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Director's Message
July 30, 2004
To: DHS Employees
From: Gary Weeks, Director
1. Focus on DHS volunteers
Volunteers have long been an important part of the department's service delivery system. Each year, volunteers provide thousands of hours of service in support of our clients and staff.
Their contributions include providing transportation for clients to medical appointments and serving as mentors to children. They also provide support in DHS offices and keep open an important connection between the department and the communities we serve.
I have always believed in and strongly supported the work done by DHS volunteers. The services they provide to the people of this state are invaluable.
Organizational changes. As our department has changed in the past several years, many employees who coordinated volunteers' efforts were re-assigned to other duties. Thus, our approach to supporting volunteer services has become inconsistent across the agency.
Statewide assessment of volunteer programs. Earlier this year, we performed a statewide assessment of our use of volunteers in DHS. This resulted in a recommendation that we re-establish a position in the central office to provide policy direction, support and technical assistance to DHS staffers who supervise and manage volunteers.
New position. The person in this position will serve as a liaison between DHS staff members who work with volunteers and central policy units, our Administrative Services office and other state agencies. He or she will establish policies and procedures to guide the recruitment, screening, registration, placement and management of DHS volunteers.
The work done by volunteers around the state adds considerably to our ability to provide core services to our clients. Although we can't restore the level of staff we devoted to this program previously, I'm pleased that we're taking steps to ensure we make the most effective use of volunteers' efforts. So look for the position posted on our Web site soon.
2. Transportation brokerage program to expand
Transportation, especially in rural areas, is a critical support for our clients. So, it's important that we find the most appropriate and least expensive resource for each client who needs a ride.
That means collaborating with a variety of providers — private, public and non-profit. We also must make sure the process of finding a ride is easy for our clients.
One very successful model has been transportation brokerages, which provide outreach for transportation access and coordination with medical facility providers, social service staff and clients.
Adding three brokerages by 2006. We plan to have three more brokerages in place by 2006, bringing the statewide total to eight. Right now, the five regional transportation brokerages cover 19 counties and provide services for Medicaid clients only.
These brokerages allow us to integrate our services with those of other agencies, such as the Oregon Department of Transportation, as well as other state and local programs. They also help ensure that sound policies and standards are applied consistently throughout the state, and our funds are being used in the most effective manner.
How it works. The broker subcontracts with local transportation providers and maintains a call center. The center acts as the clients' single point of access. It receives ride requests, determines which transportation provider (including volunteers) is most appropriate and cost effective and arranges for the ride.
This is, in effect, a "one-call" situation for the clients. They know they have one number to call to arrange for transportation to their medical providers.
Ultimately, we want to ensure that we have brokerage coverage for all Oregon counties — and that the services eventually expand to cover a greater number of clients.
Transportation brokerages have clearly proven their worth. They are helping us solve one of our real root challenges — and allowing us to do it in an effective and collaborative way.
3. Food for thought
"Sometimes when we are generous in small, barely detectable ways it can change someone else's life forever."
— Margaret Cho
4. Staff news
View the current issue of DHS Staff news on the Web.
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This message is intended for all Department employees. Please read it electronically, if possible. Managers and supervisors are asked to share the message each week with employees who do not have email access.
If you have a disability and need a document on this Web site to be provided to you in another format, please send an email to dhs.forms@state.or.us or call (503) 945-7021, fax (503) 373-7690 or TTY (503) 947-5080. If you know of others who need this accommodation, please let them know it is available.
Oregon Department of Human Services
Director's Office
500 Summer St. NE E15, Salem, OR 97301-1097
Phone: (503) 945-5944
Fax: (503) 378-2897
TTY: (503) 947-6214
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