DPSS News Nov 2020

CAREGIVING MATTERS TO THOUSANDS OF RIVERSIDE COUNTY ADULTS AND WORKERS

D iane Long, a self-employed manicurist, found herself without an income when the coronavirus pandemic forced businesses to close or scale back last spring. A client encouraged her to consider working for a disabled man in the city of Corona who needed an in-home caregiver. Long rolled up her sleeves and stepped right in. Since then, she says she has found caregiving a truly rewarding profession. “It really is satisfying to go into a home, see a person in need, and be able to help,” said Long. November is National Family Caregivers Month. Riverside County is celebrating more than 32,000 caregivers like Long who care for 39,000 In-Home Supportive Services recipients throughout Riverside County. IHSS supportive services workers provide care to eligible older adults and individuals with special needs to stay safely and with dignity in their own homes.

“Our caregivers exemplify what we all need right now: love, care, and respect for one another,” said Sayori Baldwin, director of DPSS, during a recent Board of Supervisor’s meeting at which caregivers were recognized. “I want to thank the caregivers for all the work they do. Without them, our communities would not be able to thrive.” Celebratory events in November include drive-through resource fairs and virtual wellness workshops. This year’s theme is Caregiving Matters. Diane Long, IHSS Caregiver

“Due to the current pandemic situation, we had to find a way to celebrate safely,” said Eva Krottmayer, executive director for IHSS Public Authority. “The service the caregivers provide to our IHSS clients in Riverside County has never been more vital than right now.” Long said she loves doing a job she is “just happy to do.” Instead, she encourages others to join the IHSS caregiver team. “There needs to be a lot more of us,” added Long. “If someone needs some extra income or just wants like to help someone, they should definitely give this a try.”

For those interested in becoming a Riverside County IHSS caregiver, please call (888) 960-4477 or visit RiversideIHSS.org. Phones are answered Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding county holidays.

“We were really impressed with the job fair and how easy it was to interact with job seekers in real time,” said Senior Recruiter Jeza Andrade-Perez with Maxim Healthcare Services. “So far from what our company has seen, it’s been the best representation of an online experience to what an in-person job fair would be like.” Nearly 330 job seekers networked with 50 local businesses. 2,500 jobs were available, including 1,000 positions as caregivers with In-Home Supportive Services. Workers were able to submit their resumes for all available positions at the job expo with the push of a button. They spoke with businesses representatives through text and video chat. “Overall, the feedback from job seekers and employers has been very positive,” said DPSS Regional Manager Leticia Herrera who helped organize the expo. “A lot of people came together in the face of challenges to make this event a success and it may be a platform we try again in the future.” VALLEY-WIDE EMPLOYMENT EXPO HELPS JOB SEEKERS FIND OPPORTUNITIES (CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2)

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RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES