forum is scheduled to meet tomorrow, April 25. At that meeting we will seek additional information and clarification as to how and why the 45-case number was determined, why the message to staff was confusing, what specifically will be done to support workers, and how the Agency plans to ensure there will be no adverse consequences for any Social Worker.

Additionally, the OCEA Hot Dog Wagon will be at the Staff Appreciation event from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. April 25. Please come by and say hi! Thank you all for your communication and efforts to convince Management and to improve communication and provide the support you need and deserve.

In Solidarity,

Charles Leon
Labor Relations Representative
Orange County Employees Association

Publication Date: April 24, 2024