The province has announced that it will direct an additional $17.34 million per year to front-line workers in Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centres' (SARC) member agencies and other organizations providing critical services to vulnerable adults and children.
With this announcement, government will begin to establish a consistent level of funding to organizations that deliver critical residential as well as direct daily care and in-home supports to adults with intellectual disabilities and/or mental health and addictions issues and children in need of protection.
"For our government to achieve its goals of improving quality of life for all Saskatchewan people and making our province the best place for people with disabilities to live, we must invest in those who care for others every day," Social Services Minister June Draude said.
"Today's announcement is an example of our Growth Plan in action," Health Minister Dustin Duncan said. "We are investing the benefits of a growing Saskatchewan into services and supports for our most vulnerable people and those who deliver services to them."
Funding of $17.34 million will be directed to front-line employees in eligible agencies funded by the ministries of Social Services and Health, allowing the organizations they work for to recruit and retain qualified staff. This includes organizations that support adults with mental health and addictions issues; groups that support children in need of protection and their families; and organizations that serve people with intellectual disabilities.
The actual increase each worker will see will vary depending on his or her current position and wage. The increase is expected to range from $4,000 to $6,000 per year, targeted to the lowest-paid front-line workers.
"Employees working in SARC member agencies are integral in the lives of the individuals they support," SARC Executive Director Amy McNeil said. "We would like to thank the Government of Saskatchewan for this commitment, as this is a major step in the right direction in ensuring people with intellectual disabilities are supported by qualified professionals. SARC will continue working with the Ministry of Social Services on the development and implementation of a comprehensive, multi-year, workforce compensation and training strategy."
Eligible organizations will be asked to provide information on their current staff and wage levels, and to identify how they will direct the investment to their front-line workers. Money will be available after February 1, 2013, once the organization's plan is submitted to Social Services or Health as appropriate.
With this investment, Social Services will have increased funding to its partner agencies by more than $50 million over the last five years.
"Our government values the efforts of front-line workers who serve citizens on our behalf in communities across the province," Draude said. "We are committed to working with our partners on a multi-year plan to help them recruit and retain qualified staff and continue their vital work with vulnerable people."
