The past few weeks have been challenging for all of us as we navigate the new world we live in, and will be living in for the immediate future. I want to express my appreciation for what you are doing to serve our community as well as provide support to the various functions/projects of the Emergency Operations Center and the CEO office.
Read on to learn about some of what's happening in the Department to address this situation.
- Many staff with childcare issues have crafted PTL requests that allow them to work in the office or telecommute for some of their hours
- Many staff over the age of 65 or with underlying health conditions are staying home (and are working from home when possible) to help flatten the curve
- 4 managers have been running the Operations Sections of the EOC
- 1 manager has been working on a committee formed by the EOC
- 4 other staff are detailed part-time or full time to the EOC and the CEO office
- The Deputies and Managers worked to identify all the ways in which we can maintain social distancing with each other and our clients
- Staff have volunteered to engage clients at the homeless shelter to make sure they are signed up for all available services
- Several staff have worked shifts at the Santa Maria homeless shelter and more have volunteered to do so moving forward
- 1 Deputy and 1 Manager have staffed shifts at the Santa Maria homeless shelter
- Eligibility staff are dealing with an influx of applications for assistance from those who have recently lost their jobs
- The Workforce Development Board staff are dealing with the significant number of staff losing their jobs as they provide services to those individuals and their employers
- All Deputies and many managers and DBS staff are spending hours each day interpreting changes and waivers that impact our work practice and finances
- Staff who have to still have contact with clients are doing so in a mindful way, social distancing as much as possible
- Our HR staff has not only taken care of us, but has been a leader at the County level bringing forward issues and ideas for resolution that benefit the entire County
- Your Executive Team meets daily to review current issues and make decisions; your Management Team meets weekly to address questions and ensure consistency
- Importantly - YOU ARE ALL SUPPORTING EACH OTHER as we navigate a very scary and challenging time
- And so very much more that I am not capturing here – but you get the idea. All hands are on deck.