OPEA

Amid rumors of downsizing the two resource centers, OPEA members are fighting to continue their service to the disabled. 

“I have spent my entire career caring for our clients,” said one employee.  “It feels like we are being forced out.”

“It is certainly a surprise to us that some think we are overstaffed,” said another.  “We have already been cut to the bone.”

Concerns have escalated as budget cuts have become deeper.   When the Department of Human Services announced at a recent Commission meeting that 160 positions will be eliminated between the two facilities and voluntary out offers are being made, employees and family members of clients became alarmed about the facilities’ future.

The Department of Human Services has offered voluntary-out benefit offers (VOBOs) to almost 300 employees at Northern Oklahoma Resource Center of Enid and Southern Oklahoma Resource Center of Paul’s Valley.  According to agency officials, the benefit will be given to the first 160 who apply in targeted positions. 

“While OPEA supports VOBOs, we are concerned that these cuts could jeopardize care at the two facilities, which provide services for Oklahoma’s most vulnerable citizens,” said OPEA Policy and Research Director Trish Frazier.  “The agency already slashed their budgets in the summer and contractors in the division have not been cut.”

Agency administrators have warned employees if few employees take the offers, then a “reduction-in-force could follow.  Employees have 45 days to consider the offer.  According to DHS information, NORCE and SORC are bearing the entire cost of the budget cuts for the Developmental Disabilities Services Division.

“OPEA believes that the private for-profit vendors that contract with DDSD, should have their share of the cuts, continued Frazier.  “These facilities are caring for the most vulnerable clients.  Contractors must take their share of the cuts.  OPEA is working with legislators and family members of facility residents to prevent a RIF.”   

On Sunday, November 15, Frazier attended a meeting of the SORC Parent Guardian Association with DHS Developmental Disabilities Services Division Director Jim Nicholson to discuss the proposed cuts.  At a previous meeting OPEA held with legislators, employees and family members, parents and siblings expressed their frustration with the agency trying to make them sign for their children to leave SORC.   

After listening to their concerns, Nicholson pledged to the PGA that their family members could continue to live at the facilities and would not be forced out. 

According to the Director’s report at the October DHS Commission meeting, the facilities would be downsized to approximately 100 clients, with the remainder being placed in community settings.

“OPEA has always supported the families’ right to chose placement,” said Frazier.  “We are concerned that the proposed cuts to the facilities are for a lower client population that the parents will not support.”

After OPEA informed local legislators about the downsizing, Senator Susan Paddack and Representative Lisa Billy wrote a letter to Governor Henry express their concern with cuts at SORC.

“This reduction will cause serious ramifications in the services that are provided to residents of that facility,” the letter stated.  “These residents are in need of 24-hour care and really are not able to successfully exist without the intensive care that is provided to them.  A reduction of services and staff would be detrimental to all of Garvin County.”

Frazier also attended employee meetings at both facilities and answered questions about VOBOs.  Employees inquired about their rights if a RIF did occur and tax implications of severance benefits, among other issues.

The proposed VOBO benefits include;

The employee’s next longevity check;

18 months of the employee-only health insurance premium in cash; and

$5,000 or one-half week’s pay for each year of service, whichever is greater.

If the agency implements a RIF, employees would have 60 days notice and would be allowed the right to bump into a previously held position.  Employees who are RIFd receive the first two of the benefits listed above (longevity and insurance payment).

“I did speak to several employees who were retirement eligible and interested in accepting the package,” said Frazier.  “Still others expressed an interest, but did not receive the offer.  OPEA is meeting with DHS to determine whether additional employees could receive the offer and workers be reallocated to fill critical positions.”

“SORC and NORCE employees have met with their legislators to express concern with any forced reductions,” concluded Frazier.  “In addition, OPEA held a meeting with the families of clients and legislators to be certain their voice was heard.  DHS should cut contracts before employees, who have dedicated their lives to this special population, are forced from their public service jobs.”

“OPEA is fighting to protect the jobs of our members as well as the future of these two important facilities,” said Frazier.  “Employees at both facilities need to be calling their local legislators and expressing their concerns as the first step in saving these facilities.  The Association will be putting together a petition aimed at decision makers as well.  OPEA will be fighting to keep your jobs and these facilities open.”

To view the list of NORCE VOBO offers click here.

To view the list of SORC VOBO offers click here.