DPSS News June 2020

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE: THE FUTURE IS HERE NOW

Dear DPSS Team; You all have done a lot of heavy lifting over the past three months to shift our department from an office-based to telework environment. I’m grateful for your commitment in helping us provide uninterrupted services during a time of great need in our communities. I’ve been impressed by your flexibility and the creative ways you are using technology to stay connected to one another. Prior to the coronavirus outbreak in March, only a few DPSS employees were teleworking. Now, eight out of ten of us are working from home. On Monday, a small fraction of our workforce will return to select office locations as we gradually expand lobby services with employee and customer safety in mind. Even at “full capacity” in August, public access to in-person services will be much more limited than prior to March. Our customers are using technology to adapt to our new business model. Four out five Self-Sufficiency customers are accessing online and telephone self-service options for their applications and benefits. New and existing customers are being encouraged to continue using self-service options so onsite staff can focus on customers with complex and immediate needs. Our goal going into the future is to maintain a tele-workforce of at least 75%. This new business model will allow DPSS to focus its resources on our customers and our staff.

In closing, I want to acknowledge the suffering this ongoing pandemic has brought to so many families and communities. It has laid bare the social, economic and health disparities that persist in black and brown communities, and communities where poverty and a lack of essential resources persist. In recent weeks, our hearts have been especially challenged and touched by the death of George Floyd as we witness a national movement across the country. Each of our experiences are uniquely our own and we must respect one another. Healthy dialogue is important. The values that underpin our mission are near and dear to my heart. They are my compass and I’m hoping they will help guide you, too: Are we accountable to one another and the public? Are we collaborative in our approach to finding solutions? Do we treat one another with respect? Do we value diversity as a resource that can enhance our empathy and understanding? Do we act with integrity? (When no one is watching, what do your words and actions sound and look like)? Are our decisions centered around the people we serve; are we customer focused? By embracing these values, I believe we can and will become better community members and public servants. I am so thankful for the diversity of the individuals who make up our department. Each of you, working together, has helped DPSS navigate this tumultuous period with grace toward our customers and toward one another. You are community builders whose work makes a real and positive difference in people’s lives. Sayori Baldwin, Director

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This newsletter is produced by Community & Government Relations. Have questions/comments/ideas? Email us at DPSSInfo@rivco.org

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RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES