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70 | RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES

Human Services Portfolio Award Recognizes

Carey Minjarez’s Innovation and Collaboration

C arey Minjarez received the 2023 Human Services Portfolio Award for her leadership in developing a countywide workload model and distribution tool. Her innovative approach significantly improved the department’s performance in meeting State and Federal processing and quality standards and enhanced staff capacity. Throughout the process, Minjarez emphasized teamwork, integrity, and respect. Minjarez also collaborated with County IT and vendors to pilot a system for real-time work tracking to improve customer service and staff efficiency. Her continued efforts represent one of the most impactful changes in the Self-Sufficiency Division’s history. Minjarez says one of the most rewarding aspects of her work is collaborating with highly talented and skilled people who share her commitment to serving the community. “We all bring a unique perspective from our different backgrounds and experiences,” she explains. “I am fortunate to have the ability to learn from others as we work together to solve complex issues that impact employees and families.”

Carey Minjarez

Kenneth Sandefur’s Stellar Customer Service

K enneth (Ken) Sandefur earned the 2023 Human Services Portfolio for Stellar Customer Service for his vital role in driving positive employment and workforce outcomes across the County of Riverside. He has been committed to helping customers establish work history and strengthen basic job skills while providing workforce development services to partner county departments and the business community. Sandefur collaborates with internal and external departments and agencies at the State, local and community levels. These collaborations have strengthened internal services and provided support to families throughout Riverside County. Sandefur’s work has connected thousands of customers to employment over the years. For Sandefur, his work is about paying forward what he’s learned along the way. “I was very young when I started with DPSS. I was fortunate to have some great mentors who taught me so much. Through Workforce Connection, we see the transition so many of our customers can make with the services and support we offer them,” says Sandefur, who recently celebrated 35 years of service with Riverside County. “Getting to do something that genuinely makes a difference in people’s lives for all these years is something I wouldn’t trade for anything. DPSS has been very rewarding for me.”

Ken Sandefur