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Director's Message
July 16, 2004
To: DHS Employees
From: Gary Weeks, Director
1. Investment in employee training guarantees high return
We are now preparing a DHS Training Plan to identify training currently available across the department, unmet training needs, and options for training delivery. A steering committee made up of representatives from each cluster will provide input to the training staff as they develop the plan.
The plan represents the first time DHS will focus on priorities for training at a department-wide level. It will also include methods by which we can measure the results of the training and thus evaluate the success of training programs — another first for us.
Components of the plan. Some of the courses will be in general business skills such as interpersonal communications, writing skills and team building.
Program-specific training will continue to be provided and enhanced through the new plan. Training such as food-stamp eligibility courses for new employees and refresher courses for others will still be on the schedule. We will also offer an entire curriculum in management training as well as new-employee orientation.
And we will strengthen our training in cultural competency, so that we better understand each other and offer a welcoming environment and greater accessibility of services to our diverse client base.
Additionally, we plan to increase opportunities for staff by bringing training to regional locations and to each desktop computer. We will continue our development of a shared training delivery system, which will include classrooms, web-based self-study, NetLink and video conferencing capabilities, as well as design support for people who are asked to present a training.
Evaluate and adjust. Finally, the plan will include a way to evaluate training and accurately measure outcomes. This will allow us to make necessary adjustments and determine where to focus to get the best results.
The plan is targeted for completion by the end of the summer. Implementation will begin soon thereafter.
One of our five key objectives. By enhancing our internal training programs, we take a significant step toward meeting one of our five key objectives: to invest in our most valuable asset - our workforce. It will not only reap benefits today, but will help build a stronger foundation for the future.
Please visit the Web to explore the DHS training opportunities available to you today.
2. DHS Leadership Academy
Beyond the enhanced training that will be offered to all DHS employees, we are also reviving the DHS Leadership Academy.
The Academy is a two-day-per-month program that will run from October '04 through May '05. The goal of the Academy is to help us prepare the next generation of DHS leaders and enhance the skills of our current leaders.
Prominent trainers and consultants. The program will bring prominent trainers and consultants to DHS, teaching participants a range of skills designed to promote effective leadership at all levels of an organization.
The courses will run the gamut from interpersonal communication and team building to transformational leadership, embracing organizational change and thinking strategically.
Participation. All DHS permanent, full-time employees (both management and represented) may apply for the program as long as they are at salary range 26 or above. The deadline for applications is August 27, 2004. Participants will be selected by a team made up of Cabinet members and alumni of the Academy.
I am extremely pleased that we are once again able to offer this exceptional program to our employees. I know this additional investment in our workforce will help us manage our organization with more efficiency, energy and creativity.
Please go to the Leadership Academy site to obtain a Leadership Academy application form and additional information about the program.
3. State-wide budget meetings
We have scheduled five public meetings across the state to seek public input on our proposed 2005-07 DHS budget recommendations.
We are asking the public for feedback on the 40 Policy Option Packages (POPS) that we are proposing to the Legislature. The proposals include options to improve programs, protect vulnerable populations, deliver more community-based services and strengthen accountability.
We will also be sharing information on the department's possible budget reductions, which all state agencies are required to provide for consideration to the Governor and Legislature per state statute.
The meetings are scheduled as follows:
Medford
Tuesday, July 27, 10 a.m. to 12 noon
Smullin Health and Education Center, 2825 E. Barnett Rd.
Adjacent to Rogue Valley Medical Center
Bend
Thursday, July 29, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
DHS Building, 1300 N.W. Wall St.
Salem
Friday, July 30, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Cascade Hall, Oregon State Fairgrounds
Portland
Monday, August 2, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Oregon Association of Minority Entrepreneurs, 4134 N. Vancouver Ave.
Newport
Tuesday, August 3, 10:00 a.m. to 12 noon
Rooms A and B, DHS Child Welfare Building, 119 N.E. Fourth St.
During the first part of each two-hour session, we will outline the budget proposals and how the department ranked them. The second hour will be devoted to public comment, primarily by breaking into small groups to collect feedback.
The public can also email their input.
All feedback will be considered by the department when it makes its budget request, which is due to the Governor by September 1, 2004. The Governor must submit his recommended 2005-07 budget to the Oregon Legislature by Dec. 1, 2004. A full list of the budget proposals will be posted on our Web site by July 20, 2004.
Please do all you can to make your clients and stakeholders aware of these meetings.
4. Food for thought
"Good leaders make people feel that they're at the very heart of things, not at the periphery."
— Warren Bennis
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This message is intended for all Department employees. Please read it electronically, if possible. Managers and supervisors are asked to share the message each week with employees who do not have email access.
If you have a disability and need a document on this Web site to be provided to you in another format, please send an email to dhs.forms@state.or.us or call (503) 945-7021, fax (503) 373-7690 or TTY (503) 947-5080. If you know of others who need this accommodation, please let them know it is available.
Oregon Department of Human Services
Director's Office
500 Summer St. NE E15, Salem, OR 97301-1097
Phone: (503) 945-5944
Fax: (503) 378-2897
TTY: (503) 947-6214
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