2023 OHW Executive Summary NoCrop v3

2023 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Office of Health and Wellness | Riverside County Department of Public Social Services

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

DEPUTY DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE​

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MEET THE COACHES​

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GOVERNANCE COUNCIL

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ACTIVITIES BY THE NUMBERS​

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It’s no secret that what we see is difficult. Having a space for our workers to debrief will positively impact our workers and families.

2023 Office of Health and Wellness Executive Summary

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DEPUTY DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Greetings,

I am honored to present the 2023 Executive Summary for the new Office of Health and Wellness (OHW). Since its inception in March to the formal launch in October, the OHW has made significant strides to meet the needs of our staff. Notably, the office reflects a longtime vision of DPSS Director Charity Douglas with support from the DPSS Senior Executive Team, Riverside County Executive Office and Board of Supervisors. Each understands that an enduring positive change must be upheld by committed leadership in collaboration with a valued, resilient and thriving workforce. The OHW recognizes the DPSS workforce requires an environment where staff are supported, acknowledged, valued and heard. Our vision and purpose align with the U.S. Surgeon General’s priorities to make the workplace an “engine of wellbeing, showing workers that they matter, that their work matters, and they have the workplace resources to flourish.” Over the past months, the OHW team has met with DPSS staff members and like-minded agencies across the country to understand the complexities our workers are facing in order to provide them with the highest levels of service and compassion. Our workforce is the heartbeat of our mission. Through post-service surveys, in-depth conversations and a hands-on governance council, diverse representatives from our workforce will continue to inform and drive the OHW’s strategies and direction. Our coaches strive to positively influence the experiences of staff by

bringing quality interventions to address burnout and resources that promote resiliency and wellness.

In 2024, the OHW is stationing a peer coach at Harmony Haven Children and Youth Center. We will be building on the programs and services highlighted in this report. We plan to begin a wellness podcast, expand communications and introduce a wellness symposium to ensure our efforts are far-reaching and making a difference for all the employees of DPSS. Thank you for your support in the year ahead.

Be well,

Lonetta R. Bryan, M.A. Deputy Director, Office of Health and Wellness Lbryan@rivco.org

MISSION: To support and enhance the health and wellness of our social services professionals by providing accessible coaching, resources and self-care tools.

VISION: An organizational culture that supports social service professionals who feel safe, valued and resilient.

VALUES: Advocacy- Confidentiality-Empathy- Integrity-Respect

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Our coaches have participated in hundreds of hours of specialized programs certified by the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaching in addition to peer support training sponsored by The Counseling Team International. OHW teammembers belong to the Public Safety Peer Support Association, which supports first responders and professionals on the frontline of human trauma and crises. We are leading in a statewide collaborative of social service agencies who recognize the important role of health and wellness in a strong and resilient workforce. OHW Coaches Trained to Serve

LONETTA RICHARDSON BRYAN, M.A.

REBEKAH TAYLOR, LCSW Rebekah earned her bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work and is currently a social work doctoral candidate at University of Southern California. In 2016, Rebekah joined Riverside County Department of Public Social Services-Children’s Services Division, where she served in investigative services and family maintenance. She has been a child and family team meeting facilitator, field advisor and supervisor. Rebekah completed her social work clinical hours through the DPSS licensure program and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 2021. Outside DPSS, Rebekah works as a therapist and continues to enhance her skills in emotional and behavioral health trainings and education. She balances school and work with activities such as hot yoga, snowboarding, paddle boarding, hiking, and international travel. Rebekah’s goals for 2024 are to become a National Board- Certified Health and Wellness Coach, read at least three books a month and certify her loving puppy, Copper, as a comfort/therapy dog.

Lonetta is Deputy Director of the Office of Health and Wellness for Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS). She has served DPSS for 16 years with the first 15 years as a Staff Development Manager. Prior to joining DPSS, Lonetta provided in-patient and out-patient services to

children and families at a community based mental health center. Lonetta’s professional journey has reinforced the value of self-care and resiliency. Lonetta’s passion is coaching and developing others to achieve their full potential and a balanced life. She is a Certified Gallup Strengths Coach and a Certified Health and Wellness Coach. Lonetta earned her bachelor’s degree from Spelman College and master‘s degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, and theological studies. Lonetta enjoys playing outdoors. When she’s not working, you may find Lonetta on a hiking trail, a bicycle trail or enjoying the waves.

