DPSS News Sept Oct 2020

A ll county workers are required to be ready to serve as disaster service workers in the case of a catastrophic event or emergency. Why not get prepared now? Luckily, you can! In the next few weeks, Emergency Services will be offering Mass Care training workshops for DPSS employees who are interested in becoming volunteers, or those who would like a refresher course. Mass Care through DPSS offers temporary relief—including food, shelter and family reunification—to persons impacted by natural or man-made disasters. “This service is really an extension of what we already do here every day at DPSS, which is helping the community members who need us the most,” said Marie Davis, emergency service coordinator. SUPPORT NEEDED FOR MASS CARE IN DISASTERS

“Disasters do not have Outlook calendars like we do,” added Davis. “They will happen when we are least expecting it, so we need to do our best to be prepared for them.” About 280 DPSS employees are currently trained as mass care responders but a larger workforce force is needed. Volunteers decide when they can help and will be compensated for their time. Alex Gonzalez, a DPSS contracts and grants analyst, is one employee who has been a volunteer for the last four years. He was recently deployed to help at the shelter that was set up in Cabazon during the Snow Fire. “I highly recommend serving in this capacity as you learn what is really happening on the ground during an emergency; something that you can’t experience by just watching it on the news,” said Gonzalez. Three online Mass Care trainings will be held on October 20, 21 and 22 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information, contact Emergency Service Coordinator, Marie Davis at MarDavis@Rivco.org

OCTOBER JOB EXPO AIMS TO CONNECT WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS T h e 2 5 t h An n u a l Va l l e y -Wi d e Employment Expo will be held online

this year to limit the spread of the coronavirus. Since the pandemic began in March, more than 100,000 jobs in Riverside County have disappeared. Near l y 14% of Ri vers ide County residents are out of work right now, and unemployment is 20% in some desert communities. In the past, hundreds of job seekers and recruiters have gathered to network at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio. But on Thursday, Oct. 15 between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m., job seekers will have the chance to meet with potential employers in an online environment. Pre-expo workshops are set for Oct. 8 to help attendees prepare for the event. Encourage family and friends in search of a job to attend! For more information or to sign up visit desertjobexpo.com.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES PAGE 7

RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES