Navigating SCHADS Award Top-Ups

Strategies for CHSP Providers

Introduction

The Australian aged care sector has faced significant challenges, especially since the introduction of SCHADS (Social, Community, Home Care, and Disability Services Industry) Award top-ups on 1st July 2022. These top-ups have directly influenced labour costs and operational practices for Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) providers. Most CHSP providers had the contacts adjusted to compensate for the expected cost change, but in most cases, they fell short of the real-world impacts. Third-party labour hire providers also reacted to this change strongly by adjusting their minimum hours and rates.

In this blog post, we explore strategies that CHSP providers can adopt to mitigate the impact of these changes while maintaining quality services for older Australians.

1. Optimised Rostering and Scheduling

Efficient rostering and scheduling play a crucial role in managing labour costs and ensuring smooth service delivery. Here’s how CHSP providers can optimise their workforce management:

  • Optimised rostering: Get the most out of your organisation's software for optimised rostering and scheduling to efficiently assign shifts, minimise idle time, and manage staff availability. This method results in balanced workloads distributed evenly among staff members. Additionally, clients are grouped geographically to reduce travel time, and their skills are matched accordingly

  • Geographic Grouping: Group clients geographically to reduce travel time for staff. This approach not only saves costs but also enhances client satisfaction by ensuring timely service delivery.

  • Utilising the Correct Staff for the Task: Some tasks can only be completed by qualified staff (like Personal services) and are more expensive to serve. Minimising the usage of overqualified staff to complete lower tasks like delivering domestic services.

2. Cross-Training and Skill Development

Investing in employee training programs is essential for CHSP providers. Cross-training employees to handle multiple tasks reduces the need for additional staff during peak hours. Benefits include:

  • Cost Savings: Cross-trained staff can cover various roles, reducing the reliance on specialised personnel. This flexibility leads to cost savings.

  • Improved Service Continuity: When staff members can seamlessly switch between tasks, service continuity improves, benefiting both clients and providers.

3. Evaluating Service Delivery Models

Providers should assess different service delivery models to find the most cost-effective approach:

  • Individual vs. Group Sessions: Evaluate the effectiveness of individual sessions versus group sessions. Group sessions may allow providers to serve multiple clients simultaneously, optimising resources.

  • Partnerships and Resource Sharing: Collaborate with other providers to share resources. Pooling services, equipment, or staff can lead to cost reductions.

4. Data-Driven Decision-Making

As the saying goes, “you cannot manage what you do not measure.” CHSP providers must leverage data for informed decision-making:

  • DEX Submissions: Use data from DEX (Data Exchange) submissions for operational analysis. DEX submissions are not only a claim for services rendered but also a valuable source of insights. Analysing this data helps identify inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.

  • Measuring Key Metrics: Track metrics such as the percentage of shifts filled by staff, scheduled shift coverage, and shift changes due to roster adjustments. However, ensure that the level of detail allows pinpointing specific issues.

5. CareAnalytics: Your Operational Efficiency Partner

CareAnalytics offers a powerful analytical tool designed specifically for CHSP providers. With our platform, you can:

  • Access Detailed Insights: Understand your operational efficiency, identify bottlenecks, and make data-driven decisions.

  • Avoid Costly Mistakes: Eliminate errors or omissions in DEX submissions, saving valuable resources.

  • Optimise Workforce Management: Efficient rostering and scheduling lead to better staff satisfaction, improved client service quality, and overall organisational efficiency.

In conclusion, navigating SCHADS Award top-ups requires strategic planning, data analysis, and a commitment to quality care. By implementing these strategies and leveraging tools like CareAnalytics, CHSP providers can thrive in a changing landscape while continuing to serve older Australians effectively.