2021 Virtual Virginia Women Veterans Summit
As the Memorial Day holiday approaches, we remember those service members who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and also the selfless service of all veterans, active service members, and their families to our Commonwealth and nation. On June 23 and 24, the Department of Veterans Services (DVS) will sponsor the annual Virginia Women Veterans Summit, held for the second year as a virtual event. Addressing such topics as career development, mentoring, and women's health, the summit also features DVS Commissioner John Maxwell and Commissioner Ellen Marie Hess of the Virginia Employment Commission.
How can we better support women veterans? Please take a few minutes to complete this needs assessment survey.
Thank you, all veterans, for your willingness to serve to protect freedom around the world!
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Workforce Management
Underutilized Talent Resource for New Hires, Including Veterans
Administered by the State Council of Higher Education in Virginia (SCHEV), the Cybersecurity Public Service Grant program was designed to enable state agencies to financially compete in attracting and acquiring new cybersecurity talent. Through this program, state agencies may be able to supplement their hiring offers with an annual bonus of up to $20,000 for eligible new hires. Job roles that include a cybersecurity element or entry-level positions that lead directly to cybersecurity responsibilities may qualify for program benefits. The program may be used in addition to other available compensation incentives. See more...
Employment Equity: Hiring Best Practices a Key Part of Inclusion
In July 2019, DHRM implemented employment and policy changes designed to support the Commonwealth’s commitment to fair and equitable hiring and pay. The streamlined state employment application eliminated salary history, school name, age indicator, and other fields with potential for unconscious bias. Provisions in the State Compensation Policy were also eliminated that based starting pay and future salary adjustments on previous or existing salary.
Formulating a salary offer, as a best practice, should include an assessment of:
• Comparable positions;
• Salaries of employees having comparable knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience; and
• Any market considerations.
However, a salary offer should not include a request for pay stubs or similar documentation. See more...
Independent Contractor Rule Withdrawn: FLSA
The U.S. Department of Labor announced the withdrawal, effective May 6, of the “Independent Contractor Rule,” that was initially published on January 7, 2021 to maintain workers’ rights to the minimum wage and overtime compensation protections of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). For more information, please see the Department of Labor news release.
ARPA COBRA Employee Subsidies
On March 11, President Joe Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). A provision of the ARPA provides for COBRA premium assistance to help assistance eligible individuals continue their health benefits. The premium assistance applies to periods of health coverage on or after April 1, 2021 through September 30, 2021. Employees who believe they are, or may be, eligible for assistance and have not received a notice from their agency, should contact their health plan or Benefits Administrator to ask about taking advantage of premium assistance. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Labor website.
FY 2021 Workforce Planning Cycle
It is time to gear up for the FY21 Workforce Plan cycle! A refreshed template is available on the DHRM Workforce Planning web page. A quick update webinar that highlights the changes on the template has been produced, and two webinars will be available in late June to review the template. More...
Deadline Approaching for Employment Opportunity Plans (EOP)
Time is running out to submit agency Employment Opportunity Plans (EOP)! Please complete and send your agency EOP to DHRM by June 30. Each July 1, agencies are required to submit a formal EOP that outlines strategies for increasing the employment of individuals with disabilities.
Virginia Management Fellows Update
The Virginia Management Fellows (VMF) Program is a workforce development initiative managed by DHRM in partnership with Virginia Tech’s School of Public and International Affairs. Now in its fourth year, we are excited to welcome the 20 Fellows of the 2021-2023 cohort, which will start on June 10! The 2021-2023 cohort is the largest cohort the VMF Program has hired since the program’s inception and were selected from the largest and most competitive applicant pool to date. See more about the program here.
Cultural Competence Training Set for Employees
The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Unit of the DHRM Office of Workforce Engagement is beginning the implementation of a long-term learning program for state agencies and offices. The goal is to make all of our workplaces centers of inclusion and involvement for each state government worker. Virtual Cultural Competence training for DEI leaders and coordinators was held on the COVA Learning Center this month. The online module for state employees will be available beginning June 7. For more information, contact William Brazier.
Survey on Agency CommonHealth Participation
DHRM has set a goal to have all state agencies participate in the CommonHealth wellness program by 2022. This can only be accomplished with the help of every HR Director across the Commonwealth. A survey was sent to you a few weeks ago, and the Office of Workforce Engagement has extended the deadline until June 18 to respond. Please take 5 minutes to complete the survey, and thank you for your time. Questions? Contact Michael King or Amy Moore.
Tentative Date Set for 2021 Governor's Honor Awards
A tentative date of September 15 has been set for this year's Governor's Honor Awards ceremony, to be held at the Executive Mansion in Richmond. The nomination period opens June 7 and the deadline for entries is July 9. Agencies may nominate one accomplishment per category. Each agency’s point of contact will receive an information packet with details regarding nominations. See more...
Comings and Goings...
Human Resource Consulting Services: Please welcome Loni Dickerson, who has joined the Shared Services Center team as the new Diversity Employment Specialist. Loni has a background in full-cycle recruiting, supporting the Commonwealth’s efforts to hire a highly qualified and diverse workforce. We are excited that Loni will expand our efforts to source diverse talent for the Shared Services Center client agencies. In addition to recruiting, Loni has experience in benefits administration, onboarding, and HR operations. She has worked at the Department of Corrections, Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Social Services, and most recently, the Department of Veterans Services.
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We bid a fond farewell to Nancy Tobin, who after almost a decade of service has decided that it is time to ride off into the sunset, and we mean this quite literally. She and her husband regularly ride 20, 30, 40 + miles up and down the Capital Trail on their bikes. As of June 1, she will be officially a full-time grandma and road warrior traveling the country to see her children and grandchildren. Nancy has been a vital part of the DHRM team and support system for all state agencies since day one! Help us say thank you for her unwavering customer service and support over the years by sending her off with well wishes and congratulations! Nancy, you will certainly be missed!
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Office of Workforce Engagement: DHRM welcomes Christina Higgs, who has joined the Office of Workforce Engagement as the new Associate Wellness Consultant for CommonHealth. A native of Richmond, Christina began her career working in employees benefits and wellness for the city of Richmond, where she had to understand different lifestyles and working conditions. This taught her to always meet people where they are. Christina’s efforts to use her professional and personal opportunities to spread health awareness has allowed her to speak on health education panels, help family members lower medication dosages, and motivate friends to start their fitness journey.
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