Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests Now Available
On Tuesday, January 18th, the federal government launched their website, covidtests.gov, where people can order free at-home COVID-19 tests. Individuals can also order free tests directly from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) website, special.usps.com/testkits.
Both websites allow for ordering a maximum of four free individual rapid antigen COVID-19 tests per household. Shipping for the tests is free. The site also includes information about where at-home tests can be ordered from retailers and pharmacies, insurance reimbursement for those who have purchased at-home tests, and locations of PCR testing sites for both insured and uninsured individuals.
Community Health Worker COVID-19 Training and Vaccine Resources for Youth
As we continue to navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential for adults, children, and families to be educated about the COVID-19 vaccine and booster shot. MCD Public Health offers a free COVID-19 Vaccine Basics Online Training course for community health workers to help community members understand the benefits of receiving the vaccine and how it helps reduce the spread of COVID-19. Registration for the course is required.
The COVID-19 vaccine is also available for youth ages 5 and up. The following links offer information to help youth and their parents understand the science behind the vaccine and dispel myths and concerns they may have about getting vaccinated.
Reminder: Submit Your Black History Month Video!
In celebration of this year’s Black History Month, all staff are invited to submit an audio or video recording telling us what Black History Month means to you. A compilation of your heartfelt experiences will be shared (internally and externally) during Black History Month in honor of this special occasion.
If you would like to participate, please submit a brief video (30 seconds or less), or audio recording with a personal photograph to bcdss.communications@maryland.gov. Please include your name and department with your email.
Below are a few examples of questions you can answer for your submission:
- What does Black History mean to you?
- Why is it important to learn about Black History?
- What is your favorite quote from a Black History leader?
The deadline for Black History Month celebration submissions is Friday, January 27th (*extended). Thank you in advance for your participation and showing W.E. C.A.R.E. core values in action by helping us celebrate Black History Month 2022!
Homeless Resources
Are you concerned for an individual or family facing homelessness? The Mayor's Office of Homeless Services (MOHS) provides a Street Outreach Card (pictured above), a useful tool to share with people who may be sleeping in a place not meant for habitation. The Baltimore City Street Outreach Card includes shelter locations, resource centers, and information about food and health care. You can also email Homeless Outreach to request assistance.
Should you encounter an individual or family facing homeless, please contact one of the shelters listed on the card. Should the shelters currently have no availability, please direct the individual to contact 311 for information on shelters outside of the ones listed on the contact card.
If someone is in need of emergency shelter, please reach out to the Baltimore City Shelter Hotline (443-984-9540) to connect with emergency shelter for the night. The hotline is open 9:30 AM to 9 PM, Monday through Friday and you can visit their website for additional resources/information.
**** Please note, if a shelter bed is available, you will be notified during the call. There is no guarantee of shelter space for any caller, but they will try their best to match the individual with a place to stay. There is no waiting list for shelter beds.
MOHS's "Get Help Now" page provides the following information and resources for individuals facing homelessness.
- Shelter and Services
- Resource Map
- 24/7 Hotlines
- Rent and Utilities Assistance
- Health Care and Mental Health Resources
- Employment Resources
The Employee Relations Unit of BCDSS is a valuable resource to supervisors and staff who need support to mitigate workplace disagreements and to better understand BCDSS policies and procedures. Friday Focus spoke with Phillip Ejaiku, Employee Relations Manager, who offers more information about the services provided by the Employee Relations Unit.
How long have you been in your role, and what is the best part of your job?
I’ve been in my role as Employee Relations Manager for six years, and the best part of my job is that I get to work with an excellent team of Employee Relations officers. Also, I enjoy helping staff and managers to resolve conflicts and offering them the opportunity to resolve issues that are troubling to them and that could stand in the way of optimal performance.
What is the purpose of the Employee Relations Unit?
Our unit helps employees and management, understand, and navigate policy issues, regulations, and standards of operation (SOP) here at BCDSS. This is especially important for staff, as most staff are unaware of most policy issues that support what they do and that could help them resolve issues.
What are some of the most common reasons staff and supervisors seek assistance from Employee Relations?
In a broad sense, the most common issue is a breakdown in communication regarding the clarification, understanding, and expectations of the employee’s job responsibilities. One tool we use that often is successful is mediation. In these meetings we are able to talk through and resolve the underlying issues.
Another issue we see has to do with helping supervisors and employees better understand the leave policy. The Employee Handbook is an excellent resource for resolving these issues.
Have leave issues increased with regard to inclement weather and essential/non-essential status?
The people we serve need our help, whether it’s sunny and warm or cold and snowing. That’s why it’s important that supervisors utilize the Designation of Essential and Emergency Essential Employees standard operating procedure to explain to their teams how the essential and emergency employee designation policy works before inclement weather happens. It’s another reminder of why communication is so important. When there’s liberal leave, essential employees must report to work as directed. Anyone who has questions about this policy should contact Human Resources.
At what point should staff contact Employee Relations if they have an issue?
The point at which you are in doubt of your role and responsibilities. When in doubt, reach out. Although we have an open door policy, it is important that staff follow the appropriate chain of command in elevating any concerns. It may be that the employee’s management team can resolve the issue before it gets to us.
What is the process for contacting Employee Relations?
It’s a very easy process. Staff needing assistance from Employee Relations should call the Office of Human Resources at 443-378-4555 and request to speak with an Employee Relations Officer.
How do staff and management benefit from using Employee Relations?
When we are able to clarify policy guidelines, rules, regulations, and SOPs, employees and supervisors are better able to maintain a collegial work environment consistent with our WE CARE Core Values. Employee Relations is open to assist staff and supervisors at any time when they are in doubt about any protocols, rules and regulations, or agency policies. Please contact us!
Welcome New BCDSS Employees!
We are pleased to welcome the following new employees to our BCDSS team! We look forward to working with you as we work together to serve vulnerable adults, children and families in Baltimore City.
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“Create inclusion - with simple mindfulness that others might have a different reality from your own.”
Patti Digh, Author
 Brandi Stocksdale
Director
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