Social Worker and Psychologist Newsletter

Mar 4, 2005 3:10 PM

Dear Colleague:

I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable winter recess.

Election

The ballots for the position of chapter leader are being mailed March 3rd. They must be returned by March 21 and will be counted on March 22. All chapter members are encouraged to vote.

20 Hours

Psychologists continue to be entitled to their 20 hours of per session to complete paperwork related to case management. Some administrators are requesting a general description of need. This is an acceptable practice. All psychologists are entitled to 20 hours of per session per year, available to them with supervisory approval, to assist them with the completion of their case management responsibilities, as per the Memorandum of Agreement of October, 2003.

Clinicians Choice

All social workers and psychologists are entitled to receive Clinicians Choice in the amount of $150.00, including CSE staff. There has been no change in this policy.

Per Session

It has come to my attention that some Regions are violating the hiring rules for per session positions as stated in the contract (Article 7E). Violations should be reported immediately to your Borough Leader. Per Session positions must be posted.

School Psychologist Action Committee

Good progress is being made toward the development of an action plan. A survey will be mailed and posted on the web site. A draft will be reviewed at the next Action Committee meeting. It will be distributed after the Action Committee has provided input. There are definite plans for media exposure to highlight the problems that the psychologists face following the reorganization of Special Education. A means to engage parents and the community is under discussion. Unethical practices that hurt NYC’s children cannot be tolerated.

Social Work Month

March is Social Work month and a meeting has been scheduled to celebrate the profession. The plan is to schedule regular monthly meetings to provide a forum for social workers to voice their concerns.

Borough Meetings

Four Borough meetings have been held so far. The Brooklyn meeting is this month. There has been a good turn out and many important issues have been raised. Borough meetings should become an annual event.

Psychologists Work Load Arbitration

The Grievance Department has been interviewing potential witnesses. Howard Solomon, the Director of the Grievance Department, will be arguing the case on our behalf. He is very well informed about the problems and issues. An April, 2005 date has been set.

Annual Spring Education Conference

The Conference is scheduled for Saturday, May 14, 2005. It will take place at the N.Y. Hilton. This is a very important event and I strongly encourage you to attend. See the March 3rd N.Y. Teacher or uft.org for details and the registration form. Indicate that you would like to sit with our Chapter.

Meetings

March 8 Executive Board
March 9 Brooklyn Borough Meeting
March 14 Social Workers Meeting
March 21 School Psychologist Action Committee
March 29 General Membership Meeting

For questions and concerns, it is best to contact your Borough Leaders first. They are:

Manhattan
Ruth K. Levine
(212) 862-6898

Bronx
Ann McKie
(718) 542-2650 x5510

 Brooklyn
Vanessa Pressley
(718) 385-1665
(covering for Tony and Val Negron – on Sabbatical)

Queens
Lester Lehon
(718) 793-3060

Staten Island
Ann Englesbe
(718) 598-7724 (UFT)

My email address is aenglesbe@uft.org.

Fraternally,

Ann Englesbe
Chapter Leader