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STAFF LEADERSHIP FOUNDATIONAL TO OHW MISSION

INAUGURAL TASKFORCE LAYS FOUNDATION

A taskforce of social service professionals from Children’s and Adult Services first convened in March to establish the Office of Health and Wellness. Members included Meghan Boyd, Michelle Carrillo, Denée Fotia, Monique Jones, Michele Kapp, Jenell Ross, Gracie Olivia, Rebekah Taylor and Brenda Vertiz. The taskforce adopted a logo, program charter, draft bylaws and OHW’s Mission, Vision and Values. The taskforce concluded June 21. At a luncheon to honor their work, DPSS Director Charity Douglas commended the contributions each member had made to the new OHW and DPSS workforce.

GOVERNANCE COUNCIL TAKES THE LEAD

Staff from Adult Services, Children’s Services and Self-

Sufficiency divisions were invited to apply for the inaugural OHW Governance Council. In November, 16 of 30 applicants were selected for the Council, which acts in an oversight and advisory capacity to shape OHW strategies and inform OHW leadership about staff interests. Council members also serve as wellness champions, upholding OHW values and ethical standards to support a sustained organizational transformation.

Photo above, left to right: Ratnesh Prasad, Donald Williams, Jr., Felix Minjares, Brenda Vertiz, Steve Prado, Melissa Gaston, Rochiele Davis, Heather Dalmases, Isabel Cervantes, Samantha Lee, Jaime Pineda, Sha Hammond, Starla Porter, Monica Williams, Michael Spivey, Feledier Thrower (not pictured). Photo left, left to right: Regional Manager Felix Minjarez (Self Sufficiency) and Social Services Practitioner Michael Spivey (Adult Services) were elected co-chairs of the Council in December. Employment Services Counselor Sha Hammond (Welfare- to-Work) was chosen as Council Recorder.

PEER COACHING for social services practitioners is conducted by a trained peer who has experience in the field and who can help the social service practitioner successfully navigate challenging situations within their profession. HEALTH AND WELLNESS COACHING empowers staff with the tools they need to embrace a positive lifestyle and behaviors to support their goals.

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OHW ACTIVITIES MAKE POSITIVE SPLASH WITH STAFF

RECESSES Recess is a fun, interactive, in-person activity that offers arts & crafts, board games, outdoor games, music and snacks. Recess provides an opportunity for staff to participate in a stress reducing and calming activity during a break. Recess is led by an OHW Peer Coach and is available to ALL staff.

146 STAFF PARTICIPATED

Thank you for reminding us about the importance of self-care!

WELLNESS PRESENTATIONS OHW offers presentations on self-care tips and tricks to alleviate stress and maintain work-life harmony — and more.

600+ PARTICIPANTS

CONFIDENTIAL 1:1 COACHING SESSIONS OHW provides DPSS employees with individual, confidential 1:1 coaching. The 20-minute sessions can be held in person, virtual or by phone. Sessions are offered during the workday and are free to DPSS staff. Wellness and Peer Coaching promotes resilience and overall wellness. 27 STAFF PARTICIPATED 27 STAFF PARTICIPATED

Very kind, patient, and gave me a safe environment to express my feelings.

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POST-CRITICAL INCIDENT RESPONSES Critical incidents are an unfortunate occurrence within the field of social services. OHW Peer Coaches are available to process and work through these difficult situations with staff during those times.

90 STAFF PARTICIPATED

COMMUNICATIONS TOOLBOX Dedicated SharePoint site with resources and confidential access to self-scheduling for coaching. Brochures, banners, flyers, posters and more.

Thank you for the Townhall on health and wellness. It was refreshing and I learned some good information.

OHW TOWNHALL EVENT OHW hosts regular townhall meetings with guest speakers who have subject matter expertise in various areas of health and wellness. The first townhall was held in late October.

Thank you for this wonderful Wednesday Wellness email. I post some in our office to make sure our staff are inspired by your words of encouragement,

400 STAFF ATTENDED

WELLNESS WEDNESDAYS In August the OHW began sending weekly departmentwide messages offering tips on health, wellness and how to thrive in social services. Twenty-two messages sent to staff.

Continue the amazing work and thank you to the staff that work so diligently on this program!

wisdom, and information.

2023 Office of Health and Wellness Executive Summary

OFFICE OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS Riverside County Department of Public Social Services 4060 County Circle Drive, Riverside California 92503 951-791-CARE | Email: OHW@rivco.org