DPSS News June 2020

CHILDREN’S SERVICES FINDS VIRTUAL CONNECTION THROUGH HEALTHY YOGA BREAKS (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1) Yoga days r ea l l y r e i n f o r ce t he importance of self-care. Amada’s words during yoga are almost as important as the stretches.” Whitson and others caution that it’s easy when teleworking to get trapped in an ‘always-on’ mindset that can lead to burnout. Establishing a consistent routine that includes carving out time for lunch and breaks is important to staying productive and positive. Maintaining social connections with coworkers is also important to cementing teamwork. “Now is a perfect time to demonstrate r e s i l i e n c e b y i n c r e a s i n g o u r engagement with resources that nurture and support us, and support our efforts in serving our communities,” Whitson says. “Yoga gives us an opportunity to do something together as a team even if it is virtually.” Kali Sorrels-Goode had been toying with the idea of doing some yoga stretches to work out the kinks of teleworking. She said Whitson has a great approach to yoga instruction and is mindful of the team’s time.

FROM PILOT PROJECT TO LONG TERM BUSINESS MODEL: TELEWORK IS HERE TO STAY (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1) Claar predicts most staff in Eligibility, Children’s and Adults services will remain teleworking. Self Sufficiency will see some employees returning later this month as offices gradually expand their hours for public access. Others are likely to continue to work remotely full or part time. Business drop-in centers will be established countywide so teleworkers can conveniently access resources to support their work and hopefully reduce their commute times. Downsizing and consolidating the footprint of DPSS facilities will reduce costs, create greater efficiencies and allow existing spaces to be repurposed to accommodate the new business model, says DPSS Assistant Director Marianna Sarmiento, program director over Administrative Services. Four locations are scheduled for permanent closure beginning with the Hamner Ave. office in Norco later this month. Facilities on Central Avenue in Riverside are also slated for closure in late June. Additional opportunities for building consolidations exist at the La Sierra and Reynolds Road sites but have not been finalized. Staff in these offices will remain teleworking or will be transferred to new locations. “With staff working remotely and business drop-in centers on the horizon, we no longer need all this space,” Sarmiento says. “Our focus is on serving our communities and our staff -.” Some staff have expressed concerns about equipment and other issues associated with telecommuting, says Lori Perry, one member of a telework project team who is working with the department’s telework taskforce. But Perry says to relax. Flexibility and patience along with good coordination between managers and staff are keys to success in the brave new world of remote working. “Don’t get caught up in all the details. We are all learning. We are all adjusting. Stuff will shake itself out. We’ve been thrown into the water and now it’s time to swim. Get in and get comfortable. We are here to support you.” They were included in a gift basket that volunteers will be personally delivering to each graduating youth. Graduates outside the county will receive their baskets in the mail. This year’s annual in-person celebration was canceled due to the coronavirus. “Our gift is small, but it is our way of letting these young people know that we believe in LA SIERRA UNIVERSITY CHURCH HONORS RIVERSIDE COUNTY FOSTER YOUTH CLASS OF 2020 (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2)

“We never go b e y o n d 1 5 minutes,” said S o r r e l s - G o o d e , a supe r v i s i ng p r o g r a m special ist in C h i l d r e n ’ s Services. “I always come away feeling more relaxed and focused. And, most of my aches and p a i n s h a v e gone away!”

Quick Tips for Telework ◙ If you’re using a laptop, connect it to an external monitor and use that as your primary screen. ◙ Add your telecommute schedule to your email signature line.

them and their future,” said Chris Oberg, lead pastor at LSUC. “We will never meet them, but we know our words will help shape their lives.” ***The community at large can participate by creating their own gift baskets, buying gift cards or making monetary contributions. Call (951) 228-5553 or email faithinmotion@fosterall.org for more information. All gifts or monetary donations are needed by June 26.

Church members holding leis. Photo courtesy of La Sierra University Church.

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RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES