More than 90% of affected employees have received job offers, an agency spokesperson said.
OKLAHOMA CITY — State mental health employees who have accepted jobs with incoming providers are asked to submit a resignation form at least two weeks before starting their new positions, an agency spokesperson told Oklahoma Politics Today on Thursday. The form, which closes out their state employment, prompted questions from two southeastern Oklahoma lawmakers.
The resignation template was made available to employees at four state facilities affected by the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services’ transition to community-based providers. The spokesperson said the accompanying instructions were directed specifically to employees who had accepted positions with those providers.
“ODMHSAS is on track to complete the transition of its four state-operated CCBHCs, with continuity of care remaining our top priority,” the spokesperson said in a written statement. “Throughout the transition, we have worked to support employees, with over 90% receiving job offers that will allow their experience and expertise to continue strengthening Oklahoma’s behavioral health system.”
The department has worked individually with employees considering other options, including transfers, retirement and jobs elsewhere in state government, the spokesperson said. For some employees nearing retirement eligibility, ODMHSAS has explored whether accrued leave could help them reach their retirement dates.
The agency’s response followed questions from state Reps. Jim Grego, R-Wilburton, and Rick West, R-Heavener, about the use of a resignation form during the transition.
In a letter to ODMHSAS Commissioner Joshua Anderson, the lawmakers asked whether employees were required to resign and what effect doing so could have on their compensation, leave balances, retirement status and other benefits. Gov. Kevin Stitt was copied on the letter.
“The employees deserve clear and accurate information before being asked to sign, acknowledge, or submit anything that could potentially affect their employment status or benefits,” Grego and West wrote.
Both lawmakers represent areas served by the Carl Albert Community Mental Health Center in McAlester, which provides services in 10 southeastern Oklahoma counties.
ODMHSAS announced in July that community-based providers had been selected to take over Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic operations in the Lawton, McAlester, Norman and Fort Supply service areas.
The transition is expected to be completed before the end of the year, although the schedule varies by facility, according to the spokesperson.
