State to post 47 new shared services positions; Make inquires at agency level now

May 28, 2009 - State officials this week informed OCSEA that it would post 47 new positions for the Ohio Shared Services Center by Friday.

OCSEA is advising members employed by the partner agencies (see list below) and local leaders to start asking questions now at the agency level to determine what work is impacted and who should apply for the new positions.

Specifically, talk to labor relations officers and managers about how your agency's partnership with OSS will impact bargaining unit employees who currently perform duties related to processing of:

• travel reimbursement
• accounts payable
• vendor 1099 forms
• vendor invoice status
• vendor payment inquiries.

AGENCY IMPACT The agencies participating in this summer's first phase include: Department of Taxation, Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, and the Rehabilitation Services Commission.  Minimum impact on bargaining unit employees is anticipated in Taxation and RSC due to a large number of soon-to-be retired and exempt employees who are currently performing this work. However, DRC may be a different situation.

While Director Terry Collins indicated he was postponing the consolidation of business offices in DRC until later this year or next, OSS is moving forward with posting the new positions.
Check out the employment section of the Shared Services website for details about the application process.

OCSEA is encouraging union members ─ especially Account Clerks ─  who currently perform duties related to travel reimbursement and accounts payable processing to consider applying and have a dialogue with their Human Resources about their current position.

HIRING PROCESS At the union's strong urging, first consideration will be given to state employees from the partner agencies who submit applications. The state's preliminary hiring timeline for the OSS Associate position is as follows:

• 10 positions hired by mid-July
• 10 positions hired by mid-August
• 25-27 positions hired by Aug. 31

"Selection, of course, is management's decision," says Carol Bowshier, OCSEA Director of Health Care Policy and Administrative Services. "However, the union is currently negotiating expanded rights for arbitration for employees in the partner agencies who are not awarded the position if they believe that they have the qualifications, education, experience, and seniority over another employee who is awarded a position."

She added that while OCSEA has had a voice at the planning table—speaking up on behalf of union members and their contract rights—serious concerns about members' employment security remain for union officials.

TIMELINES OCSEA reminds members that the timelines for implementation released by state officials are subject to change and remain out of the union's control.  

According to management, state of Ohio agencies will be moved to the new shared services model via a phase approach. These phases will begin July 2009 with the opening of the Ohio Shared Services center, and will conclude July 2010.

Beginning in October, Shared Services employees will report to the center's new work site at 4310 E. Fifth Avenue in Columbus where reconstruction efforts are currently underway.

PARTNER AGENCIES

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See Related

Contract between OCSEA and the State of Ohio

Website of the Ohio Hiring Management System

Website of the Office of Ohio Shared Services

Website of the Office of Budget and Management