SR22
Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Situational Awareness; Workload
ATC Issue All Types
Air Traffic Control Separated Traffic
Human Factors; Procedure
I was working East RADAR position/hand off combined and was the only person in the TRACON. Aircraft X was on a track from the southeast to the northwest at 8;000 FT. Aircraft Y was on a southwesterly course; also at 8;000. I became busy; and wasn't able to call for assistance. As a result; of trying to handle everything by myself; I didn't notice that the two aircraft were on converging courses. The Local Controller called down and pointed out to me that the two were at the same altitude. I was able to issue headings to each aircraft in time to avoid a loss of separation; but it would have been extremely close if the other controller hadn't spoken up. This is a situation I've been concerned about for some time. We have become complacent and people don't seem to want to keep the Hand Off position open. There's an overall feeling that it reflects on the RADAR Controller negatively if they have someone working that position. At the very least; an additional person needed to be in the TRACON to help. However; that isn't enough; controllers will often sit back at the supervisor's desk and expect the RADAR Controller to ask for help if he needs it. The newer controllers especially won't ask for help because they feel they need to prove themselves.
AVL Controller experienced a near loss of separation event when traffic suddenly increased to a point that he/she could not ask for assistance; the reporter noting a facility attitude with regard to opening the hand off position.