DHS DD Employment First: Updated COVID-19 Employment Policies

You are subscribed to the Department of Human Services' Employment First list. The Website has been updated:

• The employment team at the Office of Developmental Disabilities Services (ODDS) has made some important policy updates.

  First, ODDS is now allowing 1:1 services in a facility in the extreme risk (red) counties during COVID-19 state of emergency. This is to acknowledge that right now, in some cases, a 1:1 service may be safer in a large facility with plenty of space for physical distancing. The details are in the updated Employment/DSA Worker Guide.

  In addition, due to the evolving protocols of COVID-19, ODDS is no longer requiring employment and day support activity (DSA) providers to submit reopening plans. Instead, providers will submit a Reopening Acknowledgement form that attests to the fact they are following ODDS rules and protocols and have submitted emergency plans. It is important to remember that COVID-19 rules are regularly changing, and ODDS expect providers to track and implement changes as outlined in the reopening guidance. Policy transmittal PT 20-074 has details as well.

  ODDS is hosting a Zoom webinar on Jan. 5, 2021 to answer questions about these new requirements. The webinar will be from 3 to 4 p.m.

  https://www.zoomgov.com/j/1614186290?pwd=L1A5TTlteUhYSjkrOWowaFBEcVVWUT09

  Meeting ID: 161 418 6290

  Passcode: 220960

  One tap mobile

  +16692545252, 1614186290# US (San Jose)

  +16468287666, 1614186290# US (New York)

  Thanks as always for your support in serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Oregon.

Visit the Employment First Website to review the new material.