The mission of the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) is to help Oregonians in their own communities achieve safety, well-being and independence through services that protect, empower, respect choice and preserve dignity. ODHS is responsible for the care of some of Oregon’s most vulnerable citizens – children, youth, families, older adults and people with physical, intellectual and developmental disabilities. ODHS is also responsible for serving Oregonians at times when they are most in need – when they have experienced abuse, when they are hungry, when they are homeless.
A Data-informed Management System
To ensure we make progress in meeting our goals, ODHS uses a data-informed management system structure that provides:
- A framework and tools to align priorities and set direction and expectations
- Clarification and shared understanding of our core work – what we do, how we do it and how we know we’re doing it well in service to our customers
- A routine and consistent way to assess performance and identify opportunities for improvement
- Common language for managing the organization
- A way for employees to focus on the most critical work and demonstrate their contribution to the mission, vision and goals of ODHS
Agency leadership meets quarterly to discuss the measures and identify actions we will take to make improvements on behalf of those we serve. It’s an ongoing process to ensure we measure the right things and take appropriate action.